FAQ

Answers to your hearing related questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your hearing health is an important part of your well-being, so it’s natural that you have questions about hearing loss and hearing aids. Below are some questions our patients frequently ask us. If you have a question you don’t see answered here, please contact us. We would be happy to answer your questions and to schedule you for an appointment.

Are there different degrees of hearing loss?

Yes, there are several different degrees of hearing loss. When deciding which hearing aids will best help you, we must look at the severity of your hearing loss. Hearing loss is categorized as mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, and profound. No matter what degree of hearing loss you have, we can help you.

Are there different kinds of hearing loss?

There are three types of hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss is when sound can’t travel from the outer ear to the inner ear. This is usually due to a build-up of earwax, trauma to the ear, or because of an ear infection. Conductive hearing loss can be successfully corrected with antibiotics or surgery.

Sensorineural hearing loss is when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or within the hearing nerve. This type of hearing loss is often due to genetics, age, noise exposure, medication, or disease. Sensorineural hearing loss responds well to hearing aids.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. This can happen if someone has sensorineural hearing loss due to genetics in which they would wear hearing aids for amplification and clarity; and they may have a build-up of earwax which can be removed to correct the conductive portion.

How long do hearing aids last?

On average, hearing aids will last 3-7 years. When properly cared for, your hearing aids can last you for many years. It’s important to bring your devices in for regular cleanings every six months, as well as store them in a safe, dry place when you’re not using them. Although hearing aids will last you for many years, many patients like to upgrade their devices every 3-5 years in order to take advantage of the new technology.

How do I take care of my hearing aids?

In order to ensure your hearing aids last you for a long time it’s important to take good care of them. The best way to care for your hearing aids is to bring them in for regular maintenance checks. In addition to bringing them into one of our offices, you should also be sure to clean your hearing aids every time you take them out of your ears. Simply wipe them down with a dry cloth to remove any excess earwax or debris. Also be sure to store your hearing aids in a dry safe space away from young children or pets.

Is there treatment for tinnitus?

Although there is not one known cure for tinnitus, there are many treatment options that will help alleviate the ringing in your ears. Hearing aids are a great option for patients who experience tinnitus as well as hearing loss. Hearing aids can amplify external sounds which mask the tinnitus. We also carry hearing aids with a tinnitus masking feature which can play ambient noise or music to soothe tinnitus.

Will my hearing get worse if I don’t get hearing aids?

If left untreated, your hearing can continue to worsen. It’s important to manage hearing loss with hearing aids right away to prevent any further deterioration of your hearing ability and speech comprehension. Hearing aids will slow down the rate at which your hearing deteriorates and will keep your brain active and healthy.

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