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If you suffer from a
hearing impairment like millions of
others , you may consider buying a hearing
aid. Before you do, determine whether a
hearing aid will work for you and what to
look for when shopping for one.
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How does a hearing
aid work?
A hearing aid is an
electronic device with a small microphone
that amplifies weak sounds through a small
speaker. You must have some ability to hear
for the device to work. And because hearing
loss affects people in different ways, you
need to get the right device for you. Hearing
Care offers several types of aids to fit
your needs and budget. We offer the latest,
most advanced digital programmable aids that
use modern computerized digital signal
processing to enhance your hearing in a wide
variety of sound situations. These also
include "invisible" hearing aids,
that is, hearing aids that fit completely
within the ear canal so they are not seen
even when someone is looking directly at
your ear!
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Why do people lose
their hearing?
Medically, there are
two major types of hearing loss. Conductive
hearing loss involves the outer and middle
ear. It usually results from a wax blockage,
a punctured eardrum, birth defects, ear
infections, or it may be genetic. Conductive
hearing loss generally can be corrected
surgically.
Sensorineural—or
"nerve"—hearing loss involves
damage to the inner ear. It can be caused by
aging, prenatal and birth-related problems,
viral and bacterial infections, genetics,
trauma (such as a severe blow to the head),
exposure to loud noises, the use of certain
drugs, or fluid buildup or a benign tumor in
the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss
usually can't be repaired surgically; it's
usually corrected with a hearing aid.
Types of Hearing
Aids
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Behind
The Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
- traditional hearing aids with large,
easy to use controls, work best for
many types of hearing loss
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In
The Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
- used for mild to severe losses, all
components fit contained in a single
housing that fits inside the outer ear
canal
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In
The Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids-
used for mild to moderate losses,
smaller controls, all components fit
in to one housingless visible than ITE
hearing aids.
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Completely
In Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids-
mild to moderate losses, no user
adjustable controls,
"invisible" hearing aid,
requires straight ear canal
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How can I tell
whether I need a hearing aid?
A board-certified and
licensed ear specialist will perform a
detailed medical examination to determine
the cause and degree of hearing loss. Our
licensed hearing aid audiologist
will also conduct a detailed hearing test.
These examinations will insure that there
are no underlying illnesses or medical
problems associated with the hearing loss:
sometimes a hearing loss can be a symptom of
a medical condition. As a result, you'll
want to be wary of advertisements for
hearing aids that dismiss the need for an
examination—the distributor may be selling
inadequate products. In addition, don't feel
pressured into buying a hearing aid—ask
for more information or a second opinion.
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