Resources
We’re here for you through every phase of your hearing journey; and we’re committed to making every step as easy as possible. Whether you’re looking for hearing information or prepping for your first appointment, this page has you covered.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid
Today’s hearing aids are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes and shapes. They may be worn in the ear canal, the bowl-shaped portion (concha) of the ear, or behind the ear. Digital technology has led to an impressive assortment of features and options that help improve the listening experience.
Tips for Choosing a Hearing Aid
There are many different factors to consider when choosing the right hearing aid. You’ll need to consider the type and frequency of your hearing loss, the anatomy of your ears, your lifestyle needs, cosmetic preference and budget.
While choosing the right hearing aid can feel daunting, by following a few tips you should be able to narrow down your choices and make a decision more easily. When choosing hearing aids, it will be helpful to adhere to these suggestions:
Act sooner rather than later
On average, it takes a person seven years to purchase hearing aids after developing hearing loss. In that time, their hearing has only gotten worse. The sooner you commit to wearing hearing aids, the more successful your outcome will be.
Schedule a hearing exam
You won’t be able to select a proper set of hearing aids if you’re doing so because other people appear to mumble when they speak. A full hearing evaluation is necessary in order to determine the type and severity of your hearing loss and which frequencies are affected. Your audiologist can then recommend hearing aids that address these specific issues.
Enlist the aid of an audiologist
You might find a good deal on hearing aids online or through a big box retail store, but purchasing without the assistance of an experienced hearing professional can cause more harm than good. An audiologist is able to determine your type of hearing loss and will help you select a device that will be beneficial to your needs. In addition, you’ll receive the follow-up care necessary to ensure your hearing aids are working to the best of their capabilities. “Doing it yourself” could result in your overlooking a serious medical problem that is causing your hearing loss.
Try before you buy
Before committing to a purchase, your audiologist will let you try out your hearing aids. It’s important to give them a “test ride” to learn how they work and to experience for yourself the difference they make.
Decide on features, options and accessories
Hearing aids come with many different features and options; some will be beneficial, while others you probably won’t care about. For instance, if you rarely surf the web or listen to music, Bluetooth compatibility – while a great feature – will be of little use to you. On the other hand, if you are exposed to many different listening environments, automatic programming will save you a lot of time and trouble.Our audiologists are here to help you figure out what is important to you (and fits within your budget), and base your decision on that.
Protecting Your Hearing
Protecting your hearing is the best way to prevent hearing loss from occurring. There are some forms that can’t be prevented (hearing loss related to aging or hereditary factors, for instance). But taking steps to prevent hearing loss from other factors can be accomplished by following a few tips.
Protecting Your Hearing from Noise Exposure
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common causes of hearing losses. Fortunately, doing the following can prevent this type from occurring:
- Wear hearing protection any time you will be exposed to loud noise for extended periods of time, whether recreationally or on the job. Over-the-counter earplugs are fine, but custom earplugs molded to the contours of your ears and designed for specific activities are even better.
- Limit the volume when listening to music through headphones or earbuds. Keep it down when watching television, as well.
- Look for products with low decibel ratings.
Protecting Your Hearing from Diseases
Many viral and bacterial diseases can damage your hearing. Measles, mumps, whooping cough, rubella, meningitis and syphilis are a few examples. Benign tumors known as acoustic neuromas can also cause hearing loss. The following can aid in prevention.
- Keep your child’s vaccinations current. Immunizations offer proven protection from many conditions that can lead to hearing loss.
- If sexually activity, use protection to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you are seriously ill.
Protecting Your Hearing from Ototoxic Drugs
Certain medications are toxic to hearing. Some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, salicylate pain relievers, quinine and diuretics can damage the nerve cells in the cochlea. When taking drugs, follow these rules:
- Always take medications as directed.
- If you experience any adverse side effects while taking new medications, alert your doctor immediately.
Protecting Your Ears from Accidents and Injury
Trauma from accidents can damage the temporal bones in your skull, causing permanent hearing loss. The following tips will help prevent injury:
- Always wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a car.
- Wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, or playing contact sports (football, baseball, hockey).
- Be aware of the danger associated with certain activities, such as standing on the top rung of a ladder. Do not take unnecessary risks.
Schedule With Us
Ready to take your hearing health into your own hands? Call our office today to schedule a visit with one of our hearing care professionals. With a variety of hearing technology available, we’ll find the right fit for you!