When you suffer from hearing loss, you have several options for treatment. These include hearing aids, Cochlear implants, Assistive listening devices, and group aural rehabilitation programs. Contact a hearing healthcare professional if you are unsure of the best treatment for you. The best hearing treatment for you depends on the hearing loss you have. Some people experience loss in both types of hearing.
Assistive listening devices
Assistive listening devices, or telecommunications devices, help people with hearing impairments hear better in the presence of background noise. They may include headphones, infrared systems, or telecoils. Some are integrated into hearing aids, while others are wireless. Regardless of your hearing aid’s brand or model, there is an assistive listening system that will meet your needs.
These devices amplify auditory signals, allowing people to hear and participate in conversations. They can also be used to listen to TV or radio, which enable people with hearing loss to understand what is being said. They can also be used to enjoy activities such as hunting and bird watching.
The devices help people with hearing loss understand each other and communicate with their family and friends. Some assistive listening devices can help people with hearing loss communicate with one another at large gatherings, while others will help them hear in loud environments. The assistive listening devices come in various styles, including wireless FM devices, personal listening devices, and those designed for one-on-one conversations.
Hearing aids
Hearing aids are a powerful tool for addressing hearing loss. They improve people’s lives in several ways, including improving social engagement, depression, and anxiety. There are two main types of hearing aids: in-the-ear hearing aids and out-of-the-ear hearing aids. Both of these aids are effective for various hearing problems, from mild to severe. They can also accommodate other technical devices, like a telecoil, which enhances hearing during phone conversations. While these devices are effective, they are often prone to ear wax and drainage damage.
Cochlear implants
Cochlear implants are available for both children and adults. A cochlear implant is an excellent choice for children with severe hearing loss in one ear. While the other ear may have some hearing, the cochlear implant will help them distinguish sound from background noise. The device will also allow them to determine the sound’s location. It is an extremely important feature for children because they are more likely to hear sounds in one ear than the other.
A cochlear implant is a permanent hearing solution that converts sounds into electrical impulses. A magnet connects the transmitter and receiver. The implant sits behind the ear, and a receiver is placed beneath the skin. The receiver delivers the signal to electrodes inside the cochlea, stimulating the auditory nerve. It then sends the signal to the brain. The result is a patient who can hear speech at a normal level without lip reading and enjoy music or TV.
Group aural rehabilitation programs
Auditory rehabilitation is an integral part of treatment for people with hearing loss. It helps them organize their communication, develop a management plan, and overcome communication barriers. It can also help them build stamina and improve their ability to focus and listen. Group sessions may also include relaxation techniques and peer support groups.
These group rehabilitation sessions are designed to help people improve their communication skills and awareness of their hearing loss. They may also improve a person’s sense of social belonging. It is important to remember that these programs are not a “one size fits all” approach, and it is essential to tailor the programme to each individual as the severity of the hearing loss, the type of hearing loss, and the extent of the hearing loss. Some services may be offered only to children, whereas others may be provided to elderly patients after hearing aid fitting. The type of aural rehabilitation will also depend on the condition of the contralateral ear.
Surgical implantation of a bone-anchored hearing system
Surgical implantation of a bone-based hearing system involves implanting a titanium implant in the mastoid bone. This implant, about 3-4 mm long, integrates with the bone, allowing it to serve as a hearing device. The external portion of the BAHA hearing aid is then attached with a strong adhesive sticker or an elastic band. Generally, this hearing aid works best for people with at least one normal inner ear. However, they can also be used for individuals with severe middle or outer ear malformations or single-sided deafness.
Many patients are more comfortable wearing a bone-anchored hearing aid than a traditional one and consulting at Hearing Clinic in Auburn. This type of hearing aid is appropriate for children and adults and can be performed using a small incision in the skull. Once implanted, the bone-anchored hearing system integrates with the bone within three to six months. Once a bone-anchored hearing system has been absorbed into the bone, the external sound processor can be removed as needed.
Another bone-anchored hearing aid is the Otomag, which does not require a percutaneous abutment. This system consists of an external magnet attached to a transcutaneous connection to the skull bone. A magnetic field holds the implanted magnet against the patient’s skull bone. The vibration is transduced from the implanted magnet to the brain through direct contact with the skin and bone.