Tackling Hearing Loss

 

According to The Royal National Institute for Deaf People, 41.7% of over 50-year-olds will have some kind of hearing loss. There are many reasons for loss of hearing, some are directly linked with medial conditions such as infections, some are caused due to our lifestyle choices during the years and some are age related known as presbycusis. Progressive deterioration of hearing ability (presbycusis) happens as the body ages. The cochlear hair cells (our sensory receptors) may become damaged which results in a high-frequency hearing loss that can start as early as middle age.  

Getting A Diagnosis:

If you suspect you might be suffering from a hearing loss, you should get a diagnosis. Your first point of call is to visit your GP where a basic hearing test will be performed or you might get referred to a specialist in hearing called an audiologist. Side by side with seeking medial consultation you may want to undertake an online hearing test which is normally quick, free and accurate. The online hearing test is a type of Speech-in-noise check which uses spoken numbers in two different types of background noise.

How To Tackle Hearing Loss:

For most people with mild to moderate hearing loss, a device called a digital hearing aid will likely be recommended by your GP or the audiologist. Digital hearing aids are wearable micro-computers which are either programmable or pre-programmable, can suppress background noise and are very lightweight. There are 5 common types of digital hearing aids, which are distinguished by how they fit on the wearer's ear. In this article we'll touch on the differences between each type.

Types Of Digital Hearing Aids:

 

Over The Ear Hearing Aid (OTE) - Also known as OTE hearing aid, it's a type of digital hearing aid which fits over the ear as the name suggests. Although popular, OTE are less discreet compared to other types.

 

 

Completely in The Ear Hearing Aid (CIC) - A type of small digital hearing aid which fits right inside the ear canal and is therefore considered a more discreet hearing aid.

 

 

In The Canal Hearing Aid (ITC) - Similar to completely in the ear hearing aid, it is small, but not smaller. This means that some of the aid will be visible outside of the ear. Also known as ITC hearing aid.

 

 

 

 

 

In the Ear Hearing Aid (ITE) - A type of digital hearing aid which is slightly on the large side. It fits completely into the ear and due to its size, might have better amplification characteristics. Some types of ITE devices may include the ability to work with phone amplifiers.

 

 

 

Behind The Ear Hearing Aid (BTE) - Also know as BTE hearing aid, it's a type of digital hearing aid which is extremely popular among many of the older hard of hearing population. One part if the aid resides behind the ear, while the second fits comfortably into the ear through a tube.

If you discover that you need a hear aid, there are couple of options on how to obtain one. You may get a hearing aid through the NHS, or by buying privately from your local high street hearing centre or by buying online. During your research you will come across the benefits of each option, from quick availability when bought privately to value for money when bought online.



Article by UK based start up Hearing Direct™. HearingDirect.com offers aids for hearing, as well as, a free online hearing test which is accurate and quick.