Hearing Loss Solutions

There are various treatment methods available for individuals experiencing hearing loss. For hearing losses that cannot be treated medically or surgically, the first resort is hearing aids. However, in some cases these devices may be insufficient. In such situations, hearing implants come into play. Both hearing aids and implants are considered fundamental methods in the treatment of hearing loss. Different types of hearing loss may require different solutions. Therefore, both options should be considered and the most appropriate treatment method determined according to the individual’s needs.

Doctor Audiologist Emel Uğur

Dr. Audiologist Emel Uğur was born in 1982 in Çanakkale. During her 15-year tenure at Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, she primarily worked on Pediatric Audiology (Hearing Loss in Infants and Children), Otological Diseases (Ear Diseases and Hearing Health), and Vestibular System Disorders (Vertigo and Imbalance). In 2015, she joined the Acıbadem Healthcare Group.

About Me

What are the Basic Components and Functions of a Hearing Aid?

A hearing aid is an important solution for individuals experiencing hearing loss. This device enables users to hear sounds more clearly. These small and portable electronic devices are available in in-the-ear or behind-the-ear models. With advanced technology, a hearing aid captures environmental sounds and converts them into electrical signals. This process occurs via a microphone. The electrical signals are then further amplified by an amplifier. The amplified sounds are delivered to the user’s ear through a speaker.

The main components of a hearing aid:

• Microphone: Converts incoming sound waves from the environment into electrical signals.
• Amplifier: Amplifies the electrical signals.
• Speaker: Transmits the amplified sounds to the ear.

The coordinated functioning of these components allows an individual to hear better in both quiet and noisy environments. Although hearing aids cater to a wide range of users, it is observed that not everyone who needs them uses these devices.

What are the Benefits of Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are an important assistive device, especially for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. These devices amplify sounds when the damaged hair cells in the inner ear are insufficient, thereby enabling better hearing. By amplifying sounds, hearing aids allow the functioning hair cells to perceive the sound more effectively. Of course, personalized adjustment is necessary.

The functionality of these devices can vary depending on the degree of damage to the hair cells. As the severity of hearing loss increases, the amount of amplification the device must provide also increases. However, the amplification capacity of hearing aids is subject to practical limits:

• The device can amplify sound only up to a certain level.
• If the damage in the inner ear is too extensive, hearing aids may not be sufficiently effective.

What Assistance Options Are Available for Hearing Loss?

Adults experiencing hearing loss can turn to various resources for support. The first step is usually to consult an audiology specialist. Audiologists assess the individual’s hearing condition and determine the basic technical specifications of the most appropriate hearing aid option.

What Are the Different Styles of Hearing Aids?

There are various styles of hearing aids available for individuals with hearing problems. Each style is designed to meet different types of hearing loss and the specific needs of the users. These devices are classified according to their size and the part of the ear in which they are used. Additionally, their ability to amplify sound also varies.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Devices: Effective for a wide range of hearing loss, from very mild to very severe. They can be comfortably used by both children and adults.

In this type of hearing aid, the device is placed behind the ear. Depending on the patient’s hearing condition, there are different power options available. Depending on the power of the hearing aid, open fittings, micro molds, or full molds can be used.

In-the-Ear Devices: In-the-ear hearing aids are placed in the ear canal. They are custom-made according to the individual’s ear measurements. There are different model options based on their size. They are more effective for very mild and mild hearing loss.

Among in-the-ear hearing aids, specifically Completely-In-Canal (CIC) and In-The-Canal (ITC) models have cosmetic advantages due to their small size. Individuals with hearing loss prefer these devices. However, because their small size also brings technical limitations, they are not suitable for all types of hearing loss. They are never suitable for children.

A hearing aid should be chosen to suit the hearing loss and the individual’s needs. Audiologists are specially trained healthcare professionals for the selection and adjustment of hearing aids.

How to Choose a Hearing Aid: How to Find the Most Appropriate Solution?

The type and degree of an individual’s hearing loss are determining factors in choosing the most appropriate hearing aid. For those with bilateral hearing loss, two devices are definitely required. This allows sound to be perceived and processed more naturally by the brain. This facilitates speech comprehension and the localization of sound direction.

When choosing a hearing aid, the decision should be made together with an audiologist. In this process, individual needs and lifestyle should be taken into account. The main factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid are as follows:

• Cost: The prices of hearing aids vary over a wide range. The price is directly related to the design and features.
• Ease of Use: The selected hearing aid should be comfortable and practical for daily use.
• Features: The technical features offered by the hearing aid significantly affect the user experience.
• Warranty and Service: The warranty coverage and the service provided are important for long-term use of the device.

In addition, the maintenance and repair costs of the hearing aid, as well as the quality of the company’s customer service and technical support, should be taken into account. An expensive model is not always the best option; therefore, it is essential not to focus solely on price when selecting a device. The chosen device should meet the user’s hearing loss needs and aim to improve their quality of life.

What Should Be Considered When Purchasing a Hearing Aid?

It is important to have a detailed consultation with your audiologist before purchasing a hearing aid. In this consultation, you will obtain extensive information about the features and total cost of the hearing aid. Additionally, the advantages provided by new technologies relative to their costs are evaluated. The main points to consider when selecting a hearing aid are as follows:

• The features the hearing aid possesses and the extent to which these features meet the individual’s needs.
• The total cost of the device and whether this cost is balanced by its technological benefits.
• The possibility of testing the device during a trial period and the return conditions that should be considered during this process.
• The duration of the device’s warranty, whether the warranty coverage can be extended, and whether it covers maintenance and repairs.
• The audiologist’s ability to make adjustments, perform servicing and repairs, and provide a spare device if necessary.

What Are the Methods for Adapting to a Hearing Aid?

Getting started with a hearing aid can become a more comfortable experience for the user over time. Initially, regular use of the device helps users adapt to this new situation. Detailed sessions with the audiologist in the early stages are very important for learning the correct usage of the device. The training sessions to learn and adapt to the device’s features should include the following:

• How to insert and remove the device.
• Cleaning the device.
• Distinguishing between the right and left devices.
• Battery replacement.

Users should test their hearing aids in various listening environments to learn how to adjust the device’s sound settings. When configuring sound settings, appropriate programming for very high and very low sounds must be performed. This process should be conducted with the audiologist to ensure that the user feels comfortable and satisfied.

During the adaptation process to a new hearing aid, users may encounter some difficulties. The hearing aid may feel uncomfortable initially, but this usually subsides over time. The occlusion effect, which causes sounds to be perceived as louder within the head, is also a common occurrence during this process. Feedback sounds and background noise may require a re-evaluation of the device’s settings. Radio frequency interference experienced during cell phone use is also an issue that diminishes over time.

What Basic Steps Should Be Taken for the Maintenance of Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are valuable devices that enhance the sharpness of the senses. Therefore, taking good care of them extends their lifespan and preserves their performance. First, it is important to keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture. Excessive heat and humidity can damage the electronic components. In addition, hearing aids need to be cleaned regularly. This process helps maintain the device’s functionality by preventing the accumulation of earwax and other debris.

It is advisable to remove hearing aids when using hair spray or other hair products, as these can damage the device’s microphone and other sensitive components. Keeping the hearing aids turned off when not in use also helps preserve battery life. Replacing batteries immediately when they are depleted ensures an uninterrupted hearing experience.

• Protect the hearing aid from heat and moisture.
• Clean regularly.
• Remove the device when using hair products.
• Turn off the device when not in use.
• Replace depleted batteries.

Finally, keeping small accessories such as spare batteries and hearing aids out of reach of children and pets increases safety.

What Research Has Been Conducted on Hearing Aids?

Researchers are working on various methods to enhance the effectiveness of hearing aids. New signal processing strategies are being developed to improve the design of hearing aids. These strategies convert normal sound waves into amplified sounds tailored to the sensory needs of hearing aid users. In addition, methods to improve speech signals and enhance comprehension are being examined. Ongoing studies in advanced hearing aids focus on improving sound transmission and reducing issues such as background noise feedback and the occlusion effect. In recent years, as artificial intelligence-based technologies have increased, significant differences in the listening quality of hearing aids have begun to emerge.

A small example:

• Scientists are designing microphones for hearing aids inspired by the ear structure of the small fly Ormia ochracea.
• These microphones selectively amplify sounds coming from the direction a person is facing while ignoring sounds from other directions.