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Frequently Asked Questions
Hearing loss often occurs gradually over time and many times, compensatory behaviors are naturally applied in order to “get by.” Generally, family, friends, and business colleagues will notice the change before you do.
Early signs of hearing loss include:
- Feeling as though everyone mumbles
- Frequently asking for repetition
- Difficulty hearing both adult and children’s speech
- Difficulty hearing in meetings and in public events, such as places of worship, theater, etc.
- Trouble hearing in the presence of background noise
- Loud TV volume
Get an audiologic evaluation. This is the foundational professional exam that determines the appropriateness and type of amplification. The audiologist will review the results of your test findings with you and provide optimal recommendations. Contact us to schedule yours today.
First and foremost, you will be able to hear more clearly. You may notice a greater awareness of your voice, which is completely normal. Keep in mind, your brain is used to a “quiet” world. So, as you hear things “differently,” it is important to remember that with time, your auditory system and brain will learn how the world actually sounds. As this process of adaptation occurs, it is vital to commit to consistently wearing your hearing aids. In doing so, within a few weeks your auditory system will adjust to many of the new inputs it is receiving and processing.
If you find your hearing aids are not working, below you will find some troubleshooting tips:
- Check/replace the battery. Ensure it has been placed correctly into the battery door as well.
- Check for wax. Most current hearing aids have a wax filter at the end of the hearing aid that can be cleaned and/or replaced.
Most hearing aids utilize disposable batteries that will have to be replaced about once a week.
The necessity to clean a hearing aid is largely dependent upon the amount of wax in an individual’s ear, the degree to which the aid is exposed to moisture and other environmental elements, and the style of the aid. Some aids are more susceptible to wax and moisture, for example. Your audiologist will work with you to best understand the appropriate maintenance for your hearing aids.
Most hearing aids will last around 4-5 years. Many times, technology has advanced in ways that can significantly improve your hearing and overall quality of life. Older hearing aids are more prone to break down and can require more expensive repairs.
Symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty understanding what others are saying, asking people to repeat themselves, struggling to hear in crowded places with distracting background noise, the perception that others are mumbling or not speaking clearly, listening to the television or radio at a higher volume than others, experiencing a ringing or buzzing in the ears. You may find yourself withdrawing from social situations in order to avoid conversation and might experience depression.
A number of factors can cause hearing loss. The most common include aging, noise exposure, ear infections, excessive earwax, ear or head trauma, genetics, birth defects, benign growths or tumors, otosclerosis, Meniere’s disease and reactions to drugs.
There are essentially three types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Our audiologists are nationally recognized for their approach to hearing and balance care. The audiologist reviews all treatment modalities with the patient/family including medical, hearing aid, and listening strategy options.
Sensorineural hearing loss refers to a weakness or damage to the hearing nerve or inner ear. This type of loss is typically permanent (with rare exception). Our audiologists are trained to identify the types of hearing loss that can potentially be reversed and pursue the requisite intervention.
Conductive hearing loss refers to a disruption of sound transmitted through the eardrum and into the middle ear. Frequently, conductive disorders are temporary and can be corrected with medical intervention.
Our audiologists engage the patient to obtain a relevant case history and then perform a comprehensive test battery. This helps to identify the appropriate intervention necessary for the patient’s needs.
Some types of hearing loss are preventable. Noise-induced hearing loss can be avoided by wearing proper hearing protection when exposed to occupational or recreational noise and turning down the volume on your TV, radio or personal music device. To prevent other types of hearing loss, avoid sticking cotton swabs or other objects in your ears, blow your nose gently through both nostrils and swallow or yawn frequently when traveling by airplane.
Hearing aids are instruments that amplify sounds in order to enable those with hearing loss to hear more clearly.
Today’s hearing aids are small and discreet, and some models are completely invisible to others. Besides, asking people to repeat themselves, responding inappropriately when others are talking and social withdrawal are more obvious indicators of hearing loss than wearing hearing aids.
Choosing a hearing aid can be a daunting task. Your audiologist will work closely with you to take into account several factors – the type and severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, the size and shape of your outer ears and inner ear canals and your manual dexterity – in order to determine the best hearing device for you.
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that converts sound to digital signals that are sent to the brain, bypassing damaged nerve cells, where they are translated as sound. Whereas hearing aids amplify sounds, cochlear implants enable the user to understand speech and speak more clearly. They help patients with severe or profound hearing loss who can’t benefit from hearing aids.
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are portable amplifiers that may be used either in conjunction with hearing aids and cochlear implants or on their own. These specialized options include: amplified telephones, infrared systems to hear television, inductive loop, bluetooth devices, amplified doorbells, amplified smoke detectors, alarm clocks, etc. They separate speech from background noises, making it easier to follow conversations in certain environments where distance, competing distractions or poor acoustics are factors.
4160 Robert Parker Coffin Rd
Suite 103
Long Grove, IL 60047
Monday: 9am - 5pmWednesday thru Friday: 9am - 5pm
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