Hearing loss is usually permanent but can be managed to improve quality of life. This is because technology has advanced significantly and continues to do so. However, hearing loss can reduce the quality of life and is linked to other health issues like cognitive decline and dementia.
Hearing Loss Symptoms
In some cases, people with hearing loss don’t realize how much they’ve lost or how it affects their daily lives.
Here are some common signs of hearing loss:
- Repeating oneself
- Trouble following multiple speakers – The need for loud TV and radio
- Ringing ears
- Tired of constantly interpreting others’ words
Hearing loss is more common if:
- Your family is deaf
- Loud or explosive noises cause inner ear damage
- Diabetes and cardiovascular disease have been linked to hearing loss
Need A Hearing Test?
Anyone who suspects they may have hearing loss should consult an otolaryngologist or an audiologist.
AudiologistsÂ
Audiologists are health care experts who diagnose, evaluate, and treat hearing, balance, and other neural system abnormalities.
- Assists patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.
- Selects, fits, and distributes hearing aids and other hearing aids.
- Provides and fits protective hearing equipment and educates patients on the effects of noise on hearing to help prevent hearing loss.
- Aids in research related to hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance system dysfunction prevention, detection, and management.
- When you visit an audiologist, your hearing, overall health, and family history are all evaluated.
Aids
Hearing aids have been proven to improve quality of life. However, hearing loss is increasingly linked to other health issues, such as cognitive function, so many experts advise people to check their hearing regularly.
Sensorineural hearing loss is not currently curable, but assistive devices and hearing technology may help.
Hearing aids are now more convenient, stylish, and comfortable. They often help deaf people by boosting sounds they can’t hear. Hearing aid users should keep up with new hearing aid innovations as they evolve for a better quality of life. Hearing aids can now be programmed to a person’s hearing needs. According to the listener’s needs, many hearing aids adjust their amplification. Some other benefits of hearing aids include;
- Helping to reduce wind noise
- Some hearing aids may allow settings to be changed without touching the device
- Rechargeable batteries
- Water-resistant hearing aids may be helpful for swimmers and even when bathing
- Some hearing aids provide appointment and prescription reminders
- Hearing aids can be enhanced by wireless mini-microphones worn around the neck.
Cochlear Implants
With severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, a cochlear implant may help. However, a cochlear implant does not restore hearing. Instead, the auditory nerve is stimulated electrically, bypassing the damaged cochlea. The brain then produces sound.
The cochlea senses the inner ear, and you can loop the outer component over the ear or in a pocket for storage. An internal magnet secures the device’s exterior.
To process sound, components on the outside of cochlear implants convert it to digital data. Then, with an electrical receiver, it receives code, and the auditory nerve sends signals to the brain.
Unlike natural hearing, cochlear implants require some training. However, in both ears, many people with cochlear implants can distinguish speech from background noise and the direction it is coming from. Therefore, a hearing aid and a cochlear implant may be acceptable when one ear is better than the other.
Other Disabled Hearing Aids
Other hearing aids may be beneficial. Today’s choices include phone amplifiers, flashing lights, vibrating doorbells, flashing smoke alarms, and television amplifiers.
Personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs) are another direct-to-customer gadget that might be confused with hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, PSAPs do not address hearing loss. An audiologist may design a hearing aid to concentrate on specific frequencies regulated by the FDA. A PSAP’s sound processing might vary from basic loudening to more complicated approaches. Experts advise consumers who use PSAPs to monitor their decibel levels to prevent excessive decibel levels.
Prevent Damage To Your Hearing
We can’t avoid the cacophony of today’s world. We are constantly surrounded by sound, traffic, heavy machinery on rural farms, or the buzz of blenders in suburban coffee shops.
Noise is the leading cause of hearing loss in most people. Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common but also the most preventable. People may also take standard precautions to protect their hearing.
- Many people limit their time in noisy locations
- When noise is unavoidable, hearing protection is required
- Alternating calm and noisy environments may also help to relax the ears
- Having extra earplugs accessible
- Custom-fitted earplugs created by a hearing care professional give the highest hearing protection
- Keep the volume down while conversing on the phone or listening to music using headphones or earbuds
- Keeping noise exposure to a minimum is critical to preventing hearing damage
- Teach children the importance of protecting their hearing by using the tips and resources on the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association website.