Millions of people suffer from some form of hearing loss, but many of them don’t know that there are treatments available to help improve their hearing. And, in Staten Island, New York, residents have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing a treatment for their hearing loss.
This article will explore the top three treatments for hearing loss: hearing aids, cochlear implants, and auditory brainstem implants.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are one of the most common treatment solutions for hearing loss. They are small electronic devices that amplify sound and make it easier for people with hearing loss to hear conversations and other sounds in their environment. According to the Staten Island audiological community, hearing aids come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be custom-fit to each individual’s ear. It is just as important to find a hearing aid that is comfortable to wear as it is to find one that amplifies sound effectively.
Different types of hearing aids include behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids. The type of hearing aid that is right for you will depend on the severity of your hearing loss, as well as your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Cochlear Implants
Another treatment option for hearing loss is cochlear implants. Cochlear implants are small devices that are surgically implanted into the cochlea, which is the part of the ear that helps to translate sound into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Cochlear implants bypass the damaged part of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve, which then sends signals to the brain.
Thes implants are different from hearing aids in that they do not amplify sound, but rather they provide a person with hearing loss with a sense of sound. To be eligible for a cochlear implant, a person must have a hearing loss that cannot be helped by hearing aids.
Additionally, cochlear implants are not right for everyone. The decision to get a cochlear implant is a personal one, and it is important to talk with your audiologist and other healthcare professionals to see if this treatment option is right for you.
Auditory Brainstem Implants
The third treatment option for hearing loss is auditory brainstem implants (ABIs). ABIs are surgically implanted devices that provide a direct connection between the ear and the brainstem. This allows people with hearing loss to receive auditory input even if the inner ear is not functioning properly.
ABIs are typically used for people who have a hearing loss that is caused by damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve. Also, people who are not candidates for cochlear implants may be candidates for auditory brainstem implants. For instance, children who are born deaf or people with certain medical conditions may not be able to receive cochlear implants, but they may be able to receive auditory brainstem implants.
If you are suffering from hearing loss, it is important to know that there are treatment options available to help improve your hearing. Choosing the right treatment for hearing loss is a personal decision that should be made with the help of a qualified audiologist or hearing healthcare professional.
To learn more about hearing loss and the available treatment options, contact a hearing healthcare professional in your area.
