Hearing Aids 101

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

For most first-time hearing aid users, knowing which questions to ask can be tricky. You also might be questioning which hearing aid you will need. For all the things you might be asking yourself, we’ve got your answers:

How does a hearing aid work?
The microphone in the aid picks up sound in the environment. Changes in the electric energy go to a set of amplifiers and adjusting circuits. The signal is then sent to a mini speaker and is delivered to the ear.

How can I recognize my hearing problems?
Typically, hearing loss can begin with pain or discomfort. Aside from visiting a specialist, here are a few questions you can ask yourself:

• Do I often ask people to repeat themselves?
• Do I have trouble following conversations with several people?
• Do I have difficulty hearing what is said unless directly facing the speaker?
• Do I prefer the TV volume to be louder than others favor?
• Do I experience ringing or buzzing in my ears?

What types of hearing aids are there?
There are three basic types of hearing aids, which vary in size, placement, and degree of amplification. Determining the best style depends on the severity of hearing loss. Types of aids include:

• Behind the Ear (BTE)
• In the Ear (ITE)
• In the Canal (ITC)

Find out how they all work differently.

At Florida ENT, we are committed to helping patients who suffer from hearing loss at all levels of severity. Utilizing the latest advances in medicine combined with the state-of-the-art techniques, our goal is to treat our patients with comfort and compassion. Our general and specialized services include:To learn more about the services we provide, please call us today at 407-944-3340 to schedule an appointment.

Hearing Aids

Florida Ear Nose Throat

Facial Plastic Surgery Center

877-EAR-NOSE

www.FloridaENT.com

Hearing aids are a common treatment option for those who are experiencing hearing loss. This non-invasive treatment is worn in or behind the ear to amplify sounds in order to improve listening and communication. It is important to know that hearing aids do not cure or improve hearing impairment, they simply increase the volume at which you hear. If your reception to sound is the problem, hearing aids may not be the resolution.

The three basic styles of hearing aids are:

Behind the Ear (BTE) - The BTE aid is worn behind the ear with a plastic mold placed inside the outer ear. Technology has advanced so the plastic mold can be switched out for a small plastic tube leading into the ear canal. This new BTE provides a clearer sound and also protects the device from wax buildup. Users include those with mild to profound hearing loss.

In the Ear (ITE) - The ITE aid is a smaller device that sits in the outer ear. These aids are not recommended for children because they can be outgrown easily. Users include those with mild to severe hearing loss.

In the Canal (ITC) - The ITC aid is the smallest of the three aids and will either fit partially in the canal or completely in the canal. Canal aids are worn by mostly those with mild to moderate hearing loss due to the limited space for batteries and attachments.

How they work:

Analog Hearing Aids - Sound waves are converted into electrical signals which are then amplified and transmitted to the ear. Analog aids can be altered and customized by the patient for different listening environments. They can be custom made for certain types of hearing loss and can be used in all styles of hearing aids.

Digital Hearing Aids - Sound waves are converted into numerical codes which are then amplified and transmitted to the ear. Digital aids are programmable to allow the user to focus on sounds coming from a certain direction. These aids are more expensive than the analog version.

If your specific hearing loss can be treated by the use of a hearing aid, then a hearing aid is a worthwhile investment. If you are considering purchasing a hearing aid, be sure to consult with your doctor beforehand. The doctors at Florida ENT specialize in hearing loss and can help in the process of designing the perfect hearing aid for you! For more information about hearing aids or hearing loss in general, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE today!