Conductive Hearing Loss - What To Look For In A Hearing Aid
If your audiologist or physician has informed you that you have a conductive hearing loss problem, then there is a physical issue with one of the small parts of your ear. Holes in the eardrums, malformations of the ear canals, and bony growths in the ears can all cause this type of hearing loss. Once a diagnosis is made, make sure that you purchase the right kind of hearing aid for your condition. The tips here can help you make a wise choice.
Look for an Outside Ear Model
Many different types of problems can occur within the ear to cause a conductive hearing problem. In some cases, your hearing loss may not be permanent and you may be able to hear better in the future. This may not be possible though, if you purchase hearing aids that sit within the middle ear or ear canal. Often times, hearing aids that sit within the ears can force earwax, bacteria, and other foreign matter to compress. These substances, along with the general pressure placed on the ear canal, can worsen your ear condition or cause hearing problems.
Find an Open Fit Aid
You should not purchase any hearing aid that sits inside the ear. Look for an outer ear model instead. One of your best choices will be a device that rests just behind the ear. These devices are often called open fit hearing aids, because no parts actually sit in the ear canal. A small amplifier or microphone juts out from the hearing aid instead and it sits in front of the ear. Amplified noises then naturally move through the ear canal.
The battery and other components sit behind the ear, and most newer hearing aid models are small. This means that the ear connection piece is hidden by the ear.
Search for a Digital Device
Many analog or old-fashioned hearing aids produce a feedback or static sound when electronics and gadgets interfere with the hearing aid frequency. If you are like many other Americans, then you probably have a cell phone, computer, tablet, and other devices that connect to the Internet. These devices can cause your hearing aid to produce feedback.
Some people who are hard of hearing may not have an issue with feedback, but your conductive hearing problem still allows you to hear to some degree. This means that feedback can be loud and it can damage your hearing further. Digital hearing aids do not produce feedback, so look for one of these devices. The aids also automatically reduce the volume of high intensity noises, so high-pitched and extremely loud noises do not hurt your ears.
If you have a conductive hearing problem, then your doctor will probably indicate that you need to start using hearing aids. It is in your best interest to compare hearing aids before buying a pair, and you should also look for devices with the features listed in this article. Talk to a specialist like Audiology Consultants, P.C. to find out what type of hearing aid will be best in your situation.
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