When we notice our vision is changing, we get glasses. When we feel a tooth ache, we visit the dentist. and we never think twice about seeking a doctor’s care with a broken bone.
However, if we can’t hear real well we just turn up the volume on the radio or TV to the point we can’t hear the doorbell, or the phone ringing, and think we’re doing just fine with everything. So why do we insist we don’t need hearing aids? The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders revealed that twenty-eight million people have some kind of hearing loss.
Each hearing loss is unique, but there is a vast array of amazing technology available to meet the needs of every hearing impaired individual. Everything has changed in recent years as it relates to hearing aids. They now utilize digital technology, just as computers, televisions, and radios. This has enhanced reliability and sound quality, all in a smaller package. No more “clunky” old hearing aids that remind you of your grandfather.
Modern hearing aids are completely programmable, and are equipped with a computer chip, a microphone, a receiver, and a battery. This allows the audiologist the capability to customize the aid to your exact hearing needs. Newer hearing aids have become smaller and much more discreet, and are programmed to precisely compensate for each individual’s loss of hearing issues.
Every hearing impairment is different. While some struggle with high frequencies, others fight to hear low frequencies. Together these make communication difficult, as vowel sounds have a low pitch and consonants have a high pitch. Not being able to hear these sound means that a person is constantly trying to fill in the blanks of a conversation.
Other people simply have an issue with volume. Sounds tend to register with us a lot softer than we realize, and that’s what leads to the volume turned up on TVs and radios, as well as asking speakers to repeat what they said.
Audiologists are able to figure out how to adjust any hearing aid by the information they gather from hearing tests. Annual audiograms are recommended to ensure that even the slightest degree of hearing loss is detected. There are three classifications of professionals who are qualified to address specific needs for those who are hearing impaired. The highest level is the otolaryngologist or ear, nose and throat doctor. He is trained to diagnose and treat hearing impairments caused by medical conditions.
A Master’s degree is a minimum requirement for Audiologists, as well as being licensed by the state they work in. While n educational requirements apply to hearing aid dispensers, they do have to have state certification. Aside from these three professional classifications, there are salespeople who are associated with a specific manufacturer of hearing aids who are highly trained on all aspects of the amplification devices they represent. They are often helpful resources for those who program and dispense hearing aids. (SKIP THIS SENTENCE)–(ADDRESSED ABOVE–I DO NOT FEEL IT SHOULD BE REPEATED)
At this point there are four kinds of hearing aids. The ones referred to as “completely in the canal” are the smallest and almost invisible. They cost the most out of all of them, and if your hearing loss is severe, you need something better.
Then you have the “in the canal” devices. Even though these are a slightly bigger than the ones just discussed, they are still hidden far in the ear canal. They need a bigger battery and will help people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Next, you have the “in the ear” hearing aids. These can be seen by people around the wearer, and are designed to treat a large range of hearing impairments. The types of hearing instruments that are perhaps the most familiar are those that are “behind the ear.” They provide the highest degree of amplification and flexibility, and require a larger battery. You can still obtain an analog hearing aid at small price, but you have to understand that they do not have the advanced technology of the newer versions.
There are approximately 28 million Americans from all age groups that deal with hearing loss on a daily basis. There are numerous facts about hearing that are important to know. First, a hearing impairment can happen any time an obstruction, injury, or disease affects any of the structures in the ear. Approximately 95% of people suffering with hearing loss are able to have their hearing corrected with hearing aids.
With every generation, people experience hearing loss younger and younger. From the years 1971 to 1990 there was a 17% increase in hearing impairment among those aged 18 to 44. Otitis media is the most common culprit behind a temporary loss of hearing. It is an ear infection that 70% of infants and younger children will suffer from.
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