By Kristin Desermia, Au. D.
Thirty-five million Americans have hearing loss, and many of them do not get the proper treatment that they need. Making the appropriate hearing device choices is essential for long-term hearing attainment. Failing to make those decisions based on widespread misconceptions and misunderstandings is unfortunately all too common for many individuals.
Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and is caused by lesions, damage to the inner ear hair cells or auditory nerve. Sensorineural hearing loss cannot be restored or cured, so the typical treatment option is hearing aid devices. Hearing aids adjust to specific hearing losses, are programmed to suit individual needs and help the brain process sound. For a person with compromised hearing, hearing aids should be worn on a daily basis in order for the person to feel comfortable and to better understand the technology that is inside of the device and how to adjust it as necessary.
Self-Treating Hearing Loss with OTC Devices
They are marketed on televisions and the internet all the time as a hearing solution, but personal sound-amplification products (PSAPs) and over-the-counter hearing devices (OTCs) are not the same as a hearing aid.
PSAPs are wearable electronic devices used only to make a sound louder. Unlike hearing aids, they’re not considered medical devices by the FDA. Though potentially helpful in normal hearing to amplify sounds in situations such as watching TV, or hearing a presenter who’s speaking some distance away, PSAPs can’t take the place of properly fit hearing aids.
PSAPS Have Shortcomings
They are neither FDA approved nor recommended to treat actual hearing loss. Also, they bypass the crucial steps of professional testing, programming, fitting, and follow-up. This means a hearing care professional can’t rule out health conditions or ensure the device is appropriate for your ears. Furthermore, PSAPs are often uncomfortable, difficult to manage, and, with misuse, could cause or worsen hearing damage. Finally, as already mentioned, they only amplify sound.
Hearing Aid Options Must be Tailored to Patient’s Needs
Hearing devices come in various sizes and colors, and there are behind the ear (BTE) and in the ear (ITE) options; however, these choices have little to do with the actual type of device you should decide on when selecting hearing aids. What matters most about the hearing aid is the technology.
Lifestyle Needs Should Be Considered for Hearing Aid Choices
When it comes to the technology feature of hearing aids, an audiologist will guide you as to which option is best suited for your personal needs. Because some individuals have hearing loss in both ears, some, just in one ear, and the level of hearing varies from person to person, there should never be a “one size fits all” approach.
Along with a hearing test, your audiologist should offer an in-depth evaluation of your home-life, work-life, and social life. If you are very active and frequent loud events or restaurants regularly, you may need different technology than a person who leads a quieter life in general.
Why You Should See an Audiologist
If you are experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to seek out a qualified audiologist, because they are trained to get you the best outcome and resolution for your specific condition. If you’ve noticed that it’s difficult to hear conversations in a noisy atmosphere, or you feel the need to adjust your television volume much higher than before, it’s vital for you to have your hearing checked.
Perhaps you or your loved one keeps asking for people to repeat themselves, or you can’t quite pick up where sounds are coming from; if this is the case, don’t wait until your hearing loss gets any worse, schedule your appointment as soon as you possibly can.
Hearing solutions should be customized to each patient’s individual needs.
With over 21 years of experience providing hearing help to those with hearing loss, Kristin DesErmia, Au.D. is committed to helping people function at their best through better hearing. Coastal Hearing Care offers complete audiometric evaluations by a licensed, certified audiologist. We offer a complete line of state-of-the-art digital hearing instruments which are selected to fit your hearing needs. Our goal is to help you select the best solutions for your hearing loss based on your individual communication needs and lifestyle.
Our promise to you. We promise to provide you with outstanding customer care and state-of-the-art hearing instruments to help you hear better. Satisfaction with your new hearing instruments is our top priority. We will guide you through the important steps to improve your hearing and get you back to your daily life.
For your complimentary consultation, please call 941-229-2122