TYPES OF HEARING LOSS 

From natural hearing loss to noise-induced hearing loss, there is a wide range of factors that can contribute to declines in healthy hearing. Some diagnostic hearing tests, along with patient reports, can help to determine what is causing hearing issues and help to determine what treatment will improve each patient’s quality of life.

NATURAL HEARING LOSS

Sometimes it isn’t injury or noisy environments that lead to hearing difficulty. For some patients, hearing loss is naturally occurring due to genetics, age, or many other factors. This type of issue can be monitored with annual hearing tests and is usually seen to decline gradually over time.

Common age-related hearing loss is an issue experienced by over one third of people over the age of 65. The effects of hearing loss can be frustrating and even painful if left untreated. Custom hearing protection can help to minimize the effects of age-related hearing issues and possibly help to prevent further strain. 

Patients with hearing loss caused by genetic factors can have a different experience. Depending on if it is a congenital disease or a genetic component that causes deterioration, some genetic hearing loss can change relatively quickly. With these issues, achieving optimal hearing can take quality care and a dedicated hearing professional.

CAUSED HEARING LOSS

Beyond natural causes, there are many other ways patients can begin to experience hearing loss issues. A new level of hearing loss can be caused by everything from a job environment to an injury. Noise-induced hearing loss, trauma to the inner ear, or even a sudden intense sound can all cause additional hearing loss to certain patients. 

SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss can’t be treated unless you can see the signs of an issue. While a major injury that results in sudden hearing loss might be easy to spot, hearing deterioration that occurs over time can be more difficult to identify. 

Are you asking coworkers to repeat themselves often during conversation? Or have you noticed disagreements in relationships due to misinterpreted information? These issues could mean hearing issues are starting to affect everyday life. 

Some symptoms of hearing loss are physical. Look out for periods of hearing ringing in the ears, sharp pain when encountering loud noises, or muffled hearing.

TREATMENT PLAN

The hearing health professionals at our hearing clinics will develop a treatment plan with comprehensive hearing tests, hearing aid technology options, and further hearing aid services as hearing needs progress. 

HOME TREATMENTS

The best way patients can help protect their own hearing is through intentional hearing safety and a healthy lifestyle. Make sure to wear hearing protection when in noisy environments or workplaces to avoid further hearing deterioration. Eating well and getting regular exercise can help the body heal from injury and prevent injuries in the future that can harm the ear. Wearing prescribed hearing aids and letting others know to speak clearly so you can avoid strain when hearing. All these small changes, along with help from a hearing aid professional, can help to preserve hearing health for years to come.  

PROFESSIONAL HEARING PLAN

Depending on the severity of hearing loss, your hearing healthcare center can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to you and your needs. Reach out to one of our hearing center locations and make an appointment with one of our hearing care professionals. Through a quality exam, health evaluation, and assessment of needs, your provider will determine what treatment path will help you achieve your hearing goals and improve your quality of life.

HEARING AID OPTIONS

Hearing aids are small, discreet electronic noise enhancers that sit either on the rim of the ear or just inside the ear. These hearing devices can help every degree of hearing loss, from mild to severe. Not only do hearing aid devices help to amplify speech and sound, they also keep the ear from straining and can even be connected to electronic devices. 

TYPES OF HEARING AIDS

Hearing aids come in different shapes and sizes, depending on a patient’s needs, level of hearing loss, and fit preference. 

IN THE EAR (ITE) HEARING AIDS

As the name suggests, these devices are custom-fit hearing aids that are fitted to sit inside the inner ear. These devices can be almost invisible and are typically very comfortable for wearers to use on a daily basis.

BEHIND THE EAR (BTE) HEARING AIDS

As opposed to ITE aids, behind the ear hearing aids have a small piece fitted into the ear canal and place most of the aid behind the outer ear shell. These devices take in sound and send the vibrations down the ear canal, making noises amplified for the wearer. 

OTHER USES

Beyond making sounds in the surrounding environment louder, many hearing aids can also be connected to electronic devices wearers use every day. Phone calls can become possible with bluetooth hearing aids that can connect to mobile phones and movies can become enjoyable again with connection straight to a television.

Comprehensive hearing aid services can improve daily life for Chesterfield residents with hearing loss. Patients can jump back into interaction with promoted hearing and a reconnection to the life around them.