Hearing Aids And Sensorineural Hearing Loss: What You Need To Know
When you retired, you probably dreamed of spending time with family, laughing at your favorite sitcoms, or chatting with fellow seniors. After all, it’s a time of life meant for joy and relaxation.
But, as the years go by, the condition of sensorineural hearing loss can silently creep in. This can take away the clarity of those joyful sounds and replace them with frustration and confusion.
In such a situation, understanding and addressing this condition becomes non-negotiable. As it’s not just about hearing; it’s about connecting, sharing, and living the life you’ve always imagined.
That’s why in this article, we’ll share everything you should know about this condition, along with effective solutions. Let’s begin!
Contents
What Is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there’s impairment to the nerves that go from the ear to the brain. Due to this, sounds may become softer, and you might have trouble understanding what people are saying, especially when it’s noisy.
It can be caused by many things like getting older, being around loud noises too much, or getting sick with certain illnesses. Unfortunately, this condition is not temporary and could affect your lifestyle significantly, especially without appropriate treatment or aid.
That’s why doctors often recommend seniors use a hearing aid after diagnosing the severity of the condition.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Symptoms
Let us try to form an understanding regarding sensorineural hearing loss symptoms. Is it equivalent to any kind of hearing loss? Let’s find it out here. SNHL is a serious issue, and you must be mindful of some of the symptoms to understand the development.
You find it difficult to hear the sounds especially when there is background music.
- You may also need help understanding and differentiating between the children’s voices and the females.
- You need help with the high-pitched sounds.
- Dizziness and the problems with balance.
- You feel like you hear the voice but fail to understand them.
What Are The Causes Of The Sensorineural Hearing Loss?
The SNHLs are quite congenital, meaning they develop right from childhood. Here, we discuss the following causes of this issue.
Loud Noises
Continuous exposure to loud noises, which is about 85 decibels, can lead to the SNHL. Even if you are exposed to loud noises like the explosions of gunshots, it can easily cause you to have a permanent disability in hearing.
Presbycusis
There is another name related to age-related hair loss, and it is presbycusis. You will be amazed by the fact that around one in three people in the States find themselves suffering from hearing-related issues. The problems can be both temporary and, at the same time, permanent. These figures are indeed a cause for deep concern.
Congenital
Congenital hearing loss is present right from the birth. It is also considered one of the most common birth abnormalities. According to findings, it affects about one to three babies in every one thousand births.
Hearing Loss Degrees
According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association, the study lists the different degrees of hearing issues. Hearing loss in 16-25 decibels comes under the slight category. Around 26 to 40 decibels in hearing loss is considered mild. The moderate rate of hearing loss is about 41 to 55 decibels.
The numerical value for the moderately severe, severe, and profound are 56 to 70 decibels, 71-90 decibels, and 91 decibels, respectively.
How Can Hearing Aids Help?
Hearing aids are small devices generally worn in or around the ear. These make surrounding sounds louder and clearer, thereby assisting seniors to live a quality life.
It’s worth mentioning, though, that this device doesn’t cure sensorineural hearing loss but makes it easier to hear. These often have different settings to tailor the experience, ensuring noise cancellation and comfort.
What Are The Advantages Of Hearing Aids
Here are some of the benefits of hearing aids that you can optimize. But the first step to using hearing aids is to visit a doctor. They are experienced enough to provide you with the best knowledge on the subject. Only they will provide you with the recommendations on the hearing aids. Let us try to find it all here.
You may hear different sounds that you have not heard before. When you are talking over the phone, you may hear the sounds more clearly. You will be able to communicate easily with your family. Improving communication will help you increase your self-confidence.
Where To Get Hearing Aids?
According to reports, one in three adults aged 65 and over suffer from sensorineural hearing loss. Due to this, hearing aids devices have become easily available nowadays. So much so that you can get OTC hearing aids online. That means, no need to visit the hearing center to get the device. Instead, you can order from the comfort of your home and get the FDA-approved device delivered to your doorstep. Isn’t it great?
You don’t even have to get a doctor’s prescription. However, visiting a doctor to diagnose your condition would still be recommended.
What Features Should You Look For When Buying Hearing Aid?
When buying a hearing aid, it’s important to look for features that match your needs and lifestyle. Look for hearing aids with various program settings, channels, and sound levels, as these allow you to customize the device for different listening situations.
Further, auto noise management helps to reduce background noise so you can hear speech more clearly. If convenience is a priority, consider rechargeable hearing aids, as they don’t require constant battery changes.
These features can make a big difference in how well the hearing aid works for you, so take the time to explore your options and find a device that offers what you need.
To Sum It All Up
Sensorineural hearing loss is a life-changing condition, but it doesn’t have to mean a life without sound. Hearing aids provide a practical solution that can help you reconnect with the world around you. So, if you’re struggling to hear, get your aid right away. After all, it’s not just about listening; it’s about living.
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