+ What type of hearing loss do I have?

TYPES OF HEARING LOSS

There are essentially three types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) refers to a type of hearing loss in which the root cause lies in the inner ear or sensory organ (cochlea and associated structures), the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) or neural part. SNHL accounts for about 90% of hearing loss reported. SNHL is generally permanent and can be mild, moderate, severe or profound.

Conductive hearing loss (CHL) refers to a disruption of sound transmitted through the outer ear, tympanic membrane (eardrum) and into the middle ear (ossicles). Typically, conductive disorders are temporary and can be corrected with medical intervention.

Noise-Induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a permanent hearing impairment resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of noise. Excessive noise exposure is the most common cause of hearing loss. The National Institute of Health reports that about 15 percent of Americans aged 20 to 69 have high frequency hearing loss related to occupational or leisure activities. Because of occupational risk of noise induced hearing loss, there are government standards regulating allowable noise exposure. Protective devices, such as earplugs, ear muffs, or musician plugs are invaluable in preventing hearing loss. Routine monitoring of hearing thresholds is recommended as a safeguard to address this concern.http://american-hearing.org/disorders/noise-induced-hearing-loss/#whatis

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) occurs when you lose your hearing very quickly, typically only in one ear. It can happen instantly or over a span of several days. During this time, sound gradually becomes muffled or faint. SSNHL can be associated with head trauma (such as a car accident), acoustic trauma (exposure to loud noises), viral infections, tumors, decreased circulation to the inner ear, membrane breaks, or exposure to ototoxic medications. Also, it is NOT uncommon for it to occur for an unknown reason (idiopathic). Treatment is managed by an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) in conjunction with the audiologist in order to achieve maximum recovery of hearing. Pharmacological treatment can include steroids or antiviral medications when diagnosed close to the onset of symptoms. https://www.healthline.com/health/sensorineural-deafness#overview1

+ How do I know what hearing aid is best for me?

Choosing the "best" hearing aid can appear to be a daunting task. Dr. Hogan is here to educate you and guide you through the process. No two hearing losses are created equal and with that in mind, what may work for one individual, may not for the next. Dr. Hogan is dedicated to dispensing the ideal hearing solution. This includes listening to the patient and respecting cosmetic concerns when indicated.

Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aid technology is advancing very quickly, much like computers. Dr. Hogan is trained in the latest technology to ensure that Hear Well Audiology is on the cutting edge of what is available for best hearing outcomes. Because no two hearing losses are created equal a hearing aid fitting will be customized for your specific needs. Dr. Hogan works with all major hearing aid manufacturers to ensure the most appropriate recommendation is provided.

+ What do I do if my hearing aid stops working correctly?

All hearing aids obtained through our office come with a manufacturer warranty for repairs and loss/damage. If your hearing aid stops working, you are strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can evaluate the problem. Frequently, Dr. Hogan is able to resolve the issue immediately in-office. She prides herself on the ability to be diligent in hearing aid repairs, so you can get back to hearing the world around you! At Hear Well Audiology, we can repair most hearing aids, even those that were not obtained from our office.

+ How do I get the best performance out of my batteries?

Hearing aid batteries are zinc-air that are activated by oxygen in the air. Therefore, a factory-sealed sticker allows them to remain inactive until it is removed. Once peeled from the back of the battery, oxygen will interact with the zinc in the battery and “turn it on.”

To get the best performance from a zinc-air battery, wait about ONE MINUTE after removing the sticker to fully activate before placing it in the hearing device. Replacing the sticker will not deactivate the battery, so once the sticker is removed, the battery will remain in an active state until the power is drained.

Hearing aid batteries can last anywhere from five to 14 days (depending upon size and usage/streaming), based on a 16-hour day of wear. Typically, smaller batteries have shorter battery life than larger ones.

The average lifespan of hearing aid batteries is as follows:
Size 10 (yellow) - three to seven days
Size 312 (brown) - three to 10 days
Size 13 (orange) - six to 14 days
Size 675 (blue) - nine to 20 days

If you are experiencing shortened battery life, there may be an issue with the hearing device. In this case, you should contact Dr. Hogan to make sure everything is working properly.

Leave the battery compartment door open overnight, or when it is not in use. Not only will this help keep battery power from being wasted, it will allow any moisture that has built up from the day's use to evaporate. To get optimal performance from your batteries, always store them at room temperature. Heat exposure and humid environments such as a bathroom will shorten battery life. Also, batteries shouldn’t be carried loose in pockets, a purse or a backpack where they might come into contact with other metal objects like coins or keys that can short-circuit the hearing aid batteries.

+ Are rechargable hearing aids an option?

Rechargeable hearing aid options have become more popular in the last few years. There are many advantage to considering a rechargeable option, such as:

  • Those who have dexterity issues (such as numbness in the fingers).
  • Those who have difficulty handling small batteries on a daily basis.
  • Those who have vision loss making it harder to place batteries properly.
  • Those who are environmentally conscious and want to reduce the number of disposable batteries that end up in landfills.
  • Those who find it inconvenient to repeatedly purchase batteries at their hearing care professional's office.

Rechargeable technology is also one-charge-per-day standard. You should be able to get up to 24 hours use with up to 5 hours of streaming. When the hearing aids are not being used, simply put them in the charger and forget about them until you are ready to use them again.