Treatment of Hearing Loss

Treatment of Hearing loss begins with the proper diagnosis. After a thorough examination of your ears by the audiologist or Ear, Nose & Throat physician, a series of tests will be ordered. The tests will determine if a hearing loss is present, to what degree, and involves what parts of the hearing mechanism. The physician may suggest certain tests if other mechanical conditions are suspected. Metabolic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems can affect the inner ear's ability to produce the correct elevated cholesterol or collagen disease may also disrupt the ear's function. Many people also experience Tinnitus, which can be described as a ringing or buzzing type sound. This is usually an indication that something is not quite right at the base of the nerve endings within the inner ear.

If a sensorineural problem is diagnosed or a nerve type hearing loss, your treatment will probably include the recommendation for hearing aids.  Working with the audiologist you will receive ongoing care and information on which of the many styles and models are just right for the type of hearing loss problem diagnosed.

The audiologist will determine the need for one or two aids. Whether a hearing loss occurs in one or both ears, the audiologist will consider whether binaural (two hearing aids) would be beneficial. For most people wearing two aids improves the ability to participate in conversations, understand in situations with background noise, and hear a more natural balance of sound.

Many hearing aids are on the market, each offering different kinds of help for different problems. The audiologist's expertise is needed regarding the design, model and brand of the hearing aid best for you. This advice, which is part of your hearing aid evaluation, given by the audiologist, considers your hearing level, your understanding of speech in each ear, your ability to handle the aid and its controls, and your concern about appearance and comfort.

Remember that you are buying a product and specific services, including any necessary adjustments, counseling in the use of the aid, maintenance, and repairs throughout the warranty period. Before deciding where to buy your aid, consider the quality of service as well as the quality of the product.

The products have various characteristics and features. These are determined by the degree of hearing loss and personal needs and preferences. Two important considerations for hearing aid technology are size and circuit. The outside of a hearing aid or the 'shell' is available in any sizes, from the almost invisible completely-in-the-canal size t the behind-the-ear size. Almost any type of circuit or 'engine' can be placed inside of any size shell. Therefore, you cannot tell what type of engine is inside a 'shell' by simply looking at the size.

The new millennium has brought Digital Signal Processors, the most advanced circuitry available in hearing aids today. Just like CDs, digital cell phones and DVD players, this technology offers the sophisticated and discriminating listener the most advance clarity available. When it comes to listening, the signal processing system or the 'engine' is a very important consideration. The most advanced feature of all new models is the 100% digital signal processors. They process every sound that you hear more efficiently and to amplify speech even more clearly. The more advanced the technology, the greater the ability to fine-tune the hearing aid to your individual hearing situations. There are different classes of digital technology available to suit different listening needs.

Digital Technology