by Angie Kwong
Hearing Care Professional
And this is exactly what most people do. Nothing!
Here’s what happens.
People are adaptive. As we age, we are told to expect gradual changes in our physical being — dull aches in out joints, the loss of strength in our hands, graying and/or thinning hair and possibility, the need for reading glasses. However, what is often overlooked is the fact aging may also include the gradual deterioration of our hearing. And with that loss, comes an unnecessary loss in the quality of our life.
Why is hearing loss so often overlooked?
With eyesight, for example, the fact that we can not do something, at all, without some sort of intervention (try reading a newspaper without glasses) forces us to take immediate action.
With hearing, we don’t have that restriction. Why? For the simple reason, we can just reach over to turn up the volume or better yet, find fault elsewhere! And since the loss is usually slow and gradual, over time we become accustomed to the ‘absence or reduced’ sound information. Simply put, we adapt to our impaired hearing until it becomes the norm for us. And since it is the norm, we start to rationalize that the problem is not ours. We tell ourselves our inability to hear things or understand what the next person is saying because these days there is ‘just too much background noise’ or that people ‘have forgotten how to speak clearly, they mumble’.
Signs of hearing loss.
It’s important to be aware of the warning signs. Like many other ‘aging-related issues’, hearing loss may be correctable. The following behaviours are common among hearing loss sufferers:
• Frequent requests for repetition.
• Complaints about others ‘mumbling’.
• Listening to TV or Radio at very high volume.
• Difficulty with telephone.
• Frequent inappropriate conversational responses.
• Denial of hearing loss and unwillingness to be medically tested.
• Domination of discussions.
NEW WAVE OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS
To some the term Hearing Aid has a negative stigma to it. We automatically think of a big clunky instruments of years long ago, that perhaps a grandparent fumbled to turn up everytime you tried to speak with them. In 2009, those instruments are now just a part of medical history.
Recent technological advances have been made which have improved the experience of living with hearing instruments for people with hearing loss. There is a wide range of technology available to help people improve their hearing, and products grow in sophistication every year.
Evaluating which hearing aid is right for you?
Each hearing instrument style can be made with different levels of technology. After a thorough evaluation, a hearing care professional will recommend which style and technology option will work best for you.
The right hearing instrument style and size for you depends on several factors, including:
• Degree of hearing loss.
• Listening requirements.
• Ear shape and size.
• Ability to handle instrument and controls.
• Lifestyle needs.
Main categories for hearing instruments.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC). CIC are custom made so that all components fit inside the shell, but they are worn deeper in the ear canal than in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE’s) which are described in the following category and are almost invisible. Less amplification is required from CIC than other types of hearing instruments because output is delivered close to the eardrum. ClC reduces the awareness wearers have of their own voice and their ears do not feel as “plugged up” as with other types of instruments. The technical term for this benefit is “reduced occlusion effect”. Wind-noise and telephones pose fewer problems to wearers of CIC compared to the other types of instruments as well.
In-the-ear (ITE). In-the ear hearing aids (ITE) became available in the late 1970′s and are now the most popular style of hearing instrument in North America. Consumers are attracted to the discreet styling of ITE which come in several sizes including full shell (large) to half shell (small). All the instruments electrical components are housed within the custom-made shell which is worn inserted in the ear. The microphone is located in a more natural position on ITE than on BTE and some people find that this provides better sound quality.
In-the-Canal (ITC) . In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are smaller and are custom made to fit the shape of your ear canal. These aids can be worn during most physical activity. They also fit more deeply than ITE hearing aids and therefore are popular because of their cosmetic appeal. All of the components within the single plastic shell fit into the ear.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE). Behind-the ear (BTE) were the most common hearing instruments in North America from the 1950′s-1970′s, and they continue to outsell all other hearing instruments world-wide. BTE aids are reliable and offer fitting flexibility in addition to power. These instruments sit behind the ear and amplify incoming sound. The amplified sound travels down a short tube connected to a custom-fitted earmold that delivers the sound into the ear canal, towards the eardrum.
Micro Behind-The-Ear (MBTE). These tiny instruments sit behind your ear, and they are small-sized. The sound tube between the instrument and the earpiece is very thin and transparent. Micro BTEs are discreet and almost invisible.
Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE). This is an elegant, invisible, anatomic and discreet Behind-The-Ear solution. The speaker unit is sitting right in your ear canal and provides very clear and natural sound.
If you suspect you or a loved one may have impaired hearing, consult a qualified hearing care professional.
This report prepared by Angie Kwong, Precision Hearing Clinic with offices in Richmond and Surrey, www.precisionhearingclinic.com