Recognizing and acknowledging your hearing loss is a crucial first step, but it is only the beginning of the battle. Having a discussion with a hearing health professional is the next important step to identify potential causes, the severity of the condition, and other essential details. Many people neglect to address the problem in a timely fashion which can increase the risk for a range of other health issues..
Preparing for Consultation With a Hearing Professional
Testing for hearing loss typically involves an initial discussion about medical history, a physical exam of the ear structure, and additional tests to evaluate the ability to hear and comprehend speech.
If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, it is recommended to have some pertinent questions prepared to gain a deeper understanding of the specifics.
Helpful Questions to Ask About Hearing Loss
To ensure you are equipped with all the necessary information about the nature of your hearing loss, there are several effective questions to pose to a hearing professional for more clarity.
What type of hearing loss do I have?
Getting the right treatment will depend on identifying the type of hearing loss you are dealing with. There are three main types of hearing loss:
- Conductive – Sounds are inhibited from reaching the inner ear
- Often caused by a blockage due to wax buildup, allergies, or infection
- Sensorineural – Damage to the inner ear or nerve structure to the brain
- Often caused by repeated exposure to loud noise and is generally irreversible
- Mixed – Combination of conductive and sensorineural
- Often results in damage to both the inner and outer ear
Is my hearing loss bilateral?
Bilateral hearing loss refers to the problem occurring in both ears, as opposed to unilateral hearing loss that only affects one ear. Age-related hearing loss that develops gradually over time is typically bilateral.
Which type of hearing aid will be most effective for me?
Hearing aids come in a wide range of types and styles to accommodate different types of hearing loss as well as specific lifestyles. Discussing which style of hearing aid is best for you with a hearing professional helps ensure you get the most appropriate device for your particular condition.
What different hearing aid styles are available?
There are basically two main styles for hearing aids:
- In the Ear
- Behind the Ear
What are the features and benefits of In the Ear hearing aids?
As the name implies, this type of hearing aid is worn inside the ear canal and is generally custom-fitted. These devices are typically very discreet for those who may be resistant to the idea of wearing hearing aids. Within this category there are also a few different styles:
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Generally available in full shell and half shell options
- Often come with volume control
- Easier to handle and maintain
- Medium battery life with rechargeable options
- May pick up more wind interference
- In-the-Canal (ITC)
- Custom molded to fit partially in the ear canal
- More discreet than ITE devices
- Typically include more features the smaller CIC devices
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
- Custom molded to fit entirely in the ear canal
- Smallest and most discreet
- Short battery life
- Minimal features
All in-the-ear hearing aid devices are more susceptible to wax buildup and clogging and need to be maintained regularly.
What are the features and benefits of Behind the Ear hearing aids?
Behind the Ear hearing aids are designed to hook over the top of the ear and the device rests behind the ear. There are a couple of different styles of Behind the Ear hearing devices.
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
- Open fit design where the main body of the hearing aid rests behind the ear but the speaker is inserted into the ear canal
- Above average sound quality
- Long-lasting rechargeable batteries
- Often allow for wireless connectivity and compatibility with other devices
- Behind-the-Ear with earmold (BTE)
- Designed to fit along the contour of the back of the ear
- Typically the most feature-rich style of hearing aid
- Often come with programming and configuration options
Behind the Ear hearing aids are often chosen for their less intrusive design and additional features.
How often do hearing aids have to be adjusted and maintained?
The amount of maintenance required for your hearing aids to function at optimal levels will depend on numerous factors such as hearing aid type, the severity of hearing loss, and lifestyle practices. Regular consultation with a hearing health professional helps ensure you are getting the best treatment available for your hearing loss.
