Hearing loss is a serious concern and can significantly affect the lives of people who have it, as well as their loved ones. This is because hearing is vital to how we communicate, connect with others, and go about our daily lives. Unfortunately, those with hearing issues might suffer needlessly due to not knowing their options regarding hearing aids or feelings of embarrassment about their hearing loss. However, advancements in technology have not only improved hearing aids but also additional assistive devices.
At El Dorado Hearing, it’s our mission to ensure that anyone dealing with hearing loss feels heard and validated in their efforts to understand their diagnosis. We offer state-of-the-art testing, multiple hearing aid options, and a knowledgeable and friendly team to answer any questions you might have. And we do this in a safe and confidential environment. If you or a loved one are concerned about hearing loss, take the first step today and contact our team. Continue reading to learn more about hearing aid advancements that might help you with your hearing loss.
How Can Hearing Loss Impact Your Life?
Communication is one of the main things that hearing loss affects, as people with hearing loss often have trouble hearing and understanding words, which makes it hard to maintain conversations. Children who have trouble hearing may have trouble in school, finding it hard to hear directions, participate in class discussions, or keep up with lessons. In the same way, adults with hearing loss may have trouble in meetings, and conversations with coworkers, which could hurt their careers and prevent them from moving up.
Hearing loss can also affect your mental and emotional health, as communication problems can cause anger and stress, leading to anxiety, depression, and pulling away from other people. Trying to focus on hearing can also be mentally tiring, which has an even bigger effect on your happiness and quality of life. But that’s not all – hearing can also impact you physically. You might get injured if you can’t hear sirens, alarms, or danger coming your way. Also, hearing loss may make it challenging to localize sounds, meaning you can’t determine where the sounds are coming from and where they are going. This can make it harder for you to react during possible threats or emergencies.
What Hearing Aid Options Exist?
Hearing aids are among the most popular ways to help people with trouble hearing. These devices make sounds louder and clearer. Modern hearing aids come in different styles, such as ones that go behind the ear, in the ear, or all the way into the ear canal. They also come with high-tech features like directional microphones, noise-canceling features, and Bluetooth connectivity, which make the hearing experience more personal and better. At Eldorado Hearing, we can explore your options for hearing aids to see which one is best for you.
We customize your device, focusing on noise management, ear-to-ear communication, and more.
For some people, they need more assistance in the way of cochlear implants. This surgical option has two parts: an external processor behind the ear and an internal implant put under the skin during surgery. The device goes around the damaged parts of the ear and stimulates the auditory nerve directly. People with severe hearing loss can feel like they can hear again and understand words better with cochlear implants.
Beyond Hearing Aids: Alternative Options For Hearing Assistance
In addition to the assistance you can gain from a hearing aid, some other devices and resources can help you hear better, as well as assist you in managing your feelings about hearing loss. Some of the more common options are detailed below.
Assistive listening devices (ALDs): These devices are helpful in cases where background noise or distance might make it hard to communicate. ALDs work with hearing aids or cochlear implants to make speech clearer. FM systems that use radio waves to send sound from the speaker’s microphone to your device, loop systems, and personal boosters are all examples of ALDs.
Sign Language and Captions: People who have trouble hearing may prefer to communicate visually through sign language and captions. Sign language allows you to communicate with your hands while captioning puts text on screens or other devices so that you can read and understand spoken language in real-time. There are many free online classes and communities that teach sign language if your loved one relies heavily on sign language.
Rehabilitation and counseling: Coming to terms with hearing loss can be challenging, which is why support groups or counseling programs are essential. Our team offers support on how to acclimate to hearing loss and instruction on how to get used to hearing aids. We can also provide suggestions for family members dealing with a loved one’s hearing loss.
Surgical interventions: In some cases, certain kinds of hearing loss may be treated with surgical interventions. Stapedectomy, middle ear implants, and bone conduction implants are all examples of these treatments. A stapedectomy aims to help people who have lost their hearing because of abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. People with sensorineural hearing loss or who can’t use standard hearing aids may benefit from middle ear implants or bone conduction implants.
El Dorado Hearing: Offering Support and Guidance
It’s important to remember that the best way to treat hearing loss relies on the type and level of hearing loss, the person’s overall health, and their own preferences. Talking to our skilled team is vital to determine the best course of action. At Eldorado Hearing, we do more than just fit you with hearing aids. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and personalize your treatment plan to provide you with the most favorable outcome.
This starts with your initial visit, where we offer the latest testing techniques, and continues through your diagnosis and selection of which hearing aid options are best. Our support doesn’t end there. We want to be with you as your hearing changes, hearing aid upgrades are available, or when you have questions about your hearing loss. Contact our team today if you have questions or concerns about your or a loved one’s hearing loss.
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