There are many styles of hearing aids. The degree of the hearing loss, power and options requirements, manual dexterity abilities, cost factors, and cosmetic concerns are some of the factors that will determine the style the patient will use. The most common styles are listed below:
ITE: In-The-Ear units are probably the most comfortable, the least expensive and the easiest to operate. They are also the largest of the custom made styles.
ITC: In-The-Canal units are a little more expensive than ITEs. They require good dexterity to control the volume wheels and other controls on the faceplate, and they are smaller than ITEs.
MC: Mini-Canals are the size between ITC and CIC. A mini canal is a good choice when you desire the smallest possible hearing aid while still having manual control over the volume wheel and possibly other controls.
CIC: Completely-In-the-Canal units are the tiniest hearing aids made. They usually require a "removal string" due to their small size and the fact that they fit so deeply into the canal. CICs can be difficult to remove without the pull string. CICs do not usually have manual controls attached to them because they are too small.
BTE: Behind-The-Ear hearing aids are the largest hearing aids and they are very reliable. BTEs have the most circuit options and they can typically have much more power than any of the custom made in the ear units. BTEs are the units that "sit" on the back of your ear. They are connected to the ear canal via custom-made plastic tubing. The tubing is part of the earmold. The earmold is custom made from an ear impression to perfectly replicate the size and shape of your ear.
(from Advanced Hearing Solutions medical library)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Presbycusis: hearing loss due to age
Presbycusis is hearing loss associated with aging. Hearing loss with aging is very common. About 25% of people between age 65 and 74 and 50% of people over age 75 have hearing problems. Beginning at approximately age 40, progressive inner ear hair cell loss begins. This may consist of degeneration of part of the inner ear that senses hearing (Organ of Corti), loss of the inner ear nerves, degeneration of the blood supply to the inner ear, or stiffening of the inner ear membranes. All of these problems can cause hearing loss. Presbycusis usually affects both ears equally, is usually slowly progressive, and is worse in the high frequencies or pitches. In addition, the ability to understand speech clearly (discrimination) also worsens with advancing age. This may also be accompanied by tinnitus (ringing or noise) in the ears. Examination of the ears is usually normal. Unfortunately no medication or surgery can restore the hearing, but a hearing aid is usually beneficial.
symptoms of presbycusis
symptoms of presbycusis
- Ringing in the ears
- Both ears are affected
- Progressive hearing loss beginning late in life
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Protect Your Investment
Hearing loss is on the rise and the cure in most diagnoses is with well-fit hearing instruments. Protect that investment like an expensive pair of sunglasses. SOULEAR take-alongs were developed to provide compact, convenient and stylized cases.
The SOULEAR blog will provide you with product udpates and continually provide you with informative information in regards to the hearing and hearing aid industry. The following is information about hearing loss from Hear the Word.
Hear the World is an initiative by Phonak
aimed to raise awareness on the importance of hearing.
Causes and types of hearing loss
Hearing loss can result from an obstruction or damage in any of the three parts of the ear. Hearing loss resulting from a problem located in the outer or middle ear is called a conductive hearing loss. A hearing loss caused by a damaged inner ear is called sensorineural. This is the most common hearing loss. Should the loss be the result of a combination of these, this is known as a mixed hearing loss. The following causes are possible:
The outer ear
Typical problems include excessive accumulation of earwax and infection of the auditory canal
The middle ear
Perforation of the eardrum, infection and otosclerosis (a calcification around the stapes limiting its ability to move) are the most common causes. Many outer and middle ear problems can be treated successfully with medication or surgery. Should this not be the case, remaining hearing loss can usually be helped by using hearing instruments.
The inner ear
The majority of hearing problems result from damaged inner ear structures. Typical causes are the natural ageing process, excessive exposure to noise, medication that is toxic to the auditory system and head injuries. In such cases the tiny hair cells in the cochlea are damaged, obstructing the transfer of sound signals to the brain. As a rule this damage cannot be reversed medically. However, well-fitted hearing instruments can usually help a great deal to overcome the resulting problems.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the sensation of ringing or other sound in the head. It may occur in conjunction with a hearing loss. The causes of tinnitus are as varied as those of hearing loss and the cause may not be evident in the individual case.
information from www.hear-the-world.com
The SOULEAR blog will provide you with product udpates and continually provide you with informative information in regards to the hearing and hearing aid industry. The following is information about hearing loss from Hear the Word.
Hear the World is an initiative by Phonak
aimed to raise awareness on the importance of hearing.
Causes and types of hearing loss
Hearing loss can result from an obstruction or damage in any of the three parts of the ear. Hearing loss resulting from a problem located in the outer or middle ear is called a conductive hearing loss. A hearing loss caused by a damaged inner ear is called sensorineural. This is the most common hearing loss. Should the loss be the result of a combination of these, this is known as a mixed hearing loss. The following causes are possible:
The outer ear
Typical problems include excessive accumulation of earwax and infection of the auditory canal
The middle ear
Perforation of the eardrum, infection and otosclerosis (a calcification around the stapes limiting its ability to move) are the most common causes. Many outer and middle ear problems can be treated successfully with medication or surgery. Should this not be the case, remaining hearing loss can usually be helped by using hearing instruments.
The inner ear
The majority of hearing problems result from damaged inner ear structures. Typical causes are the natural ageing process, excessive exposure to noise, medication that is toxic to the auditory system and head injuries. In such cases the tiny hair cells in the cochlea are damaged, obstructing the transfer of sound signals to the brain. As a rule this damage cannot be reversed medically. However, well-fitted hearing instruments can usually help a great deal to overcome the resulting problems.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the sensation of ringing or other sound in the head. It may occur in conjunction with a hearing loss. The causes of tinnitus are as varied as those of hearing loss and the cause may not be evident in the individual case.
information from www.hear-the-world.com
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