{"id":1810,"date":"2021-04-01T11:59:22","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T17:59:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neurotucson.fm1.dev\/ear-hearing\/audiology\/hearing-aids\/"},"modified":"2021-10-05T16:29:29","modified_gmt":"2021-10-05T22:29:29","slug":"hearing-aids","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/ear-hearing\/audiology\/hearing-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Aids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\"> \n\n{ \n\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \n\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \n\n  \"mainEntity\": [{ \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"What are the signs of hearing loss?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"Symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty understanding what others are saying, asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear in crowded places with distracting background noise, the perception that others are mumbling or not speaking clearly, listening to the television or radio at a higher volume than others, experiencing a ringing or buzzing in the ears. You may find yourself withdrawing from social situations in order to avoid conversation and might experience depression.\" \n\n    } \n\n  }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"What causes hearing loss?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"A number of factors can cause hearing loss. The most common include aging, noise exposure, ear infections, excessive earwax, ear or head trauma, genetics, birth defects, benign growths or tumors, otosclerosis, Meniere\u2019s disease and reactions to drugs.\" \n\n    } \n\n  }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"Are there different types of hearing loss?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"Yes. There are three types of hearing loss: Sensorineural, conductive and mixed. Sensorineural is the result of damage to the inner ear nerves. Conductive is the result of obstructions in the outer or middle ear. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of the other two types; this means that in one ear you have an issue with the outer or middle ear and the inner ear.\" \n\n    } \n\n }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"Can hearing loss be prevented?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"Some types of hearing loss are preventable. Noise-induced hearing loss can be avoided by wearing proper hearing protection when exposed to occupational or recreational noise and turning down the volume on your TV, radio or personal music device. To prevent other types of hearing loss, avoid sticking cotton swabs or other objects in your ears, blow your nose gently through both nostrils and swallow or yawn frequently when traveling by airplane.\" \n\n    } \n\n }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"Will wearing a hearing aid make me appear old or frail?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"Today\u2019s hearing aids are small and discreet, and some models are completely invisible to others. Besides, asking people to repeat themselves, responding inappropriately when others are talking and social withdrawal are more obvious indicators of hearing loss than wearing hearing aids.\" \n\n } \n\n  }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"What type of hearing aid is best for me?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"Choosing a hearing aid can be a daunting task. Your audiologist will work closely with you to take into account several factors \u2013 the type and severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, the size and shape of your outer ears and inner ear canals and your manual dexterity \u2013 in order to determine the best hearing device for you.\" \n\n    } \n\n }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"What is a cochlear implant?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"A cochlear implant is an electronic device that converts sound to digital signals that are sent to the brain, bypassing damaged nerve cells, where they are translated as sound. Whereas hearing aids amplify sounds, cochlear implants enable the user to understand speech and speak more clearly. They help patients with severe or profound hearing loss who can\u2019t benefit from hearing aids.\" \n\n    } \n\n }, { \n\n    \"@type\": \"Question\", \n\n    \"name\": \"What are assistive listening devices?\", \n\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": { \n\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\", \n\n      \"text\": \"Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are portable amplifiers that may be used either in conjunction with hearing aids and cochlear implants or on their own. They separate speech from background noises, making it easier to follow conversations in certain environments where distance, competing distractions or poor acoustics are factors.\" \n\n    } \n\n  }] \n\n  } \n\n<\/script> \n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hearing Aid Styles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing aids have improved greatly with the advent of digital technology. If you\u2019re picturing big and bulky devices with questionable sound quality, you\u2019ll be pleased to learn today\u2019s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide sound that is more natural. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding one that appeals to your lifestyle needs and cosmetic preferences should be easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the types available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Phonak-RITE-style-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1826\" width=\"193\" height=\"205\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>An RIC hearing aid consists of a tiny housing containing all electronics except the receiver, which is positioned behind the ear. A thin tube connects the housing to the receiver, which is worn in the ear canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a small and discreet unit but powerful enough for treating <a href=\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/ear-hearing\/audiology\/hearing-loss\/\">significant hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Behind-the-Ear (BTE)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Phonak-BTE-style-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1829\" width=\"193\" height=\"205\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A BTE device is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. The housing, which contains all the electronics, is encased in plastic and connects to the ear canal with a custom ear mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though more visible than other styles, the BTE powerful enough for severe to profound hearing losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Phonak-CIC-style-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1827\" width=\"193\" height=\"205\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This hearing aid is placed in the ear canal. It takes advantage of the ear\u2019s natural ability to collect sound and may have a control on the device to adjust the volume. &nbsp;Its discreet size makes the device virtually invisible to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trade-off is a shorter battery life, and it may prove difficult to adjust for those with poor manual dexterity. This is a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In-the-Canal (ITC)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Phonak-ITC-style-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1828\" width=\"193\" height=\"205\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This style is also designed to fit in the ear canal, but not as deeply as an IIC device, resting securely in the lower portion instead. It\u2019s a little larger, making it easier to insert and remove and extending the battery life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Best for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In-the-Ear (ITE)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Phonak-ITE-style-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1831\" width=\"193\" height=\"205\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This hearing aid is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear, and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features and makes the unit easier to adjust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bigger battery translates to longer life and means those with severe or profound hearing loss can benefit from this style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hearing Aid Technologies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing aid technology has improved drastically over the past couple of decades. Early devices relied on vacuum tubes and bulky batteries, but today\u2019s instruments take advantage of digital signal processing, microchips and computerization. Keeping track of the latest technological features can be challenging, but we\u2019ll cover a few of the more popular options here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the breakthroughs in hearing aid technology include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Gain processing, which reduces background and microphone noise for a clearer sound.<\/li><li>Digital feedback reduction with built-in cancellation, which reduces or eliminates squelching and feedback.<\/li><li>Digital noise reduction, which reduces background noises for better, more reliable speech recognition.<\/li><li>Directional microphones, which provide better directionality by having one microphone focus on the sound source while the other decreases background noise.<\/li><li>Automatic programming, which utilizes preset programs that automatically adapt to a range of different sound environments.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Digital Programming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For decades, hearing aids were strictly analog. But the digital revolution has taken over many areas formerly devoted to analog technology, and hearing aids are no exception. Digital programming works by converting sound waves into digital signals using digitized sound processing. A built-in computer chip determines whether the signal is speech or noise and converts it into a clear, amplified signal. Digital programming offers many benefits including improved speech quality, advanced programming options, a better fit, and a multitude of features that work to improve and enhance functionality of the hearing aids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bluetooth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This wireless communication platform is prevalent and used in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and MP3 players, to exchange data. Bluetooth\u2122 allows devices to communicate with one another. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids let users stream signals from these and other electronic devices directly to their aids, improving their versatility and convenience. You can make phone calls, listen to music and watch television through your hearing aids, without disturbing other people around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rechargeable Technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PH_Packshot_Mini_Charger_Case_open_with_Audeo_P-R_P5_01_v1_current-1280x960.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1841\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PH_Packshot_Mini_Charger_Case_open_with_Audeo_P-R_P5_01_v1_current-1280x960.png 1280w, https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PH_Packshot_Mini_Charger_Case_open_with_Audeo_P-R_P5_01_v1_current-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PH_Packshot_Mini_Charger_Case_open_with_Audeo_P-R_P5_01_v1_current-1536x1152.png 1536w, https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/PH_Packshot_Mini_Charger_Case_open_with_Audeo_P-R_P5_01_v1_current.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the latest, and most welcome, breakthroughs in hearing aid technology is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0378775300003967\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rechargeable batteries<\/a>. Most of the major hearing aid manufacturers now offer rechargeable options or the ability to convert existing hearing aids into rechargeable ones, freeing users from the hassle of disposable batteries. Not only is this great for the environment; it saves you money in the long run. By utilizing lithium-ion batteries, you can get up to 24 hours of performance with a single charge, allowing you to wear your hearing aids all day long and not have to worry about having them run out of power during an especially inopportune moment. Many include disposable battery backups for an added measure of security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Is Right for Me?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With all these advances in hearing aid technology, devices are better at providing clear sound than ever before. While the choices may seem overwhelming, working closely with your audiologist at <span class=\"company-name \">Center for Neurosciences<\/span> can help you figure out which technology and features are perfect for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing a Hearing Aid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are experiencing hearing loss, odds are good that you\u2019ll benefit from a hearing aid. But choosing the right one is no simple task. Today\u2019s hearing aids are smaller and more feature-packed than their predecessors, offering an array of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Narrowing the choices down can be tough, but there are a few important things you should take into consideration before choosing a hearing aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Your Hearing Needs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First, you\u2019ll need to have an <a href=\"https:\/\/neurotucson.com\/ear-hearing\/audiology\/hearing-tests\/\">audiologist assess your hearing loss<\/a>. Severity is measured in degrees, based upon your hearing loss range in decibels. It ranges from normal (-10 to 15 dB) to profound (91+ dB), with a total of seven different degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Equally important is the frequency of your hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss resulting from damage to the outer or middle ear affects low frequency sounds, while sensorineural hearing loss, in which damage occurs to the inner ear, results in a loss of high frequency sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to choose a hearing aid that targets the frequencies you have trouble comprehending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Your Lifestyle Needs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Functionality is an important consideration. With so many available features, you\u2019ll need to decide which ones matter most to you. Popular features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Directional microphones.<\/li><li>Feedback suppression.<\/li><li>Amplifiers.<\/li><li>Digital noise reduction.<\/li><li>Wax guards.<\/li><li>Automatic volume control.<\/li><li>Bluetooth\u00ae connectivity.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Extra features are also available. Speak with your audiologist about the pros and cons of these features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also have to take into account your lifestyle needs. Whether you enjoy quiet, intimate gatherings with a few close friends or an active outdoors lifestyle that includes a lot of background noise, there is a hearing aid designed specifically for your activity level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Your Cosmetic Preference?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cosmetic preference is a key factor in choosing a hearing aid. Since you\u2019ll be wearing it every day, it\u2019s got to not only feel good but appeal to your confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing aids are available in a variety of sizes and styles, some visible while others are implanted deep within the ear canal, rendering them virtually undetectable. Many are custom-molded to fit each individual\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Your Budget?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many consumers jump to the conclusion that hearing aids are too expensive. At the other end of the spectrum, they\u2019ll point out advertisements for extremely inexpensive options. Be cautious of the product(s) you put in your ears. Some of the cheaper, entry-level products are not classified as hearing aids by the FDA, which requires devices to meet stringent guidelines. Having a professional assist you with the product decision ensures you are protecting your hearing health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing aids range widely in cost; finding the right product for your needs depends upon a thorough hearing evaluation by a qualified audiologist, who will provide a recommendation perfectly suited to your type and degree of hearing loss and budget, as well as other lifestyle factors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hearing Aid Styles Hearing aids have improved greatly with the advent of digital technology. If you\u2019re picturing big and bulky devices with questionable sound quality, you\u2019ll be pleased to learn today\u2019s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide sound that is more natural. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":409,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"(520) 795-7750 | Hearing loss is treatable and better hearing is possible. Better hearing starts with a single appointment. Schedule today. 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