Hearingaid.info - Hearing Loss Correction
Hearing Loss and the Use of Hearing Aids
An estimated one-quarter of Americans between the ages of 65 and 75 and around 75 percent of those older than age 75 have some degree of hearing loss, either mild, moderate, or sever. Hearing loss can be categorized by where or what part of the auditory system is damaged. Hearing loss treatment depends on the cause and severity of your hearing loss. When describing hearing loss we generally look at three attributes: type of hearing loss, degree of hearing loss, and the configuration of the hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrum and the tiny bones (the ?hammer, anvil, and stirrup?) of the middle ear. Conductive hearing loss usually involves a reduction in sound level, or the ability to hear faint sounds. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear (retrocochlear) to the brain. Sensorineural hearing loss cannot be medically or surgically corrected. Other types of hearing loss can benefit from the use of hearing aids.
Progressive hearing loss is a hearing loss that becomes increasingly worse over time. Sometimes it can be so subtle that you may not even notice it. This is why it is imperative to have regular hearing exams. If you show a pattern of hearing loss (some hearing losses change -- sometimes getting better, sometimes getting worse) you may be a good candidate for a hearing aid. If you have severe hearing loss, a cochlear implant may be an option for you.
Hearing disorders make it hard, but not impossible, to hear. Medical treatment, various forms of amplification systems and simple coping skills can improve your hearing and quality of life. If a hearing aid is appropriate for your hearing loss, an audiologist can discuss with you the potential benefits of using a hearing aid, recommend a device and fit you with it. Hearing aids can't help everyone with hearing loss, but they can improve hearing for many people. Hearing aids come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles.
If your hearing loss is more severe, often due to damage to your inner ear, an electronic device called a cochlear implant may be an option. Unlike a hearing aid that amplifies sound and directs it into your ear canal, a cochlear implant compensates for damaged or non-working parts of your inner ear.
Hearing loss severity is based on how well a person can hear the frequencies or intensities most often associated with speech. When describing hearing loss we generally look at three attributes: type of hearing loss, degree of hearing loss, and the configuration of the hearing loss. You and your doctor or hearing specialist can deal with hearing loss by taking steps to improve what you hear. You may be a candidate for a cochlear implant but more than likely you will be a candidate for a hearing aid. A hearing aid is the most common solution for people with hearing aids.
Dean Novosat offers free advice, reports, and reviews at http://www.hearingadvisors.com Hearing Aids.
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