Hearing loss is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Whether you’re experiencing difficulty hearing conversations or struggling to pick up certain sounds, it’s important to seek the help of an audiologist to properly diagnose and treat your hearing loss. Fortunately, there have been significant advances in hearing loss treatment and technology in recent years, giving individuals more options than ever before to improve their hearing health.
Understanding Hearing Loss
Before diving into the latest treatment options, it’s important to understand the different types of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type and occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the nerves that transmit sound to the brain. Conductive hearing loss, on the other hand, occurs when sound waves are blocked from reaching the inner ear, often due to a buildup of earwax or an ear infection. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
Diagnosing Hearing Loss
If you suspect you may have hearing loss, it’s important to seek out the help of an audiologist. They will conduct a series of tests to determine the type and severity of your hearing loss. Audiologists are trained to identify a range of hearing issues, including tinnitus and hyperacusis. They will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Hearing Aids for Hearing Loss Treatment
Hearing aids have come a long way in recent years, and there are now many different styles and technologies available to suit individual needs. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, which fit snugly in the outer ear bowl, are a popular choice for those with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, which sit behind the ear and are connected to a custom earpiece, are often recommended for mild-to-profound hearing loss. They are also ideal for children because they can grow with their maturing ear anatomy.
In-the-canal (ITC) devices offer the most privacy out of all the options and is placed in the canal. They also come in variations including completely in canal (CIC) and invisible in canal (IIC), which are even smaller and worn deeper in the canal. The location of this device provides wearers with a natural listening experience delivered directly to the canal.
Thanks to continued advancements in hearing aid technology, there are now a range of features available to suit individual needs. Many modern hearing aids have wireless connectivity options, allowing users to stream music, phone calls and other audio directly to their hearing aids. Additionally, many hearing aids have adaptive noise reduction technology, which can help reduce background noise in challenging environments.
Some hearing aids also have directional microphones, which can help pick up sound from specific directions. Some hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements. Audiologists can work with individuals to determine which features will be most beneficial for their specific hearing needs.
Less Common Treatments for Hearing Loss
Cochlear implants for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implants may be recommended. This surgically implanted device bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing individuals to hear more clearly.
Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are another option for those with conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness. This device is attached to a small implant placed in the bone behind the ear, allowing sound to be conducted through the skull bone directly to the inner ear.
Additional Hearing Technologies
In addition to traditional hearing aids, there are also newer technologies that can help manage hearing loss. For example, personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) can help amplify sound for those with mild hearing loss, and they are often less than traditional hearing aids. Additionally, captioning and real-time translation services can be helpful for individuals who struggle to understand speech in noisy environments or with different accents.
Taking Care of Your Hearing Health
In addition to seeking out the help of an audiologist and exploring treatment options, there are also steps you can take to protect and improve your hearing health. This includes wearing hearing protection when exposed to loud noises, taking breaks from loud environments and getting regular hearing check-ups.
Contact an Audiologist Today
If you’re experiencing hearing loss or other hearing issues, don’t hesitate to contact an audiologist to learn more about treatment options. Two Rivers Hearing offers personalized care and treatment options to help you improve your hearing health. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call us at (321) 499-2488 today.
