8 FAQs Answered by the Audiologists of a Hearing Aid Centre

What are the typical causes of hearing loss? 

Hearing loss can occur through many different causes, for example, exposure to loud noise, ageing or involvement in an accident. 

How do you know if you have hearing loss?

Hearing impairments can occur at any age and stage of life. It is not easy to notice the condition as it develops gradually. If you encounter any of the following signs, it is likely that you are developing hearing loss and should make an appointment with an audiologist. 

• Difficulties in keeping up with and listening to discussions often leave you exhausted 

• Often missing discussions or asking someone to repeat themselves

• The volume of TV and radio needs to be higher than usual

• The range of sounds that you notice in your environment reduces

What can you expect at your audiology appointment?

Audiology appointments usually take around 45-60 minutes. An audiologist tries to find out the reason for the hearing problem while evaluating the type and best solution. According to a well-known hearing aid centre in Kolkata, an audiology appointment involves a conversation to understand the cause, what you are experiencing and how it impacts you, and some simple hearing tests involving listening to sounds. If a hearing aid is the next step for you, your appointment may include a fitting.

What styles of hearing aids are used commonly?

There are various styles of hearing aids available to fit your requirements and improve your hearing. The three most typical hearing aid styles are:

Behind the ear (BTE)

These are appropriate for all ages and hearing issues due to their superior amplification abilities. BTE aids sit on top of or behind the outer ear. It has a tube that links to an earpiece that sits in your ear canal. 

In the ear (ITE)

These devices are fitted in a casing and comfortably fit on the outside of your ear. These hearing aids are customizable; therefore, they are extremely comfortable. 

In the canal (ITC)

This particular device sits within your ear canal and channels sound. These hearing aids are more discreet and completely customized to fit your ear canal.

What tests do you use to evaluate hearing? 

Our audiologists use several tests, depending on your age and the challenges you face. There are three types of hearing loss tests for children, including the otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test, auditory brain (ABR) test, and tympanometry. There are four types of tests for adults, including the tuning fork tests, speed and word recognition tests, acoustic reflex measures, and pure-tone tests.

When do you need to upgrade your hearing aids?

Hearing aids will need to be changed upon noticing the following signs

• Your machine is more than four years old 

• Your hearing is deteriorating 

• New tech is on the market 

Consult an audiologist before changing your hearing aid.

Will hearing aids make your hearing worse?

Hearing aids do not make your hearing worse. Initially, it may be a little discomforting, but your brain will soon adjust to the new sound levels. Hearing aids are safe to use and will not harm your ear canal as they are customized to fit perfectly.

Can lifestyle affect your hearing?

There are positive and negative lifestyle choices that can influence your hearing. For example, eating a healthy diet including fish, legumes, dark chocolate, etc., is known to boost the health of the ears. On the other hand, overly listening to loud music on headphones can harm your eardrums.

Contact Hearing Plus, a well-known hearing aid centre in Kolkata if you suffer from hearing loss.