Hearing aids

Approximately 33% of the population over 65 years of age suffers from hearing loss. Hearing loss is among the 3 most common diseases in older adults. However, hearing loss is not a situation that only older adults experience. Studies show that 3 out of every 1000 children are born with a hearing loss. Approximately 37% of children with hearing loss fail at least one grade, and 7% of adults between the ages of 29 and 40 have some degree of hearing loss.
The hearing loss not treated in time in young people and adults has negative repercussions in their professional life, causing the loss of jobs and opportunities for job growth.
Hearing aids are one of the most widely used methods for the treatment of hearing loss. They are composed of an electronic sound amplification system covered by a plastic casing. Amplify the sounds so that the person can hear well.
The damage to the inner ear cell is irreversible and permanent. Among the main causes of hearing losses are:

  • Prolonged exposure to noise

  • Aging

  • Ototoxic drugs

  • Trauma

  • Infections

  • otosclerosis


What is a hearing test?
To carry out a complete assessment of the hearing, it is necessary to perform specific tests. Among these tests are: audiometry and logoaudiometry, which are complemented with information collected in the clinical history. Each of the elements of the hearing study is important to be able to select the appropriate hearing aid that will provide the greatest benefit to the patient.

How to solve a hearing problem?
The hearing aids are adapted to the specific needs of each person, in the vast majority of cases they are the best solution for a hearing problem. The hearing aids are made to measure and adapted digitally, which allows us to precisely program multiple parameters, thus providing a greater degree of flexibility and comfort.
To select the ideal hearing aid, the following four factors must be taken into account:
Type of hearing loss
There are three types of hearing loss:

  1. Conductive hearing loss: It is a loss of hearing that occurs when there is a blockage for the sound to pass from the outer ear to the inner ear.

  2. Sensorineural hearing loss: It is the loss of hearing that occurs when there is an alteration in the functioning of the inner ear and / or the auditory nerve.

  3. Mixed hearing loss it is the loss of hearing due to a conductive hearing loss as well as a sensorineural loss.


Hearing aids are a successful treatment for any type of hearing loss, however, in some cases it is important to go before a specialist doctor, to ensure that this is the only solution to the hearing problem.
Degree of hearing loss
The degree of hearing loss refers to a person's hearing level and they divide hearing losses into mild, moderate, severe and profound. Depending on how much volume is needed to amplify the sounds, the specialist will select the type of hearing device that best suits your needs.
Physical abilities
Another element to consider is the physical abilities of the user, the devices are very small, and some people will have difficulties in handling them and their parts, so they should evaluate different aspects that will be decisive in the recommendation and selection of the type and model.
Lifestyle.
The lifestyle can vary a lot from one person to another and with it their needs to listen well in different situations that require greater demand. As different levels of technology are available, the user and the family must know exactly what they need and what they can expect from the selected hearing aid.
Advantages of the use of hearing aids

  • Your hearing will improve and you will be able to communicate more easily.

  • You will feel more comfortable in social situations.

  • You will not try so hard to listen to other people.

  • Will be able to hear and understand conversations better when there is background noise.

  • Your own voice will sound more natural.

  • You can have better job opportunities whether you are employed or looking for a job.

  • Will be able to better appreciate the music.

  • Your hearing loss will not be as obvious to other people.


What can’t be expected from hearing aids?

  • Hearing aids will not completely restore the hearing level before the loss, but you can hear well.

  • Hearing aids will not eliminate all background noise; however, the latest technologies have greatly reduced this problem.

  • Hearing aids can’t prevent hearing loss with the passage of time.

  • Hearing aids do not cure physical hearing loss, but they help to listen and communicate better.