At the Hearing Services of Antioch, our audiologists believe patient education is an important part of allowing people to make the best choice regarding their hearing loss treatment. For your convenience, we have put together answers to some frequently asked questions about hearing loss and the various types of treatment available.
Hearing loss occurs when an individual is unable to hear a full range of high-pitched and low-pitched sounds. According to American Hearing Aid Associates, an estimated 28 million people in America suffer from some degree of hearing loss. There are three common types of hearing loss:
The audiologists at our practice provide hearing evaluations for children and adults to determine what type of hearing loss each of our patients is experiencing. Contact our practice today to schedule a hearing evaluation.
There are many causes of hearing loss, including:
Because hearing loss sets in slowly over time, it can sometimes be hard to tell if you are losing your hearing. You may be suffering from hearing loss if you:
The only way to know for sure if you are experiencing hearing loss is to undergo a hearing evaluation. Contact the audiologists at Hearing Services of Antioch to schedule an appointment for a hearing test.
If you hear ringing, whistling, chirping, hissing, or clicking in your ears, you probably have a condition known as tinnitus. It can occur periodically or constantly in one or both ears. Tinnitus results from noise damage to the ear or from age-related hearing loss. According to the American Tinnitus Association, approximately 50 million Americans experience some degree of tinnitus, and 12 million of these suffer from severe cases. Tinnitus cannot be cured; however, hearing aids and other treatments can help individuals deal with this condition. If you experience constant ringing in your ears, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with an audiologist at our practice.
Unfortunately, hearing aids cannot fully restore perfect hearing. Hearing aids are designed to amplify environmental sounds so they are easier for individuals to hear. Although they cannot restore hearing once it is lost, studies show that hearing loss can be dealt with effectively with hearing aids.
Not all hearing aid sizes and styles are made to suit everyone's needs. Different hearing aids work better for different people. If you are thinking about investing in a hearing aid, there are a few things to consider when looking for the most appropriate device for your condition.
Together, you and your audiologist can determine which type of hearing aid is best for your needs. You can then be properly fitted for a customized hearing device. Our practice also offers trial and adjustment periods so you can be sure your hearing aid is compatible with your lifestyle. Contact our practice to schedule a consultation and fitting.
Although all hearing aids function to help individuals hear more clearly, there are many differences between analog hearing aids and their newer digital counterparts. Less expensive, analog hearing aids amplify all sounds equally to help improve general hearing quality. However, because analog hearing aids cannot distinguish between speech and background noise, all sounds are magnified to the same degree. The volume differences in various environments can also force wearers to constantly adjust the volume on their analog hearing aids. Because of this, analog devices are best for people who do most of their communication in a quiet environment.
On the other hand, digital hearing aids have solved many of the problems associated with analog hearing aids. Digital devices contain a microchip that helps differentiate between speech and noise by converting sound into digital code. This results in more finely tuned sound and allows individuals to hear more clearly. Also, digital hearing aids can be programmed for different environments, so individuals can enjoy the best sound quality anywhere they go without having to adjust the volume on their hearing devices.
Hearing Services of Antioch carries a wide selection of digital and analog hearing aids to help our patients enjoy the best hearing possible Contact our practice to learn more about the various hearing aid brands we carry.
It is always better to have two hearing aids, especially if the individual wearing the hearing aids has symmetrical hearing loss. This is because two hearing aids can restore stereophonic hearing, making speech clearer, especially when there is background noise. It also allows wearers to better localize the sounds around them. Additionally, wearing hearing aids helps the brain separate speech from sound more effectively. Lastly, worn together, two hearing aids can prevent auditory deprivation, a condition that occurs when a lack of sound stimulation from the unaided ear causes the brain to lose the ability to process sound information.
While some insurance plans will cover part of the cost of hearing aids and other hearing devices, many do not. Please contact Hearing Services of Antioch to find out if your insurance plan offers partial coverage for hearing aids.
Hearing aids can function properly for a long period of time with regular maintenance. Since wax buildup and moisture can cause major problems for hearing devices, customers should have them cleaned and repaired by their audiologist several times a year. Hearing aids should be replaced after four to six years of use. The audiologists at Hearing Services of Antioch can repair and service most brands, and repairs usually come with a new warranty.
Our knowledgeable staff is available to address any questions or concerns you may have. If you have a specific question that was not addressed in the frequently asked questions section, contact the professionals at Hearing Services of Antioch. We are committed to helping you regain your hearing and improving your life.
Hearing Services of Antioch
4045 Lone Tree Way, Ste. D.
Antioch, CA 94531
Phone: (925) 778-3298
Fax: (925) 778-0937