Frequently Asked Questions

Hearing loss happens when there is a decline in the sensitivity to the sounds within the threshold of normal hearing (25dB or better in both ears).
Several causes can lead to hearing loss such as excessive noise, aging, genetics, certain infectious diseases, complications at birth, chronic ear infections, and the use of ototoxic drugs.
Knowing what the early signs are can help you identify if you, a friend, or a family member has hearing loss. The signs include difficultly hearing speech in noisy situation, trouble hearing children and women, muffled hearing, listening to TV or radio at a high volume, and more. Read More
Hearing loss can be categorized into three basic types, depending on the damaged part of the auditory system is damaged: -Conductive hearing loss -Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) -Mixed hearing loss. Read More
Untreated hearing loss can cause depression, social isolation, and is associated with a higher risk for cognitive problems. Read More
Whether the hearing loss is temporary or reversible, treatment options usually depend on the cause of hearing loss. In permanent hearing loss, hearing devices can be used to improve how well the person hears and communicates. Read More
A hearing Instrument is an electronic, battery-operated device that amplifies and changes sound to allow for improved communication. Hearing instruments receive sound through a microphone, which then converts the sound waves to electric signals. The amplifier increases the loudness of the signals and then sends the sound to the ear through a speaker.
In general, there are 4 basic styles of hearing aids depending on where the instrument is worn: Behind the Ear (BTE), In the Ear (ITE), In the Canal (ITC), Completely in the Canal (CIC).
Using hearing instruments successfully takes time and patience. Hearing instruments will not restore normal hearing or eliminate background noise. Adjusting to a hearing instrument is a gradual process that involves learning to listen in a variety of environments and becoming accustomed to hearing different sounds. Try to become familiar with hearing instruments under non-stressful circumstances for several hours at a time.
The following suggestions will help you care for your hearing instruments: -Keep hearing instruments away from heat and moisture. -Replace dead batteries immediately. -Clean hearing instruments as instructed. -Do not use hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing instruments. -Turn off hearing instruments when they are not in use. -Keep replacement batteries and small instruments away from children and pets.
Hearing aids amplify sound, but they cannot heal or fix hearing.
If you have hearing loss in both of your ears, it is better to use a hearing aid for each one. Hearing through both ears increases the chances for understanding the speech, as well as helps pinpoint where the sounds are coming from.