Frequently Asked Questions
Your Hearing
QUESTION: Does having repeated infections of the middle ear
cause hearing loss right away or does it happen over time? Can
the
eardrum heal without causing hearing loss?
ANSWER:
Middle ear infection, called otitis media, is a result of the formation
of fluid from the middle ear lining. The severity will vary. The
loss is usually temporary, but may become permanent and pose a serious
health threat without medical treatment. Middle ear infections may
result from allergies, head colds, inflamed tonsils and adenoids,
blocked Eustachian tubes, sore throats or other viruses. If you
suspect an ear infection it is always wise to seek medical attention.
Sometimes a torn eardrum will heal naturally. If the rupture is
more extensive, surgery may be required. The extent of hearing loss
depends upon how large the rupture is. Always seek medical attention.
QUESTION: What is involved in a hearing test? Would I have to
go to a hospital?
ANSWER:
A routine hearing test done in our office involves listening
to some tones as well as some words. The objective is to find out
the quietest volume level that you can hear tones and words
at.
The test takes place in a sound-proof room, takes around 30 minutes
to complete and is detailed enough to determine if hearing
aids
are in order or not. You don't need to go to a hospital for this
test, rather you can book the appointment yourself with a hearing
healthcare provider. Some hearing healthcare providers will
even provide you with
a free coffee while they explain the results and their effects
on your hearing!
QUESTION: I have a hearing loss in both ears. Do I have to wear
two hearing aids or is one hearing aid enough?
ANSWER:
When there is a hearing loss in both ears you will do better with
two hearing aids. We were born with two ears and the brain
is set
up to receive sound equally from both sides. If one ear hears better,
the brain will still assume that both ears are functioning
normally.
The result is you will lose your ability to accurately tell where
sounds are coming from, for the brain assumes that the first
ear
to hear it is the side it's on. You need direction of sound to
hear and understand better in background noise. People who
wear
two hearing
aids have also reported a better sound quality than with just one
and they do not need to use as much volume. Science and technological
research also points convincingly that most people with hearing
loss in two ears greatly benefit from hearing aids on both
sides.
QUESTION:: I am a musician and am suffering from hearing loss.
Are there hearing aids available that will allow me to listen to
the music without the loudness?
ANSWER:
Most hearing aids available these days have some kind of circuitry
to control how loud they get. Often, the maximum output is adjustable.
A
consideration for listening to music is digital circuitry. The newer
digital circuits reproduce a greater frequency range (they go to
higher tines) than analogue circuits, an improvement that is appreciated
by the music listener.
Some
hearing aids are available with multiple programs so that you can
switch back and forth between settings for speech and settings for
music,
QUESTION:
Will I be able to hear normally with hearing aids?
ANSWER:
Hearing "normally" is a very subjective term. You must
remember that we are still dealing with a damaged hearing system;
we haven't "cured" anything. Having realistic expectations
about what hearing aids will do for your particular hearing loss
is very important to discuss with your audiologist. Today there
are many different types of hearing aid technologies and styles
to choose from and each will have a different benefit for certain
hearing losses. It is important that you investigate these choices
and, with the help of your audiologist, find the right hearing aid
for you.
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