A hearing loss is conductive when there is a problem with the ear canal, the
eardrum and/or the three bones connected to the eardrum. Common reasons
for this type of hearing loss are a plug of excess wax in the ear canal
or fluid behind the eardrum. Medical treatment or surgery may be available
for these and more complex forms of conductive hearing loss.
A hearing loss is sensorineural when it results from damage to the inner ear
(cochlea) or auditory nerve, often as a result of the aging process and/or
noise exposure. Sounds may be unclear and/or too soft. Sensitivity to loud
sounds may occur. Medical or surgical intervention cannot correct most sensorineural
hearing losses. However, hearing aids may help you reclaim some sounds that
you are missing as a result of nerve deafness.
|
Because some hearing problems can be medically corrected, first
visit a physician who can refer you to an otolaryngologist (an
ear, nose, and throat specialist). If you have ear pain, drainage,
excess earwax, hearing loss in only one ear, sudden or rapidly
progressive hearing loss, or dizziness, it is especially important
that you see an otolaryngologist. Then, get a hearing assessment
from an audiologist (a nonphysician health care professional).
A screening test from a hearing aid dealer may not be adequate.
Many otolaryngologists have an audiologist associate in their
office who will assess your ability to hear pure tone sounds
and to understand words. The results of these tests will show
the degree of hearing loss and whether it is conductive or sensorineural
and may give other medical information about your ears and your
health.
Because federal regulation prohibits any hearing aid sale unless
the buyer has first received a medical evaluation from a physician,
you will need to see your physician before you purchase a hearing
aid(s). However, the regulation says that if you are more than
18 years old and are aware of the recommendation to receive a
medical exam, you may sign a waiver to forego the exam. An otolaryngologist,
audiologist, or an independent dispenser can dispense aids. Hearing
aids should be custom fitted to your ear and hearing needs. Hearing
aids purchased by mail-order typically cannot be custom fitted.
Hearing aids vary in price according to style, electronic features,
and local market conditions. Price can range from many hundreds
of dollars to more than $2,500 for a programmable, digitalized
hearing aid. Purchase price should not be the only consideration
in buying a hearing aid. Product reliability can save repair
costs and the frustration of a malfunctioning hearing aid.
There are several styles of hearing aids:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are placed over the ear
and connected with tubing to custom-fitted earpieces.
- In-the-ear
(ITE) hearing aids fill the entire bowl of the ear and part
of the ear canal.
- Smaller versions of ITEs are called half-shell and
in-the-canal (ITC).
- The least visible aids are completely-in-the-canal
(CIC).
Hearing aid options, which are appropriate for your particular
hearing loss and listening needs, the size, and shape of your
ear and ear canal, and the dexterity of your hands will all be
considered in deciding what type of hearing aid is the best for
you. Many hearing aids have special telecoil "T" switches
to aid in use of the telephone and certain public sound systems.
Discuss your need for a T-coil switch while you are considering
hearing aid options.
Usually, if you have hearing loss in both ears, using two hearing
aids is best. Listening in a noisy environment is difficult with
amplification in one ear only, and it is more difficult to distinguish
where sounds are coming from. If, however, the quality of hearing
in one ear is very different from the other, one hearing aid
may be better than two.
- Ask about charges for the hearing evaluation, dispensing
fee(s), and future servicing and repair.
- Inquire about the
trial period policy and what fees are refundable if you return
the hearing aid(s) during the trial period.
- Ask about the
warranty coverage for your hearing aids and the consumers'
protection program for hearing aid purchasers in your state.
- The hearing aids will be fitted for your ears.
- Then, while
wearing your hearing aids, you will be tested for word understanding
in quiet and in noise and for improvement in hearing tones.
- Next, you
will receive instruction about the care of your hearing aids,
the batteries used to power them, a suggested wearing schedule,
general expectations, and helpful communication strategies.
- You will
also practice properly inserting and removing the hearing
aids and batteries.
- Start using your hearing aids in quiet surroundings, gradually
building up to noisier environments.
- Note where and when
that you find the hearing aids beneficial.
- Be patient and
allow yourself to get used to the aids and the "new" sounds
they allow you to hear.
- Keep a diary to help you remember your experiences.
- Report
any concerns on a follow-up appointment.
© 2004 AAO-HNS/AAO-HNSF
|
