What are the causes for hearing loss?

Hearing impairment or hearing loss is actually quite common; it has been reported by the NIH National Institutes of Health, that about 1/3 of all Americans ages 65 to 75 suffer some degree of hearing  loss.  Hearing loss also differs in many respects, with some unable to detect certain frequencies and others unable to detect certain low-amplitude (loudness) sounds.  In general, heredity, genetics, and age are the primary determining factors in some cases of hearing loss, while in other cases chronic exposure to high amplitude or loud noises have been the culprit.  The different types of hearing loss are conductive, sensorineural, noise-induced, genetic, disease- or illness-induced, medication induced, due to exposure to ototoxic chemicals, and induced by physical trauma; and we’ll go over the causes and characteristics of some of the major ones.

In order for the brain to interpret sounds, that sound has to be transmitted and conducted through the other ear then the middle ear to be picked up by the vestibulocochlear nerve.  With conductive hearing impairments or hearing loss, there is some abnormality or obstruction that impedes this transmission of sounds.  In most cases of conductive hearing loss, the sound discrimination is still fine, as long as the sound amplitude is high enough and conducted enough to be interpreted.  Different areas of conductive hearing loss include:

• obstruction in the ear canal
• problems in the middle ear such as the ossicles or tympanic membrane
• problems in the inner ear such as in superior canal dehiscence syndrome
• severe conductive hearing loss caused by otosclerosis

The other major category of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss, in which there is impairment in the sensitivity of some part of the ear to detect sound (inner ear, cochlea, or nervous system).  Most cases of sensorineural hearing loss is attributed to problems with the hair cells of the organ of Corti in the cochlea.  In these cases, the hair cells which are abnormal may be congenital or may become damaged during life through physical trauma or noise trauma.  Rarer cases of sensorineural hearing loss are due to problems with the brain or the 8th cranial nerve responsible for hearing.

How do hearing aids and hearing devices help with hearing loss?

Hearing aids and devices generally help with problems of hearing loss by amplifying and modulating sounds.  Hearing aids and hearing devices come in many forms which may fit inside the ear, around ear, or even implanted to be anchored to a bone inside the ear.

What are different types of hearing devices and hearing aids?

The different types of hearing aids and hearing devices are:

• body worn
• behind the ear
• in the ear
• receiver in the ear
• in the canal
• extended wear
• disposable
• bone anchored

When are hearing aids ineffective in helping with hearing loss?

Since hearing aids and hearing devices simplify amplify and modify sound inputs, they are ineffective in cases where the hearing loss comes from a loss of function of central nervous system and brain cells to interpret signals or when hair cells in the inner ear are damaged in sensorineural hearing loss.  In these cases where the body becomes unable to discriminate or interpret sound signals, the sound amplification provided by hearing devices are ineffective.

What is the best way to pick a hearing aid or hearing device?

The best starting place is to talk to your doctor, who will have the most experience with choosing a brand and model to help meet your hearing loss needs, budget, and requirements.  Your doctor will be able to recommend some popular models of hearing aids that have proven to be effective for other patients of his.  Also, remember to do followup visits with your doctor once you have received your hearing device so that you can verify that the device is working correctly and helping your hearing.  You may also want to speak with friends and family who have used hearing aids in the past to get their experiences with certain brands and models and get their recommendations.

How do I get the best price for a hearing aid or hearing device?

Although price is probably a less important consideration than picking a hearing device that amplifies the sounds and improves your quality of life, the price for the hearing aid is still a very important consideration.  Our best suggestion for getting the best price once you have picked some hearing aid model that suits your needs is to shop around, especially online.  Look at different online stores and retailers and compare prices for the hearing aid.  Look for special deals such as price matches, coupons, low price guarantees, battery specials, and free shipping deals for your hearing device.  Use our directory to find trusted information sites and retailers of hearing devices and make your best choices.

Are there other considerations for choosing a hearing aid model or hearing device retailer?

Other considerations for choosing your hearing aid and a retailing outlet include the customer service and guarantees for the retailer.  You will want to choose a good company with solid customer service record and good return policy and satisfaction guarantees.  You will also want to consider the ease of maintenance, ease of getting service, and ease of changing batteries for the model of hearing aid you choose.