Hearing aids: All your common queries answered

One out of ten people in the world suffer from hearing impairment. Dr Shomeshwar Singh answers some common queries about hearing aids.

By: Dr Shomeshwar Singh | | Updated: March 25, 2015 5:38 pm

Hearing related issues are more common than we think. According to various studies, one out of 10 people around the world suffers from some degree of hearing impairment. Dr Shomeswar Singh, the HOD of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Cochlear Implants of Saket City Hospital, New Delhi writes more about hearing aids: Also Read - White noise improves hearing : Study

How do hearing aids help people with hearing disabilities? Also Read - Expert's view on how you can improve hearing

Hearing aids are amplification devices. People with hearing disabilities are unable to hear certain frequencies. These devices selectively amplify those frequencies to help people with hearing disabilities listen. Also Read - Hearing difficulty might keep older patients away from health care routine: Study

When should a person opt for a hearing aid?

A person should get a hearing aid when his/her inability to hear is causing problems at home or work or other social situations; basically when it hampers his/her ability to interact normally with others. Some common examples include when a person misses a part of a normal conversation, needs to constantly up the TV volume, etc.

What are the latest advancements in treating patients with hearing loss?

Hearing aid devices are now much more clever than earlier, they selectively only enhance frequencies that need to be amplified. They also have special modules for different environments such as a movie theatre, classroom and for one-to-one conversations. Profound hearing loss can also now be treated by a Cochlear Implant surgery.

What are the side effects of using a hearing aid?

The most common side effects will be the device malfunctioning, a blocking sensation in the ears, earwax build up and sometimes ear infections. (Read: Beware – constantly listening to music on your earphones could make you deaf!)

There are a number of different types of hearing aids these days, which one should a person use and why?

Indeed there are a lot of different options now that can be used. There are behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, deep-in-the-ear-canal and other invisible types of implanted hearing devices. The patient should choose which type suits his/her lifestyle choices but the size of the ear canal size and the severity of hearing loss also plays a part.

Who should not or cannot use a hearing aid?

Typical hearing aids are not very useful if loss is very mild. On the other hand for people with more severe hearing losses, mere amplification by a hearing aid will not be enough. These patients need cochlear implants which are more beneficial for them and hearing aids.

How should a person with a hearing aid care for the device and himself/herself?

These devices need to be maintained regularly, protected from water and kept in a cool and dry place at night and be serviced regularly. Batteries also have to be changed from time to time. Along with that patients should use wax dissolving drops or olive oil to get rid of ear wax. They should follow their doctor’s instructions properly about usage and visit an ENT surgeon if they have any problems. (Read: Hearing loss or deafness: 7 facts you ought to know)

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss.

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Published : October 24, 2013 1:00 pm | Updated:March 25, 2015 5:38 pm

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