Is your child experiencing hearing loss? Just ask your Pittsfield, MA, doctor.
The reasons behind hearing loss vary in their causes and manifestations, and happens to people of all ages. It is important to understand how hearing works before discussing causes and treatments for hearing loss though.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss (according to the CDC):
-
Isn't startled from loud noises and does't turn to the source of a sound after 6 months of age
-
Delayed, or unclear speech
-
Does not follow directions, or respond to their name, which is mistaken for not paying attention, or just ignoring
-
Hears some sounds but not others, and turns TV volume up too high
Your Pittsfield doctor determines the best course of action by conducting comprehensive hearing evaluations, such as tinnitus evaluations, hearing aid fittings (a time to orient to new hearing aid), hearing aid checks (usually scheduled every six months), and hearing aid evaluations to ask questions and discuss expectations.
Hearing aids are designed to improve hearing. The goal of amplifying sounds at specific frequencies where there's hearing loss can improve overall quality of life, such as the listening environment, especially when you're placed in a noisy place. Hearing aids amplify sound to make speech more intelligible, ease communication so it's less tiring, and preserve nerve networks in the brain.
Types of Hearing Aids:
There is a variety of hearing aids that are rechargeable, have android and i-phone compatibility, automated programming to ease use, discreet, remote programming and suitable for patients with an active, casual, and/or quiet lifestyle.
Here are a few:
- Behind-the-ear: a hearing aid held that sits behind the ear.
- Receiver-in-canal: a hearing aid speaker that sits inside the ear canal with an electric wire that reduces audio distortion.
- Middle ear implant: a system implanted behind the eardrum There are multiple hearing aids.
- In-the-canal: a hearing aid that fits either partially or fully into the ear canal to reduce visibility.
- In-the-ear: a hearing aid held that covers the outer portion of the ear.
- Extended wear: a hearing aid placed worn for months inside the ear canal without being removed.
Hearing loss is difficult to deal with, but you don't have to be alone. The doctor at Pittsfield, MA, can help you deal with your hearing loss dilemmas and improve your way of life by offering different types of hearing aids.