Protect your Hearing
Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable! First, try to avoid constant exposure to noises that are above 90 dB. If you can’t avoid the loud noise, wear airtight hearing protection during exposure. Your hearing healthcare professional can recommend the appropriate earplugs for you.
There are warning signs that can alert you to excessive noise levels. If you have to shout to be heard, the noise level could damage your hearing. A ringing or buzzing in your ears, a condition known as tinnitus, is nature’s warning that the noise levels are dangerously loud. Take breaks from the loud noise to allow your ears a chance to recover. If the ringing persists, see your physician. You should also see your physician if have discharge from your ears, swelling or reddening around the ears or loss of hearing ability.
Treating Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss cannot be repaired. However, in most cases, hearing aids can help to improve the ability to hear. Today, there is a whole new class of hearing aids available. Not only do they provide better sound quality and more flexibility, but they look better too.
If you think that you have a hearing loss, or would like more information about noise-induced hearing loss, talk to a hearing healthcare professional.
Choosing your Hearing Aids
Choosing the right hearing aid can be difficult. There are lots of products to choose from and purchasing a hearing aid can be an expensive investment. However, when you consider the benefits a hearing aid can offer, it’s an investment worth making.
Hearing Aid Styles
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids sit comfortably behind your ear while amplified sound passes down a tube to a customized earmold that fits securely into your ear. Because they are larger, BTEs can accommodate bigger batteries for longer life and larger amplifiers for maximum amplification. Most BTEs are compatible with assistive listening devices. BTEs are suitable for mild to profound hearing losses.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made to fit securely in your outer ear, ensuring optimum performance and maximum comfort. ITEs are suitable for mild to severe hearing losses.
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In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are custom-made to fit almost entirely inside your ear canal, making them difficult to notice. ITCs are suitable for mild to moderately-severe hearing losses.
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Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids fit deep inside your ear canal so that they’re practically invisible. Benefits include cosmetic appeal, reduced feedback and excellent sound quality. CICs are suitable for mild to moderately-severe hearing losses.
It is important to consult a hearing healthcare professional who can offer recommendations and advice to help you with this difficult decision.
Hearing aid technology is becoming more sophisticated every day. Engineers and research audiologists are designing hearing aids that are smaller, more flexible and produce better sound quality than ever before.
Ask your hearing healthcare professional about these technological advancements: digital hearing aids, directional microphones and programmable systems.
Remember that no hearing aid style is better than another: It is simply a matter of choosing the one that’s right for you.
Before you Choose
Before choosing a style that’s right for you, you should consider these factors:
- Degree of hearing loss: Not all styles are appropriate for all hearing losses.
- Ear anatomy: Some ear canals are very tiny, making it almost impossible to fit a CIC.
- Lifestyle needs: If you enjoy being outdoors, you will probably require a different aid than someone who enjoys the symphony.
- Manual dexterity: ITC and CIC hearing aids are easy to insert, but require steady hands.
- Cosmetic preferences: With the range of sizes, styles and colours available, it is simply a matter of choosing what you prefer.
- Budget: Hearing aids are available in a wide range of prices, so there’s something for every budget.
If you think that you have a hearing loss, or would like more information about choosing your hearing aids, talk to a hearing healthcare professional.