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Resources to Understand Hearing Loss
This is the place for more information about the different types of hearing loss, how hearing aids can help, how to know which hearing aid is right for you and how to care for them,
Types of Hearing Loss
Mild Flat Loss
Mild flat losses are recognized by feeling all sounds are dimmer that they used to be. Mild flat loss sufferers tend to listen to the TV or radio at higher volume than others do, finding that it is relaxing to have sounds turned up enough so they aren’t straining to hear.
Moderate Loss
People with moderate loss know they have hearing loss and it interferes with normal day to day activities if not corrected by wearing hearing aids. Moderate loss requires strong, well fitted hearing aids.
Mild High Frequency Loss
As shown in the audiogram to the right most of the Xs and Os indicate normal hearing until, in the higher frequencies on the right side of the chart, the symbols fall to reflect mild high frequency loss. The high frequency portion of the group of sounds that make up a word may be inaudible to people with high frequency loss. Hearing speech is as easy but understanding becomes more difficult as the loss deepens. Traditionally High Frequency Loss has been one of the hardest to attain satisfactory improvement in hearing with hearing aids. ReSound changed that in 2003 when they came out with the ReSound AIR 60+. It’s design reduced feedback and used an open earmold, overcoming the two major hurdles of high frequency loss – occlusion and feedback. Since then, most of the other hearing aid manufactures have followed in Resounds footsteps and released similar technologies.
Moderate to Severe High Frequency Loss
Commonly associated with noise damage, as well as aging, high frequency loss is common. High frequency hearing loss, as shown in the audiogram above, has benefited from vast improvements in hearing aid technology recently. High frequency loss is best treated by open ear hearing aids. Symptoms of high frequency loss are: not being able to understand speech except in quite environments, having trouble hearing TV and movies, or not being able to keep pace in conversations held in places with excessive noise such as busy restaurants or social gatherings.
Severe Loss
People suffering of severe losses have fewer choices in hearing aids. A good physical fit is critical, hearing aids must fit very snugly to hold the sound in the ear canal but not so tight that it makes the ear or ear canal sore. Traditional BTEs are the products that work best and give the least amount of trouble
Determining Which Aid is Right for You
While many people choose style based on cosmetics, decisions regarding which style of hearing aids are most appropriate for you may need to be based on a variety of factors.
Physical factors include:
- The shape of your outer ear: deformed outer ears may not allow for wearing of BTE styles.
- The depth of the depression near the ear canal (technically called the concha): if your ears are very shallow there may not be adequate space for certain ITE model aids.
- The ear canal size and shape: certain ear canals may be too narrow or shaped in a manner such that ITC or CIC hearing aids will either not go in easily, or may fall out too easily.
- Manual dexterity: not only is the removal and insertion of canal style hearing aids difficult for some people, but some individuals are unable to insert the battery or manipulate the volume control.
- Wax in the ear: some people build up large amounts of earwax, or may have extremely moist ear canals that require adequate ventilation. For these people ITC, or even certain full size ITE aids may not be appropriate.
- Draining ears or ears otherwise having medical problems may not be able to safely utilize hearing aids that completely block the ear canal. For these ears, it is vital to allow ventilation so hearing aids that do not fully block the ear may be required. Sometimes, BTEs that are connected to ear molds that have large vents (openings to let air pass through) are useful.
Hearing related factors include:
- The shape of the audiogram (hearing test); individuals who have hearing loss for certain pitches (frequencies) but not others, (for example those who hear the low frequencies fine, but have a high frequency hearing loss) may be better served by systems that do not fully block the ear canal.
- Degree of loss; currently, severe and profound hearing losses are best served by BTE style aids. This style may also minimize the likelihood of feedback (whistling).
- The need for special features such as directional or multiple microphones and/or the use of a telecoil (a small magnetic loop contained in the hearing aid that allows for better use with telephones or assistive listening devices), may dictate the preferred style.
- Acoustic feedback (whistling) occurs when the microphone is close to the loudspeaker. BTE aids have a clear advantage over the smaller ITE or ITC aids because feedback is less likely to occur. While you may feel that you will only wear an inconspicuous device, check the appearance of a small or mini-BTE aid coupled to the ear with an open ear mold. A mini-BTE aid connected to the ear with an open ear mold may be less conspicuous than most ITE and many ITC aids. Most importantly, discuss the pros and cons of different styles with your audiologist.
Hearing Aid Styles
There are five primary styles of modern hearing aids:
RICs and BTEs:
RIC hearing aids are very closely related to Behind the Ear hearing aids. They both rest behind the ear and have a tube that loops over the top of the ear to deliver sound to the ear canal. They have one very important difference though. In RIC hearing aids, the tube contains a small wire which goes to a speaker also called a Receiver that rests in the ear canal and delivers the sound directly to the ear. Behind the ear hearing aids have a hollow sound tube that delivers the sound from the hearing aid to the ear.
Most people prefer one of these two styles for a variety of reasons.
- Very discrete appearance.
- Can handle a wide range of losses (from mild to profound).
- Does not block sounds that are not affected by your loss.
- Light weight and small size make RICs and BTEs some of the most comfortable styles.
ITCs, CICs, and ITEs:
These are all hearing aid styles that rest inside of the ear. Many people are attracted to the idea of these aids because they seem to be less visible to others. Because they are often so small, they cannot deliver the power or flexibility that other styles can offer. For those are interested in one of these styles, we offer them in the latest technology.
Hearing Aid Care
Hearing aids are sophisticated miniature devices that can provide years of benefit if cared for properly. The following are a few simple reminders pertaining to the care of your hearing aids and your overall hearing health.
- Never attempt to repair your hearing aids. Do-it-yourself repairs usually cause more damage than good. Make an appointment with us to ensure your valuable instrument is taken care of.
- Never wear your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming.
- Always place your hearing aids in a safe place out of reach of pets or small children.
- If your hearing aids sound distorted or unclear they may be in need of repair.
- Visit your hearing aid provider at least twice a year for follow-up care and routine service to your hearing aids.