Hearing Aids

Do you feel like you miss information or get lost in conversations? When others speak does it sound muffled or like the other person is mumbling? Do you avoid social situations where you may be expected to carry on a conversation? Do you have difficulty following a conversation when there is background noise? You may have hearing loss.

Don’t let hearing loss slow you down

Did you know in the U.S.:

• 15% of adults report having some trouble hearing
• 1 in 8 people (over the age of 12) has hearing loss in both ears
• Over 28 million people could benefit from hearing aids (Source – National Institute of Health)
• Hearing loss is not just a problem in social situations. If left untreated, research has shown that untreated hearing loss can lead to poor physical and mental health outcomes. 
• Those patients who treat their hearing loss have less depression and anxiety than those who do not.

Here are some of the benefits of hearing loss treatment and why a hearing aid can be beneficial:

• More Satisfaction in Relationships
• Renewed Confidence
• Increased Social Interactions
• Improved Mental Health
• Improved Balance
• Improved Ability to Focus
• Improved Ability to Learn
• Increased Control Over Life Events
• Improved Physical Health
• Improved Cognitive Health

Studies have shown that early use of hearing aids decreases the progression of both hearing loss and memory loss.  

Concerned about dementia? Researchers found that those participants who used hearing aids were at a significantly lower risk of developing dementia.

Learn more about how hearing aids reduce hearing loss and dementia.

Not all hearing loss or treatment is the same

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common. It is treated with hearing aids. Conductive hearing loss is corrected through medications, surgery, bone-conduction hearing aids, or conventional hearing aids. Mixed hearing loss is a combination and treatment can be medication, surgery or hearing aids.

Hearing aid technology has improved dramatically

Hearing aids use to be synonymous with bulky batteries, uncomfortable fit and very visible over the ear.  The new hearing aids today use digital signal processing, microchips and computerization. Many models are so sleekly designed, others may not be able to tell you are wearing a hearing aid at all. With several of the top hearing aid brands to choose from, we can help fit you with a hearing aid that is comfortable to wear and has the features you need to live your active lifestyle.

What you can expect from a new hearing aid

Enhanced Listening

Modern hearing aids are smaller and offer more features so you can choose a device with options that meet your needs. The new hearing aids can amplify speech while dampening background noise. This improves the ability to carry on conversations at social gatherings or crowded venues. Using automatic adaptability settings, these new devices can detect the environment and adapt the hearing aid settings accordingly. If you are outside, the device will automatically enable noise reduction so sounds from the wind won’t be amplified.  

How it works:

• Cancellation systems called Digital feedback reduction (DFR) eliminate or reduce feedback.
• Speech recognition is improved through Digital noise reduction (DNR). This helps to reduce background noises.
• Sound from behind is reduced while sound coming from the front is amplified with directional microphones. The two sets of microphones boost speech recognition in settings where background noise is particularly challenging.
• With Bluetooth and Wireless features, you can connect directly to your electronic devices. Watch television, answer phone calls, play music, it can all be streamed directly to your hearing aid.

Let’s talk about batteries

Gone are the days of replacing hearing aid batteries every week. The new devices come with rechargeable batteries. Many of the hearing aids can hold a charge for 24 hours. Patients can charge their devices at night and wake up to a fully charged hearing aid that lasts all day.

Choosing the right fit

With so many great options in hearing aid technology it can be an overwhelming process. The staff at ValleyENT will answer questions and go over all options with you. Once a device is selected, the audiologist will ensure the hearing aid fits comfortably. Once the physical fit is established the device will be programmed for your specific needs.  The staff at ValleyENT will go over all the care instructions and information you need to maximize the benefits of your new hearing aid.

Follow-Up

Valley ENT is a full-service audiology and hearing aid center. We are here for you! Please call our office with any questions or concerns. We will work with you to troubleshoot, provide repairs, or help if you just need an informative refresher course on basic hearing aid functions.

Hearing Aid Quick Fix

Some troubleshooting things to try:

• If there is no sound:
  • Check that the battery is charged and/or inserted correctly.
  • Replace the battery or charge the device if you suspect it is dead or weak.
  • If your device has wax guard replace it or remove earwax buildup from the earmold.
  • Clean tubing with a blower tool. Wax or moisture could be the culprit.
  • Is the device set to telecoil mode?
• If you are experiencing feedback or whistling:
  • Remove and reinsert your hearing aids.
  • Turn down the volume.
  • Check to make sure nothing is covering your hearing aids.
  • Call out office to schedule a wax check visit to see if you have wax buildup in your ears.
• If the sound is weak or distorted:
  • The battery may need to be recharged or replaced.
  • If your device has a guard replace it or remove earwax buildup from the earmold

Brittany Paine, Audiologist