It’s critical to understand the fundamentals of hearing loss, how hearing aids function, and how to select a hearing aid, whether or not you have hearing loss. You can use this information to get in touch with loved ones and friends or to discover more about yourself.
Misinformation abounds when it comes to hearing loss and hearing aids. Hearing loss is not just a problem for the elderly, and hearing aids don’t have to be bulky or noticeable. Not all hearing loss results in deafness, and not all hearing loss responds well to hearing aids. The more you understand hearing loss and how it affects people, the more you will be able to comprehend your own circumstances or those of those close to you.
There is still much to learn about hearing loss, and new information is being discovered every year. If you don’t know where to begin, this article will give you the fundamentals of hearing loss, hearing aids, and hearing care specialists.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss, as the name suggests, occurs when a person’s ability to hear is compromised. This could be brought on by ageing, exposure to noise, disease, or a genetic condition. There are several distinct types of hearing loss, and each one can affect a person differently. The majority of hearing loss is permanent; however, some forms can be brought on momentarily by earwax obstructions, allergies, or even tumours.
Types of Hearing Loss
The three main types of hearing loss are auditory neuropathy, conductive hearing loss, and sensorineural hearing loss. A person with sensorineural hearing loss may have quite different experiences from a person with conductive hearing loss because these have distinct effects on various people. There are also mixed situations in which a person experiences many types of hearing loss.
A middle ear obstruction or issue is what causes conductive hearing loss. Hearing loss can result from obstructions, earwax and fluid accumulation in the inner ear. Conduction hearing loss can also be brought on by tumours and bone growths. Nevertheless, many of these problems can be resolved, allowing the person to regain their normal hearing.
The nerves in the inner ear are involved in sensorineural hearing loss. Hair cells that line the cochlea help you judge the loudness and frequency of what you’re hearing. If these cells are damaged, hearing loss is irreversible. It is possible for anyone to experience this type of permanent hearing loss.
The nerve that carries sound to the brain is referred to as auditory nerve. Following capture by the ears, soundwaves are transmitted to the brain for processing. Hearing is jeopardised, though, if the nerves that transmit these impulses are harmed. Auditory neuropathy can develop as a result of specific disorders and can affect youngsters.
Typically, patients with mixed hearing loss have both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Although the conductive component of their hearing loss is frequently curable, sensorineural hearing loss necessitates additional therapies.
Hearing Loss Causes
The cause can vary depending on the person experiencing the hearing loss and the type of hearing loss. For instance, a young person who has been deaf since birth was either born that way or suffered from a disease as a child. A person who has gradually lost their hearing over time most likely has sensorineural hearing loss brought on by ageing or exposure to loud noises.
Following are some of the most typical reasons for hearing loss:
Ageing. Our senses start to fade as we age. As people get older, many start wearing glasses, and some start using hearing aids. It’s organic.
Noise exposure. You run a higher chance of developing hearing loss if you work in construction, are in the military, or frequently attend concerts. Overstressing your ears can have a negative impact on how effectively they function over time.
Genetics. The precise impact of genetics on offspring is extremely difficult to foresee. It’s crucial to recognise that some kids are born blind or deaf, as that is a part of who they are.
Illnesses. Certain illnesses, particularly those that are experienced as infants or toddlers, might result in hearing loss. Infections can also cause hearing loss in adults.
How to Prevent Hearing Loss
Prevention of hearing loss is not always an easy undertaking. There are some types of hearing loss that can only be treated and made better. Tinnitus can be silenced, and hearing aids can improve a person’s hearing.
In some cases, the most prevalent type of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, can be avoided. It’s crucial to use earmuffs and earplugs when attending loud events like concerts and auto racing. Make sure your loved ones are wearing the appropriate protection if you or they operate in a noisy setting. Anyone can develop hearing loss, but those who take precautions will fare better.
How Do Hearing Aids Help You Hear?
The primary form of treatment for hearing loss, particularly sensorineural hearing loss, is hearing aids. There are many different types of hearing aids to suit different people, and they can be used to correct hearing loss ranging from slight to profound. Hearing aids, however, offer much more than just improved hearing. Newer features make them crucial tools for tinnitus sufferers, and research indicates that wearing hearing aids can lower the incidence of dementia in older wearers.
Simple in concept, hearing aids capture and amplify soundwaves to enable the cochlea to function properly. From there, users can process sound more quickly. They can grasp speech more clearly and listen to the environment around them more easily. Many people who have hearing loss express fatigue and mental exhaustion as symptoms. This is because, even unconsciously, they are always straining to hear. As a result, they experience mental stress and a sense of fatigue.
Much of that struggle can be avoided with hearing aids.
Types of Hearing Aids
The majority of people with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, even though some cases of hearing loss cannot be improved by them. But many people choose to skip getting fitted because of misconceptions regarding hearing aids. They may believe that hearing aids are too bulky or won’t fit with how they see themselves. Hearing aids used to be much bigger, but modern technology has made it possible for them to become smaller and more aesthetically pleasing.
Hearing aids come in a variety of designs. Each offers unique advantages, and some people might benefit more from different models of hearing aids than others. You and your hearing care specialist will decide which option is best for you. Let’s review the main categories of hearing aids.
Behind-the-ear, or BTE. BTE models are among the most popular because of their adaptability and extensive range of capabilities. They sit behind the ear and have a tiny, transparent tube that extends within. They come in a number of styles and are simple to remove, clean, and repair.
Receiver-in-the-canal, or RIC. They provide a better listening experience while using less energy since they sit securely behind the ear and, unlike BTEs, have a loudspeaker or “receiver” at the end of a short ear. Some types, like the brand-new Styletto Connect from designed to resemble high-end devices or ear jewellery. They are effective in situations of mild to moderate hearing loss.
In-the-Ear and In-the-Canal, or ITE & ITC. These fit comfortably in the ear or ear canal and are better suited for severe hearing loss. Although they are visible from the side, they can be customised or hidden depending on who is wearing them.
Completely-in-the-Canal, or CIC. These hearing aids fit almost entirely inside the ear and are incredibly tiny. For people who don’t want their hearing aids to be seen, they are almost invisible and effective. Depending on how severe your hearing loss is, you might not be able to wear a particular type of hearing aid. You can get advice on the kind of hearing aids you can wear and which ones might be ideal for you from a qualified audiologist. We offers a wide variety of hearing aids.
