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Losing our ability to hear is as scary as losing other basic senses. However, compared to other impairments, hearing loss may manifest itself slower than others—starting with signs of hearing softer sounds. The primary instinct of people when they first notice hearing less than usual is to seek medical help. But when do people with hearing difficulties need hearing aids? Here are some clues.
People should go after a medical examination at the first sign of hearing loss. In most cases, a few tests are enough to determine the type of hearing impairment. For example, a simple hearing test will highlight a soft hearing problem. Other tests include pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry. However, in some cases, hearing tests are not enough.
Audiologists may request or recommend a more in-depth hearing examination for people with noise-induced hearing loss, hearing loss in children, and hearing loss associated with neurological disorders. They may also request a more thorough test for people with systemic diseases, specific medications, infestations, or injuries in extreme cases.
However, some people incorrectly identify the first symptoms of hearing loss. And as a result, they don’t seek medical help. When do people need hearing aids? When people notice a diminished ability to hear soft sounds in a noisy environment, they may need hearing aids.
There are several types of hearing loss. The most common ones are conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Conductive hearing loss results from any mechanical or physical issues with the outer or middle ear. Therefore, people who have a lot of earwax or fluid in the middle ear may need to wear a hearing aid.
Meanwhile, sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. It is the type of hearing loss that is the most common one. Also, it is the one that tends to progress further compared to the other hearing loss types. Lastly, mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Therefore, a hearing aid may be helpful for people with mixed hearing loss.
Choosing a hearing aid is not an easy task. It is instead a complex process. It requires a good deal of time to find the lowest prices on hearing aids and pick the best brand. So, here are some steps you might want to consider to help you in this process.
Hearing aids come in a wide range of prices. So, before anything, you must set a maximum budget for yourself. Sometimes, people find it challenging to establish that limit. However, it is essential to develop a realistic budget to avoid financial struggles in the future.
Some people are lucky to have private insurance that covers the costs of buying a hearing aid. However, others need to check their insurance policies to see if their plan covers the cost of hearing aids.
Choosing an audiologist is an essential part of the process. You might have to go for several consultations with different audiologists before finding the one you like. You should take your time to find the perfect one for you.
You know what fits you best by trying a hearing aid. For this reason, audiologists offer you a chance to try on a few models before purchasing one.
When people are aware of their hearing problems, they need to seek medical help. In some cases, a hearing test is enough to solve their hearing loss. However, some people might need to undergo other tests to confirm hearing impairment. In general, several signs might determine the need to use hearing aids. The level of hearing loss should evaluate the need to wear a hearing aid.
Fraser Valley Beltone is a hearing clinic located in Abbotsford. Our goal is to help patients experiencing hearing difficulties to become audible again by providing state-of-the-art tests and solutions. Get the Beltone free hearing test today and meet with our in-house hearing practitioner right away.