Conditions that Cause Hearing Impairment
Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants are most commonly caused by aging. Approximately one out of every two adults over the age of 65 suffers from hearing loss. The following are some of the causes of hearing loss as people get older.
- Changes in the structure of the inner ear.
- Blood flow to the ear changes.
- Hearing-related nerve impairment
- Changes may occur in the way the brain processes speech and sound.
- The tiny hairs in the ear may become damaged in older adults. They transmit sound to the brain, and any damage can result in hearing loss.
Other Causes of Hearing Loss:
- High decibels and prolonged exposure to loud noises
- Smoking
- Certain medications, such as antibiotics, aspirin, and malaria drugs.
- Family history of hearing impairment.
- Illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
- Trauma such as a skull fracture or a punctured eardrum.
- Infections and ear wax can block the ear canal.
- Certain bone diseases of the ears
Symptoms of Hearing Impairment.
Age-related hearing loss begins with an inability to hear high-pitched sounds. It will be difficult to hear the voices of children and women, as well as background noise. They may also have difficulty hearing voices.
The general symptoms of hearing impairment are as follows:
- Some sounds seem overly loud.
- It will be difficult to hear in noisy environments.
- Ringing sensation in the ears.
- They may increase the volume of TV or radio.
- They might ask others to repeat the sentences.
- They may be unable to understand telephone conversations.
What is a Hearing Aid?
Hearing loss can be treated with surgery or medical intervention, but these options are not appropriate for everyone. Hearing aid technology advancements have significantly improved hearing quality and have been extremely beneficial in the management of hearing loss. Hearing aids are suitable for people with an open ear canal and a normal external ear.
A hearing aid is a small, battery-operated electronic device worn in or behind the ear. Hearing aids consist of a microphone, an amplifier, and a receiver, each with a specific function, as follows:
- The microphone picks up sounds in the area.
- An amplifier connected to the device increases the volume of the sounds.
- The amplified sounds are transmitted to the receiver.
How Can a Hearing Aid Help?
Hearing aids allow people to hear better in both noisy and quiet environments. They are appropriate for people with inner ear or auditory nerve issues. Several other options for dealing with hearing loss, such as surgery and medical treatment, are only appropriate for some people. These devices are ideal for people who have an open ear canal and a standard external ear.
Types of Hearing Aids
A healthcare professional must be consulted before purchasing a hearing aid. He will run tests to determine the type of hearing loss and the extent of damage. The type of hearing aid you will need is based on the following:
- Lifestyle
- Age
- Type of hearing impairment.
- The severity of hearing impairment
- Capable of managing small devices
- Cost of the device
The Specialist May Recommend any of Two Types of Hearing Aids:
- Analog hearing aids: Convert regular sound waves into electric signals that are amplified. They are relatively inexpensive and come with simple volume controls.
- Digital hearing aids: The mechanism is similar to analog devices, but the sound waves are converted into numerical codes that are then amplified. These are more sophisticated, with the ability to customize the sound based on your preferences and location. Many of them can adjust the sound automatically, making them extremely user-friendly. They are more expensive but more efficient than analog devices.
- Hearing aids are classified into different styles based on the size and placement of the device:
- Canal hearing aids: Are smaller and fit inside the ear. This style includes three types: in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC), and invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids.
- In-the-ear (ITE): hearing aids have a hard plastic case that houses the electronic components and is placed inside the outer ear.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE): The hearing aids are stored in a hard plastic case behind the ear.
Adjusting to Hearing Aids
Hearing aids cannot replace natural hearing or the way it used to be. With practice, users can tune in to their hearing aids and improve their sound comprehension. It will require time and patience to adjust to the device. Some hearing aid providers will let you use the device for a trial period to see if it works. If the device does not meet your needs, you can return it for a partial refund.
You must work closely with your doctor to avoid the following problems:
- Uncomfortable with the device
- Your voice produces echo-like sounds
- Feedback or whistling sound.
- Background noise.
- The device causes a buzzing sound when using a cell phone.
Begin using the hearing aid in quiet areas and monitor the response.
How to Care for Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids contain delicate electronic components that should be handled with care. They typically last between 3 and 6 years, but you may need to replace them if your hearing loss worsens. Expert recommendations for increasing the durability of hearing aids:
- Clean the hearing aid regularly, as instructed.
- The device can be turned off if it is not in use.
- Always use rechargeable batteries. Replace them regularly.
- Always keep the hearing aid away from children, heat, moisture, hair care products, and pets.
Behind-the-ear devices are more adaptable because they are suitable for a wider range of hearing loss. Digital devices have an advantage in that they can be upgraded to reflect advances in computer technology.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
Hearing aids are not appropriate for everyone. A cochlear implant is appropriate for people who have severe hearing impairment due to inner ear damage. The implant partially restores hearing by stimulating the auditory nerve, which provides the sensation of sound.
External and internal components, as well as a powerful magnet, make up cochlear implants. The external components are a microphone, a speech processor, and a transmitter. The internal component contains a receiver. The speech processor captures and transmits sound signals to the receiver. The signals are then transmitted to the brain and processed as sound.
Member with cochlear implants reports:
- Better ability to hear speech
- Ability to recognize regular environment sounds
- Improved listening skills in a noisy environment
- Improved ability to determine the direction of the sound.
- The ability to hear television programs
- The ability to hear telephone conversations
Should You Have a Cochlear Implant Surgery?
Cochlear implantation surgery is typically performed by a specialist and is considered safe. Some of the risks of the surgery are listed below:
- Members who have received a cochlear implant may have residual hearing loss or the ability to hear.
- Some children may develop meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) as a result of surgery. Your doctor may recommend some preventive measures, such as vaccination, before surgery.
- Sometimes surgery is required to replace a malfunctioning device.
- In some extreme cases, infections may occur at the surgical site. Surgery may also result in facial paralysis.
The surgery will be performed under anesthesia, so you must take certain precautions before the procedure. Your doctor will inform you about the medications and diet to be followed.
Following surgery, you may experience slight pressure or discomfort over the implanted ear(s), as well as nausea and dizziness. You may return home on the day of surgery or the following day. You’ll need to return to the clinic to have the stitches removed. Your specialist will complete specific tasks to activate the implant.
Hearing aids versus cochlear implantation: which is best for you?
Hearing aids are appropriate for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss. However, they may not be suitable for people who are deaf or have severe hearing impairments. Cochlear implants may be appropriate for them.
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Hearing aids are removable, allowing the user to insert and remove them as needed. These small devices are ideal for children with mild to moderate hearing loss. A specialist must perform a complex surgical procedure to insert cochlear implants. They provide the sensation of sound to deaf people or those with severe hearing loss.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are both appropriate for people who have lost their hearing due to damage to the inner ear’s hair cells and/or the nerve pathways connecting the inner ear to the brain. This form of hearing loss is also known as sensorineural hearing loss.
A healthcare professional will assess your hearing loss and suggest a device based on the extent of the damage and your preferences.
