As a person changes, the body wears down, and it won’t be performing as well as it did in our prime. A perfect example of this is through hearing loss. Hearing loss is a common health issue that affects millions every year. Approximately 36 million people are suffering from this condition, and it’s expected to rise since the population also grows.
The silver lining is that approximately 75% of hearing loss cases are treatable. Treatment options are non-invasive, meaning that no surgery is required, and you can go about your day as you usually would.
This article lists possible treatment options for hearing loss, so read on below to learn more.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are the most commonly used treatment for hearing loss. The two types of hearing aids include:
- In-the-Ear (ITE) – These devices are placed into your ear canal. They are similar to hearing aids in the past, which were large devices housed in a box and placed over the ear. They are more discreet than the older devices, as they’re much smaller and lightweight.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) – These hearing aids are placed over the ear and connected to a receiver placed inside the ear canal. They cover a larger part of the ear, making wearing them less discreet.
Both ITE and BTE hearing aids have their pros and cons. For example, the ITE hearing aids are more discreet, yet there’s a greater chance of being dislodged. On the other hand, BTE hearing aids are less likely to be dislodged, but they’re bulky and can be considered heavier to wear. The good news is that hearing aids are fully customized, meaning you’ll have little to no problems if you’re wearing one.
Cochlear Implants
Another popular treatment option for hearing loss is cochlear implants, a minimally invasive procedure. They are a type of bionic hearing aid, as they rely on an external microphone to pick up sound and send it to a receiver, which is implanted under the skin near the ear. The sound is then processed and transmitted to the nerve, which sends it to the brain.
Cochlear implants are considered the best option for people with severe hearing loss. They are the closest thing to a natural hearing aid and make it possible for them to enjoy the sounds in their surroundings fully.
Auditory Training
Auditory training is a valuable treatment option for people with hearing loss. It allows them to enhance their listening abilities. An example of this is sound therapy, which is an option that’s gaining traction among audiologists. It’s a method that utilizes sounds to improve hearing. This treatment is often used by people with tinnitus, a ringing caused by exposure to loud noise.
Hearing Rehabilitation
Hearing rehabilitation is a process that helps improve a person’s hearing. It’s a relatively new treatment, but it’s gaining popularity among audiologists. It’s a long-term program done in a controlled environment, meaning the patient will be relaxed. The comprehensive program increases a person’s ability to hear and speak, improving their quality of life.
Treating Conducive Hearing Loss
Hearing loss caused by a head injury or a disease is the hardest to treat. These are known as conductive hearing loss. Each case is different, but the only treatment option is a surgical procedure for these cases. The goal of the surgery is to get rid of the underlying problem and allow the auditory system to work correctly.
Conclusion
Hearing loss is a common issue that affects millions of people every year. Fortunately, there are many treatment options to choose from. They are non-invasive and don’t require any form of surgery. If you’re suffering from hearing loss, you shouldn’t ignore it and speak to a hearing doctor as soon as possible.
If you’re looking for a hearing clinic in Massachusetts, Hear More Associates is the one for you! Our experienced audiologists will conduct hearing tests to ensure the best course of treatment, so we can guarantee that you’re in good hands. Contact us today for a consultation!
