Do You Need Hearing Aids For Mild Hearing Loss

Youve Suffered A Head Injury Or Accident

Sudden and violent head injuries, such as those resulting from car accidents or blows to the head, can result in hearing loss. Internal trauma can damage auditory pathways to the brain, which affects the way sound is received. The brain can be good at compensating for this kind of injury, but a hearing test can help you understand if a head injury has resulted in hearing loss.

Criteria For Considering Studies For This Review

Types of studies

We included randomised controlled trials and used the first treatment period of crossover trials provided the study reporting permitted, where the unit of analysis was the individual participant.

Types of participants

Adults who have mild to moderate hearing loss. For inclusion, hearing loss of participants had to be either described qualitatively as ‘mild’ and/or ‘moderate’, or the study group had to be quantitatively defined as having an average puretone threshold within the mild or moderate ranges of hearing loss as defined by the WHO . Here, an average puretone threshold is defined as the mean of at least two octave frequencies up to and including 4 kHz.

Types of interventions

Acoustic hearing aids, irrespective of where they are worn or the type of technology .

We excluded hearing aids or implantable devices whose primary purpose is to deliver bone conduction sound or those that detect and deliver sound via air conduction to the contralateral ear.

The comparisons of interest were hearing aids versus either a passive control or an active control that involved:

• information/education only, listening tactics and communication training

• assistive listening devices or

• auditory training .

We did not consider studies where the intervention was delivered in a group setting.

Types of outcome measures

Primary outcomes

For example, if both the HHIE and QDS were included in one study, we would use only the HHIE in any metaanalysis.

Secondary outcomes

Taking Care Of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids need to be kept dry. Methods for cleaning hearing aids vary depending on the style and shape. Other tips for taking care of hearing aids include:

• Keep the hearing aids away from heat and moisture.

• Batteries should be replaced on a regular basis.

• Avoid the use of hairspray and other hair products when the hearing aid is in place.

• Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.

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Why Can I Hear People But Not Understand Them

A common type of hearing loss is one in which people have normal or nearly normal hearing in the low-and mid-pitched sounds, such as vowels, but have hearing loss in the range we hear high-pitched sounds, such as consonants.

Vowels such as o, ooh, ah, a, e have most of their energy in the lower pitches or frequencies and are easy to hear. The higher pitch consonant sounds such as s, sh, f, th and tend to be softer and harder to hear. Yet, it is the high pitched consonant sounds that are most critical for speech clarity and understanding.

In normal conversation, speech might sound loud enough but lacks clarity so your ability to understand what is said is compromised. This problem is more noticeable when you are listening in background noise or when there is greater distance between you and the talker.

Signia Hearing Aids Pros And Cons

Pros

• Signia offers a unique app that connects customers directly to their hearing specialist for assistance. It also allows customers to adjust hearing aid settings with their smartphone and find support through an AI-powered Signia Assistant.
• The brand uses long-lasting rechargeable lithium-ion technology, making it a good option for those with decreased hand dexterity who dont want to replace small hearing aid batteries frequently.
• Innovative contactless and on-the-go charging options.
• Consumers say that despite their small size, Signia hearing aids boast excellent sound quality.
• Signia hearing aids come in a range of models, colors, sizes, and various types including: in-the-canal , receiver-in-canal , completely-in-canal , behind-the-ears , in-the-ear .
• Signia hearing aids offer built-in Notch Therapy, which can help eliminate the sounds of tinnitus , allowing you to hear important sounds and conversations. They also feature a tinnitus noisier function that you can use for ocean wave and static noise therapy.

Cons

• Certain models connect to a smartphone app, a potential issue for those who dont own a smartphone or arent tech savvy.
• There are mixed reviews on Signias customer service support and some users found the app difficult to use.
• Signia hearing aids are not available online. To purchase a Signia hearing aid, you must go through an audiologist or other hearing professional.

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Thats One Small Step For Man

Hearing aid technology has improved significantly over the last decade. The most noticeable change makes them so small theyre almost invisible to others! But if you want to take advantage of these discreet hearing aids, you have to act sooner rather than later! More severe hearing loss may require the use of larger devices.

But small size isnt the only cool, new feature for hearing aids! Here are a few more technological advancements worth mentioning:

With Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream high-quality audio from your smartphone, TV, computer even new smart doorbells directly to your hearing aid! And, probably the coolest part, Bluetooth allows for

Smartphone app control! Now you can control your hearing aid settings directly from your smartphone no need to fiddle around with tiny buttons on your hearing aid or trek to the doctor for minor adjustments!

Rechargeable hearing aids are quickly becoming very popular! Instead of constantly struggling to change those tiny hearing aid batteries, rechargeable hearing aids allow you to easily recharge the batteries while you sleep, so theyre always ready to work for you in the morning.

If you think these features would help you hear better and stay connected to your loved ones, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to enjoy life. After all, we arent getting any younger!

Not sure if you have hearing loss? Check out this article to help you identify the first signs of mild hearing loss. .

Signia Pure Charge& go Ax

Signia Pure Charge& Go AX

• Cost: Around $3,160 per pair. Prices vary depending on your provider and location.
• Type of Hearing Aid: RIC
• Type of Hearing Loss: Mild to Profound
• Rechargeable Battery: Yes
• Bluetooth Streaming: Yes

The Signia Pure Charge& Go AX models are the first hearing aids to offer two processors that simultaneously process speech and environmental sounds. This Augmented Xperience platform could help improve spatial awareness. Hate to replace batteries? No problem, the Pure Charge& Go lets you recharge your hearing aid overnight for up to 36 hours of use on a single charge.

The Pure Charge& Go AX is best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Motion sensors adapt to changes in sound, based on the listening environment of the wearer, for better hearing. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream phone calls, television shows, and music through the hearing aid. Its also available in a Telecoil option.

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What Are The Effects Of Mild Hearing Loss

When you have a mild hearing loss, it may feel as though your ears are plugged or that people are mumbling. If someone is close enough, you typically won’t have any trouble understanding them. However, if someone is farther away or if there is a lot of background noise, you may not be able to understand.

Certain sounds in speech, like /f/, /s/, /th/, and /k/ are softer than others and can be harder to hear than stronger sounds. This means that you might be able to hear speech that’s loud enough, but it may seem unclear. Plus, weak voices are more difficult to understand.

All of this can affect interpersonal relationships, social interactions, and even careers. A person with mild hearing loss is often told, “You can hear when you want to hear.” Yet, they are truly hearing impaired and some situations are easier to hear in than others. At times, this may give the appearance of inattention.

If you have a mild hearing loss, you will find yourself listening more carefully. You might even expend more energy and effort into understanding what is said, which can lead to fatigue.

Talk Through Your Options

If you think that your hearing might be deteriorating, dont hesitate in visiting your nearest Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care for a free hearing assessment. Our audiologists will put you at ease and be able to offer friendly guidance and advice on what the best next steps are for you. As part of the free hearing test, you can also experience a free hearing aid demonstration to help you understand how your hearing can improve by using hearing aids.

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Do I Need A Hearing Aid Expert Guide From Audiologists

Hearing aids are powerful tools for hearing loss treatment, but very few people who need them use them. According to UK charity HearingLink, around 7 million people could benefit from hearing aids, but only 2 million have them.

Have you started to wonder if youre in that group of 5 million individuals who could see huge benefits from getting a hearing aid? This blog contains all the details you need to help you find out.

Wearing A Hearing Aid

Once the hearing aids have been fitted for the ears, the individual should begin to gradually wear the hearing aid. Because hearing aids do not restore normal hearing, it may take time to get used to the different sounds transmitted by the device. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends the following when beginning to wear hearing aids:

• Be patient and give yourself time to get used to the hearing aid and the sound it produces.

• Start in quiet surroundings and gradually build up to noisier environments.

• Experiment where and when the hearing aid works best for you.

• Keep a record of any questions and concerns you have, and bring those to your follow-up examination.

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Hearing Impairment In Infants

The following signs may indicate a hearing problem:

• Before the age of 4 months, the baby does not turn their head toward a noise.
• The infant does not appear to be startled by a loud noise.
• The infant responds to you when they can see you, but respond far less or do not respond at all when you are out of sight and call out their name.
• The infant only seems to be aware of certain sounds.

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. Weve spent collectively more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aids. Throughout this process, we did the following:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with independent audiologists
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports

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Signia Customer Service And Satisfaction

Signia hearing aids can be purchased through an audiologist or at hearing centers across the country. Most audiologists offer a 30-day trial period to ensure the device fits your individual needs. Unfortunately, Signia does not provide a robust customer support service on its own, so you will need to work directly with your audiologist or hearing aid provider most of the time.

With the Signia app, you can reach out to your audiologist using TeleCare for virtual support. To use this function, however, a separate activation is required. The app also features an AI-powered Signia Assistant that can provide real-time support and feedback. Additionally, Signia has an international repair service located in 26 countries for non-custom Signia hearing aids. If your hearing aids are still under warranty, you can get them repaired for free in some cases.

Consumer Reports rates Signia second in overall satisfaction for hearing aids, behind Costco/Kirkland and ahead of Oticon, Phonak, Widex, and Resound, all tied for third place.

How Can Those With Slight Hearing Loss Benefit

A hearing aid will work to magnify the sound vibrations. The hair cells that are still functioning will detect these larger vibrations and pass them as neural signals to the brain. People with slight hearing loss can benefit from this amplification and so benefit from the use of a hearing aid. Sometimes those who experience hearing loss wait years until they get a hearing aid. When patients with slight hearing problems wait to use an aid, their hearing problems may worsen during this time.

Using a hearing aid sooner rather than later, will help a patient to improve their hearing and thus their quality of life. This is because a hearing aid will help to clarify sounds, and it will also reduce the fatigue that occurs via having to put in so much energy into listening. Some have argued that untreated hearing loss may contribute to cognitive decline over time and studies continue to research the nature of this.

Individuals with slight hearing loss can also use assistive listening devices . An ALD is a device that is usually standalone as opposed to wearable. ALDS interact with the technologies in your home, such as televisions or phones. The device allows the listener to hear sounds more clearly and can also help to improve the quality of speech.

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Dispelling Stigma: The Power Of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are not just for deaf people, or those with acute or severe hearing loss although they are very effective for this group, understandably. Hearing aids are devices that can improve the quality of life for those with even a mild hearing loss diagnosis. Yet so many shy away from hearing aids and the amazing results they can provide.

The stigma around hearing aids relates to being senile and decrepit. The idea is that hearing aids are for older people, and you arent old, so why would you need one?

But lets stop right there.

Yes, hearing aids have a higher rate of use in the elderly population. But thats only because hearing loss is a problem seen in significantly higher proportions of older people than younger generations. 70% of people over 70 have hearing loss. Its just a natural part of ageing. This is true of so many other diseases and medical conditions. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and poor eye-sight are all more common in people over 60. But individuals of all ages seek treatment for these conditions.

Hearing loss is prevalent across all age groups. 15% of young people between the age of 6 and 19 have some form of diagnosable hearing loss. This hearing loss can be supported by hearing aids, but this age group is much less likely to get help because of their perception of hearing aids and who they are designed for.

Hearing aids are the most effective form of hearing loss treatment, no matter what age you are.

You Have Ringing In Your Ears

Persistent ringing in your ears, otherwise known as tinnitus, is a widely-experienced medical condition that affects as many as 15% of people. Tinnitus has many causes, but hearing damage resulting in hearing loss is often the primary culprit. When hearing is damaged, the cells in the ear that pick up sounds die. In the absence of sound from these cells, the brain invents its own the ringing in your ears. Dead cells mean an inability to hear through them. The fewer cells you have available for hearing, the more profound your tinnitus and hearing loss will be.

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Unilateral And Bilateral Deafness

Single-sided deafness , or unilateral deafness, refers to hearing impairment in just one ear, while bilateral deafness is hearing impairment in both.

People with a unilateral hearing impairment may find it hard to carry on a conversation if the other person is on their affected side. Pinpointing the source of a sound may be more difficult, when compared with those who can hear well in both ears. Understanding what others are saying when there is a lot of environmental noise might be hard.

With little to no background noise, a person with unilateral deafness has virtually the same communicative abilities as a person with functional hearing in both ears.

Babies born with unilateral deafness tend to have developmental speech delays. They may find it harder to concentrate when they go to school. Social activities may be more challenging than it is for children with no hearing problems.

The symptoms of hearing impairment depend on its cause. Some people are born without being able to hear, while others suddenly become deaf due to an accident or illness. For most people, symptoms of deafness progress gradually over time.

Some conditions may have hearing loss as a symptom, such as tinnitus or stroke.

When Does Hearing Loss Require A Hearing Aid

This can depend on how impactful a hearing loss is. It is well documented that one of the largest consequences of untreated hearing is the increased likelihood of dementia and the brain forgets how to hear. This is due to the missing stimulus that we all receive even when not in conversation. A quiet room is not so quiet when you really concentrate and start to list all the things you can hear.

We would always recommend regular hearing tests and advise to correct ones hearing loss at the earliest opportunity to avoid many of the cognitive issues related to prolonged untreated hearing loss.

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