Hearing loss affects thousands of people in the United States every year. It’s a common issue and thanks to advances in medical technology, there are multiple treatment options available for patients suffering from dulled hearing. If you have recently experienced symptoms of hearing loss and a hearing test has confirmed your concerns, you may be wondering about your next steps. Here are a few options available to individuals who are coping with hearing loss.
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants were developed for individuals who have severe hearing loss. Most often, when a patient has hearing loss as a result of significant inner ear damage, a cochlear implant can help restore their hearing. These devices are designed to stimulate the auditory nerve, which allows patients who’ve incurred damage to their inner ear to hear once again. Cochlear implants may be an option for you if you have significant, irreversible damage to your inner ear.
Bone-Implanted Hearing Aids
As their name suggests, these hearing aids are surgically implanted behind the ear. These types of hearing aids are typically recommended to those who are experiencing hearing loss on one side as a result of outer and middle ear damage. They may also be recommended to patients who have birth defects which adversely affect the shape of their ear canal and their hearing. After implantation, these unique devices transmit sound directly to the inner ear. They are an effective solution for restoring hearing in many patients who are experiencing hearing loss.
Middle Ear Implants
Middle ear implants are a relatively new treatment option for hearing loss. Like bone-implanted hearing aids, middle ear implants are also surgically implanted devices. These devices are placed directly into the middle ear bone. Because of their placement, they are virtually invisible after they are implanted. If you are interested in learning more about middle ear implants, take the time to find a surgeon that has experience with these devices. Since the technology is relatively new, many hearing specialists aren’t knowledgeable about it yet.
Removable Hearing Aids
One of the most popular options for treating hearing loss is removable hearing aids. These unique devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used to treat mild to severe hearing loss. Removable hearing aids are often recommended to patients suffering from progressive hearing loss. Some people have concerns about wearing removable hearing aids because of their visibility. But in recent years, advances in medical technology have made these devices virtually undetectable. Reach out to a hearing specialist today to learn more about the different types and styles of removable hearing aids that are available to you.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, learning more about your options can help you make the right decision about hearing aids. There are both surgical and non-surgical options available to you. Talk with your hearing specialist and research independently to determine which course of action can help restore your hearing. Don’t wait – your quality of life will be improved immensely when you take the next step.