Tracy Regardless of whether you have already decided to get your hearing checked or are just in the process of getting your ears tested, there are several reasons you may want to get a specialist’s opinion. These professionals can help you choose the best type of hearing aid for your needs and ensure you get the most out of them.
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Implantable hearing aids
Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, you may require an implantable hearing aid. These devices are designed to stimulate the cochlea and ossicular chain directly. They work to improve your ability to hear sounds and can offer long-term rehabilitation. You can learn more about how to get an implant by talking to a hearing aid specialist. A hearing implant consists of a surgically placed component that replaces a conventional hearing aid’s receiver. It is most often a device that is attached to the middle ear bone. The member is connected to an external audio processor, which transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear. The external component also includes a microphone, which captures the sound and sends it to the internal unit. The processor can be customized to meet individual needs. The components of an implantable middle-ear hearing device include an external microphone, a speech processor, and an internal unit that sends signals to the inner ear. These systems aim at individuals with severe to profound inner ear hearing loss. They are also called acoustic-mechanical transducers.
Audiologist
Whether you’re suffering from a chronic hearing problem or are trying to find a cure for tinnitus, consider seeing an audiologist. An audiologist is a licensed health professional trained to assess your hearing, balance, and other auditory system concerns. They can help you understand the causes of your hearing problems, diagnose your condition, and recommend a treatment option that is best suited for your needs. Compared to other doctors, audiologists only get some training at a medical school. Instead, they complete a master’s degree or a doctorate program and numerous hours of supervised training. The training covers all areas of hearing health care, including fitting hearing aids and helping you choose the proper hearing solution.
Audiologists also have a unique knowledge of hearing aid programming and how changing the settings in a hearing aid can affect the device’s performance. As a result, an audiologist may be better equipped to give hearing tests to babies and young children. An audiologist can work in various settings, including private audiology practices, schools, hospitals, speech and hearing centers, and rehabilitation facilities. In some cases, an audiologist may work alongside an otolaryngologist, or an ear, nose, and throat doctor, who treats problems involving the larynx and ear. Audiologists also offer advice and counseling to patients with hearing concerns. They can also help your family understand the causes of hearing loss and provide other levels of support.
Types of hearing aid
Several types of hearing aids are available, depending on the type of loss, the size of the ear, and the technology used for amplification. Each style has its pros and cons. It is essential to do your research so you can find the best device for you. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit inside the ear and contain all electronic parts in a plastic shell. These hearing aids tend to have more features, which may suit your needs better. They may also be easier to handle than other styles. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids attach to a custom earmold, which fits behind the ear. These hearing aids are appropriate for people of all ages and have a wide range of hearing loss. They are sturdy and easy to clean. Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are smaller than other styles and tend to have fewer feedback issues. Low-profile BTE devices tend to have giant batteries and are the easiest to handle. They may also have various features, such as directional microphones, a volume wheel, or manual controls. Prescription hearing aids are available only through an audiologist. These are usually more expensive and require a medical exam and a hearing test before they can be prescribed.
Synchronization
Synchronization is an incredible technology that can improve the quality of your hearing. It allows two devices to work and automatically adjusts the sound input. The benefit is that it increases the hearing quality of those with sensorineural hearing loss. Several hearing aids are available on the market that incorporates this feature. In the long run, this innovation may decrease the prevalence of hearing loss. The biggest drawback of a synchronized device is that it is often difficult to hear the difference. A better solution is to equip each device with a directional microphone. This will help to reduce background noise, allowing for a more natural-sounding experience. However, some hearing aids do not have this capability, which is a shame. In the meantime, manufacturers have begun producing wirelessly connected bilateral HAs. These devices offer a plethora of features. Some of them are fun and exciting—brainstem implants. The cochlear implant is for people with profound to severe inner ear hearing loss, while the auditory brainstem implant is for those with neurofibromatosis type 2. Both devices involve general anesthesia, a hole in the ear, and surgery.
