Understanding hearing loss
Hearing loss is one of the most common disorders in our society.
Hearing loss can be of different types depending upon the severity and site of lesion of hearing loss. Age related hearing loss is the most common disorder that happens with aging. Patients of 60 years or above are more likely to experience hearing loss and it can worsen gradually as age increases.
Hearing loss can be either temporary or permanent. Temporary hearing loss can be reversible with a good care of your ears suggested by your audiologist, on the other hand a permanent hearing loss cannot be reversed in 95% cases, in this case hearing aids are recommended.
Hearing loss has different types - conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. A person with hearing loss might feel low clarity of speech, difficulty understanding in noisy or group situations, difficulty in understanding when someone is talking from behind.
To know more about characteristics of hearing loss click on the link given below
Conductive hearing loss is caused due to abnormalities to the outer or middle ear, example; blockage of ear canal, damage to tympanic membrane (ear drum), pressure changes and injuries or foreign objects in the ear etc.
What is a hearing aid?
Hearing aids are devices that are designed for hearing impaired people to lessen the severity of the problem and improve the quality of life by providing better listening.
Hearing impaired patients with severe to profound hearing loss may not hear some sounds at all. People with mild to moderate hearing problems will have difficulty listening and understanding speech because some sounds may not be audible.
When they start using hearing aids for the first time, sometimes they experience sudden rise in sounds and clarity in spoken words which they are not used to because of their hearing loss. So it takes a few days to get used to the hearing aids.
Types of hearing aids
Hearing aids are amplification devices that are designed to overcome hearing difficulty. Hearing aid selection is an important clinical decision made by Audiologists by analyzing patients’ response to various hearing aids.
There are mainly 5 Styles of hearing aids:
1) Invisible in Canal (IIC)
2) Completely In Canal (CIC)
3) In The Canal (ITC)
4) Receiver In the Canal (RIC)
5) Behind the ear (BTE)
The ITE, ITC, CIC, IIC styles can be custom made according to the patient’s ear shape and size. Audiologists take measurement of their ear by taking an impression of the ear to make a custom-made device according to their need and shape of their ear.
Benefits of hearing aids
· Hearing aids collect the surrounding sounds amplify and send it to your inner ear to make you hear better.
· Hearing aids are chosen by audiologists according to the severity and type of loss to provide you the best sound quality.
· Hearing Aids are available in different sizes/shapes and colors for you to choose your style.
· Nowadays Hearing aids are programmable and can be programmed according to the hearing loss. And we can connect them to the phone and TV also.
· Hearing aids come with two battery options Rechargeable and non-rechargeable.
· Treating hearing loss with hearing aids improves social communication skills, for both children and adults with hearing loss.
· Untreated hearing loss causes less Auditory stimulation to the brain which can increase the chances of dementia for the elderly.
· Hearing aids benefit patients with hearing loss and improve their ability to understand speech even in noisy environments.
· Hearing aids can be customized to help minimize tinnitus which is a ringing or buzzing sensation in the ear.
· Other benefits are like Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation and better sound quality. Smartphone apps are also available for hearing aids.
· Use of hearing aids keep us socially active as a person with hearing loss can participate in conversations with family and friends.
For more information contact us – Better Speech & Hearing Clinic, HSR Layout, Bangalore.
Call- 9606404343, betterspeechhearingclinic@gmail.com
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