More than 1.5 billion people (nearly 20% of the global population) live with some degree of hearing loss. If you are experiencing hearing loss, your treatment options will vary based on several factors including but not limited to:
- Degree of hearing loss
- Underlying cause
- Type of hearing loss
- Lifestyle
Treating your hearing loss can help make every part of your life, from talking to your friends to ordering a latte at City Java & News, feel much easier. Following a hearing test and diagnosis, your audiologist may recommend one of the following treatment options based on your needs and preferences:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Auditory training
Let’s take a closer look at each of these treatment options.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are an excellent treatment option for those experiencing hearing loss. The small but technologically advanced devices have a microphone that collects sound, an amplifier that raises its volume and a speaker that brings it directly to the ear canal. Hearing aids can help improve communication between you and your loved ones, manage tinnitus symptoms and more.
Cochlear Implants
A cochlear implant is an electronic device that can be a great option for those with severe hearing loss from inner ear damage. While hearing aids amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass the damaged portion of the ear and deliver sound signals directly to the auditory nerve. The brain interprets those signals as sounds. While the sound won’t sound exactly like natural hearing, cochlear implants are a great option when hearing aids cannot compensate for severe hearing loss.
Auditory Training
Auditory training is the practice of training the brain to hear sounds. Training may be recommended if you struggle to hear speech in noisy environments, but a hearing test reveals normal results, otherwise known as hidden hearing loss, or if you have been diagnosed with auditory processing disorder. Auditory training will focus on improving your ability to understand speech sounds through a series of exercises.
For more information on hearing aids, cochlear implants, auditory training or other treatment options, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.