Selecting the Right Hearing Aid Based on Your Needs

The Cause and Degree of Hearing Loss Dictate When Hearing Aids are Required

It is commonly accepted that eye glasses are a medical aid that assist in improving one’s vision. Because it is also generally known that there are different types and degrees of visual impairment, those who require such assistance with their vision are also accepting of the fact that an eye test is needed to generate a prescription from which their lenses will be specially-made just for them.

In a parallel fashion, hearing aids are medical devices that can improve one’s ability to perceive sounds and comprehend speech; in other words, they help people hear better. Perhaps less universally understood about hearing aids is the fact that there are different types and degrees of hearing loss, and that a hearing test will generate the information needed to create devices that are specific to their hearing impairment.

Fundamentally, hearing loss results when either of the following occurs:

• Damage to the inner ear or cochlea
  • Most common causes are aging, repeated exposure to loud noises, or genetics
  • Treatment options include hearing aids and cochlear implants
• Sound is not being adequately conducted
  • Causes include middle ear fluid/infection, perforated eardrums, impacted earwax
  • Treatment may involve hearing aids, antibiotics, or surgical intervention (tubes)

It should also be noted that mixed hearing loss, i.e. inner ear damage plus conductivity issues in middle ear, is also a possibility. In such circumstances, treating the conduction problem or problems is prioritized and hearing aids may be the optimal solution/remedy.

Further to identifying the underlying cause of the hearing loss, the results of a hearing test will also determine the extent/degree of the loss. This in turn will essentially dictate the preferred course of therapy, including the range for which hearing aids will be most appropriate:

• Minimal – low or distant speech could be an issue
• Mild – visual cues are needed to help with hearing
• Moderate – hearing aids will likely be required
• Moderate Severe – hearing aids will be required
• Severe – need hearing aids and/or a frequency modulation system
• Profound – candidate for cochlear implants

For those who require hearing aids, selecting the right type of device will be influenced by matters of comfort and medically-related factors. These may consist of the following:

• Degree of hearing loss
• Lifestyle needs/preferences
• Issues with manual dexterity
• Comfort with advanced technologies
• Budget concerns and insurance coverage

On the subject of personal comfort, hearing aids may be worn in several different ways, including:

• Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
• In-The-Ear (ITE)
• In-The-Canal (ITC)
• Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)
• Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
• Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

As outlined above, there are indeed a number of variables that must be considered when deciding on the right hearing aids to meet the needs/preferences of an individual patient. Due to the critical importance of selecting the best option to achieve optimal comfort and results, it is highly advisable to consult with a hearing instrument professional, such as a specialist from Bravo Hearing Centre in Etobicoke.

Bernafon Hearing Aids Provide Premium Functionality and Patient Convenience

The hearing aid specialists at Bravo Hearing Centre are well versed in the differential advantages and potential limitations of the lines of hearing aids and accessories available from leading manufacturers worldwide. They will confidently and competently present and recommend the option or options most suitable for an individual patient, and ensure the proper fit and function of the hearing aids that are ultimately chosen.

One of the product lines available from Bravo Hearing Centre that is quickly growing in popularity are the Bernafon hearing aids. Bernafon is a Swiss-based manufacturer with a reputation for producing quality hearing aids that replicate sound as authentically as possible.

Through their state-of-the-art technology, discreet design, and easy-to-use accessories, Bernafon hearing aids offer the distinctive combination of premium functionality and patient convenience in delivering a satisfying and first-class hearing experience for those who wear these devices.

If you or a family member now requires the use of hearing aids, call the hearing aid specialists at Bravo Hearing Centre today at 647-694-4626 to book a complimentary consultation on the available options, including the range of products from Bernafon.