hearing loss options and explanations

An Interactive Guide to An Interactive Guide to Hearing Loss Hearing Loss

Explanations and Explanations and OptionsOptions

By: Staci CobabeBy: Staci CobabeSalt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake Community College

Information Courtesy of Information Courtesy of The Mayo Clinic on The Mayo Clinic on Hearing,Hearing, 2003 edition, editor: Wayne Olsen, Ph.D. 2003 edition, editor: Wayne Olsen, Ph.D.

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Hearing Loss TypesHearing Loss Types

What kind of hearing loss have you or What kind of hearing loss have you or your loved one been diagnosed with?your loved one been diagnosed with?

Conductive Sensorineural

Central AuditoryProcessing

Disorder

I Don’tKnow

Conductive Hearing LossConductive Hearing LossIs usually caused by: something blocking Is usually caused by: something blocking

the pathway of the ear canal and/or the pathway of the ear canal and/or middle ear. It makes it so the sound middle ear. It makes it so the sound waves cannot get through properly to the waves cannot get through properly to the sensory receptors in the inner ear. Some sensory receptors in the inner ear. Some causes include: foreign object lodged in causes include: foreign object lodged in the ear, middle ear infections, head the ear, middle ear infections, head trauma, and abnormal bone growth in the trauma, and abnormal bone growth in the ear.ear.

All the sounds you hear seem to be muffled, All the sounds you hear seem to be muffled, no matter the frequency (pitch) or level of no matter the frequency (pitch) or level of intensity (loudness) of the sound.intensity (loudness) of the sound.

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Next: HearingLoss Levels

Next: SensorineuralHearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing LossSensorineural Hearing LossIs usually caused by: damage to the structures of Is usually caused by: damage to the structures of

the inner ear such as: the hair cells in the the inner ear such as: the hair cells in the cochlea, the nerve fibers leading from the cochlea, the nerve fibers leading from the cochlea to the brain, disease, trauma, genetic cochlea to the brain, disease, trauma, genetic disorder, or the general wear and tear of aging. disorder, or the general wear and tear of aging.

People with Sensorineural hearing loss usually People with Sensorineural hearing loss usually have a hard time perceiving high-frequency have a hard time perceiving high-frequency sounds such as certain consonants in speech.sounds such as certain consonants in speech.

Some improvement in hearing may be facilitated Some improvement in hearing may be facilitated by using an implantable hearing aid, or a by using an implantable hearing aid, or a cochlear implant.cochlear implant.

ImplantableHearing Aid

Cochlear ImplantNext: HearingLoss Levels


Next: CentralAuditory

Processing Disorders

Central Auditory Processing Central Auditory Processing DisordersDisorders

Is usually caused by: injury to the auditory Is usually caused by: injury to the auditory processing centers of your brain which processing centers of your brain which can be caused by trauma, disease, or a can be caused by trauma, disease, or a genetic disorder.genetic disorder.

This occasionally leads to hearing This occasionally leads to hearing problems and difficulty with the problems and difficulty with the following: interpreting sound, locating following: interpreting sound, locating the source of a sound, distinguishing the source of a sound, distinguishing between sounds, recognizing frequency between sounds, recognizing frequency patterns, and listening to multiple patterns, and listening to multiple sources at once.sources at once.


Next: HearingLoss Levels

16-25 Decibel Hearing Loss – Slight/Minimal

26-30 Decibel Hearing Loss – Mild

31-50 Decibel Hearing Loss – Moderate

51-70 Decibel Hearing Loss – Moderate/Severe

71-90 Decibel Hearing Loss – Severe

91+ Decibel Hearing Loss – Profound

Click on the level of decibel loss Click on the level of decibel loss you would like to learn more you would like to learn more

about:about:


Slight/Minimal Hearing Loss Slight/Minimal Hearing Loss Explanation and OptionsExplanation and Options

If you are experiencing a slight or minimal If you are experiencing a slight or minimal hearing loss, you probably have difficulty hearing loss, you probably have difficulty hearing faint or distant sounds.hearing faint or distant sounds.

You probably do not need a hearing aid, but You probably do not need a hearing aid, but if you are looking for something to help you if you are looking for something to help you hear better, you would be able to use any hear better, you would be able to use any type of hearing aid you choose.type of hearing aid you choose.

Back to ConductiveHearing Loss

Back to SensorineuralHearing Loss


Back to All Hearing Loss Levels

Next: Hearing Aid Types

Mild Hearing Loss Mild Hearing Loss Explanation and OptionsExplanation and Options

If you are experiencing a mild hearing loss, you If you are experiencing a mild hearing loss, you may miss consonants occasionally. You may may miss consonants occasionally. You may also have an increasing difficulty also have an increasing difficulty understanding with noisy backgrounds and understanding with noisy backgrounds and faraway speakers.faraway speakers.

If you are looking for some improvement in If you are looking for some improvement in your hearing, you would be able to use any your hearing, you would be able to use any type of hearing aid you choose.type of hearing aid you choose.

Next: Hearing Aid Types





Moderate Hearing LossModerate Hearing LossExplanation and OptionsExplanation and Options

If you are experiencing a moderate hearing If you are experiencing a moderate hearing loss, you probably can understand loss, you probably can understand conversations only when you are face to face conversations only when you are face to face and the topic of conversation is limited.and the topic of conversation is limited.

If you are wanting to improve your hearing, you If you are wanting to improve your hearing, you might benefit from using a hearing aid. You might benefit from using a hearing aid. You can use any type of hearing aid you desire.can use any type of hearing aid you desire.

If you are suffering from Sensorineural Hearing If you are suffering from Sensorineural Hearing Loss, you may benefit from an implantable Loss, you may benefit from an implantable hearing aid. hearing aid.





Next: All Hearing Aid Types

Next: Implantable Hearing Aids

Moderate/Severe Hearing LossModerate/Severe Hearing LossExplanation and OptionsExplanation and Options

If you are experiencing Moderate to Severe Hearing If you are experiencing Moderate to Severe Hearing Loss, you probably miss most of what is said in a Loss, you probably miss most of what is said in a conversation, and may have difficulty listening in a conversation, and may have difficulty listening in a group setting.group setting.

If you want to improve your hearing, many types of If you want to improve your hearing, many types of hearing aids may help. You may benefit from In The hearing aids may help. You may benefit from In The Canal (ITC), In The Ear (ITE) or Behind The Ear (BTE) Canal (ITC), In The Ear (ITE) or Behind The Ear (BTE) types of hearing aids. However, the Completely In types of hearing aids. However, the Completely In Canal (CIC) and Disposable types are not powerful Canal (CIC) and Disposable types are not powerful enough for this level of hearing loss.enough for this level of hearing loss.

If you are suffering from Sensorineural Hearing Loss, If you are suffering from Sensorineural Hearing Loss, you may benefit from an implantable hearing aid. you may benefit from an implantable hearing aid.







Severe Hearing LossSevere Hearing LossExplanation and OptionsExplanation and Options

If you are experiencing a Severe Hearing Loss, If you are experiencing a Severe Hearing Loss, you may not be able to hear speech unless you may not be able to hear speech unless it is very loud, and you may need it is very loud, and you may need amplification to converse normally.amplification to converse normally.

If you are looking for improvement, you may If you are looking for improvement, you may benefit from In The Ear (ITE) or Behind The benefit from In The Ear (ITE) or Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids.Ear (BTE) hearing aids.

If you suffer from Sensorineural hearing loss, If you suffer from Sensorineural hearing loss, you may benefit from an Implantable you may benefit from an Implantable Hearing Aid or a Cochlear Implant.Hearing Aid or a Cochlear Implant.







Next: Cochlear Implant

Profound Hearing LossProfound Hearing LossExplanation and OptionsExplanation and Options

If you are experiencing a Profound hearing loss, you may If you are experiencing a Profound hearing loss, you may not be able to hear speech at all, you may also rely on not be able to hear speech at all, you may also rely on visual clues such as lip reading or body language.visual clues such as lip reading or body language.

If you want to improve your hearing, your options are very If you want to improve your hearing, your options are very limited. Most hearing aids will offer little to no help.limited. Most hearing aids will offer little to no help.

If you are suffering from Sensorineural hearing loss, you If you are suffering from Sensorineural hearing loss, you might benefit from a Cochlear implant.might benefit from a Cochlear implant.

If you do not want to improve your hearing, Sign language If you do not want to improve your hearing, Sign language is the method of communication used by most deaf is the method of communication used by most deaf individuals. If you prefer to stick with an English based individuals. If you prefer to stick with an English based system of communication, there are speech reading system of communication, there are speech reading techniques and other forms of sign language such as techniques and other forms of sign language such as cued speech and Signed Exact English.cued speech and Signed Exact English.






Next: Cochlear Implant

Next: Sign Language

Hearing Aid TypesHearing Aid TypesClick on the type of hearing aid you Click on the type of hearing aid you

want to learn more about.want to learn more about.

Completely In Canal (CIC)

In The Canal (ITC)

In The Ear (ITE)

Behind The Ear (BTE)

Disposable

Completely In Canal Hearing Aids Completely In Canal Hearing Aids (CIC)(CIC)

► This is the smallest type of hearing aid This is the smallest type of hearing aid available. All parts, including the battery, are available. All parts, including the battery, are contained in a tiny case that fits deep inside contained in a tiny case that fits deep inside the ear canal. A thin, plastic pull cord sticks out the ear canal. A thin, plastic pull cord sticks out into the bowl-shaped area of the ear to help in into the bowl-shaped area of the ear to help in removal. removal.

► The CIC aids are appropriate for Mild to The CIC aids are appropriate for Mild to Moderate hearing loss.Moderate hearing loss.

► The CIC aids are NOT appropriate for infants or The CIC aids are NOT appropriate for infants or children.children.

► ADVANTAGES: It is the least visible hearing aid. ADVANTAGES: It is the least visible hearing aid. It may help reduce wind noise.It may help reduce wind noise.

► DISADVANTAGES: CIC aids have less space for DISADVANTAGES: CIC aids have less space for add-ons. Batteries are smaller, so battery life add-ons. Batteries are smaller, so battery life may be shorter. This is the most expensive may be shorter. This is the most expensive type of hearing aid. This style may be difficult type of hearing aid. This style may be difficult to handle for those with dexterity problems.to handle for those with dexterity problems.Back to Slight/MinimalHearing Loss

Next: In The CanalHearing Aids


Back to MildHearing Loss

Back to ModerateHearing Loss

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www.mayoclinic.com

ENDBack to All Hearing

Loss Types



Next: In The EarHearing Aids

In The Canal Hearing Aids In The Canal Hearing Aids (ITC)(ITC)► An ITC hearing aid fits partly in the ear canal An ITC hearing aid fits partly in the ear canal

but not as deeply as a CIC. The edge of the but not as deeply as a CIC. The edge of the ITC aid extends into the bowl of the ear.ITC aid extends into the bowl of the ear.

► The ITC is appropriate for Mild to The ITC is appropriate for Mild to Moderate/Severe hearing loss.Moderate/Severe hearing loss.

► The ITC is NOT appropriate for infants or The ITC is NOT appropriate for infants or children.children.

► ADVANTAGES: ITC aids are hardly ADVANTAGES: ITC aids are hardly noticeable, has more opportunities for add-noticeable, has more opportunities for add-ons than a CIC, and is more powerful than a ons than a CIC, and is more powerful than a CIC.CIC.

► DISADVANTAGES: ITC aids can be difficult to DISADVANTAGES: ITC aids can be difficult to handle, insert, and change batteries. The handle, insert, and change batteries. The ITC are also rather expensive.ITC are also rather expensive.


Back to Slight/MinimalHearing Loss

Back to Moderate/SevereHearing Loss

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www.mayoclinic.com

ENDBack to All Hearing

Loss Types

Next: Behind the earHearing aids

In The Ear Hearing Aids (ITE)In The Ear Hearing Aids (ITE)► This style of hearing aid fills most of This style of hearing aid fills most of

the bowl-shaped portion of the ear.the bowl-shaped portion of the ear.► The ITE aids are appropriate for Mild to The ITE aids are appropriate for Mild to

Severe hearing loss.Severe hearing loss.► ADVANTAGES: These aids can be more ADVANTAGES: These aids can be more

powerful than those that fin in the powerful than those that fin in the canal. The ITE can accommodate more canal. The ITE can accommodate more add-ons. Their batteries are larger and add-ons. Their batteries are larger and more easily changed.more easily changed.

► DISADVANTAGES: ITE aids may pick up DISADVANTAGES: ITE aids may pick up more wind noise.more wind noise.

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Back to Mild Hearing Loss



Back to SevereHearing Loss

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www.mayoclinic.com

END


Next: Disposable Hearing Aids


Behind The Ear Hearing Aids Behind The Ear Hearing Aids (BTE)(BTE)► BTE Aids have 2 parts. A small plastic case that rests BTE Aids have 2 parts. A small plastic case that rests

behind the ear contains the hearing aid circuitry: the behind the ear contains the hearing aid circuitry: the microphone, amplifier, and loudspeaker. The case is microphone, amplifier, and loudspeaker. The case is connected by plastic tubing to a custom-made earmold connected by plastic tubing to a custom-made earmold (earpiece) that directs the amplified sound into your ear. (earpiece) that directs the amplified sound into your ear.

► BTE aids are appropriate for almost all types of hearing BTE aids are appropriate for almost all types of hearing loss and people of all ages.loss and people of all ages.

► BTE aids are sometimes perceived as being “old BTE aids are sometimes perceived as being “old fashioned” or “not technologically advanced”. But in fact, fashioned” or “not technologically advanced”. But in fact, BTE aids have modern electronic and digital technology BTE aids have modern electronic and digital technology like the other styles and in some cases provide the like the other styles and in some cases provide the greatest improvement in hearing.greatest improvement in hearing.

► ADVANTAGES: These are the most powerful hearing aids, ADVANTAGES: These are the most powerful hearing aids, and they can be adjusted for any degree of hearing loss. and they can be adjusted for any degree of hearing loss. BTE aids are the best style for infants, children, and BTE aids are the best style for infants, children, and people with more severe hearing loss. BTE aids are the people with more severe hearing loss. BTE aids are the easiest to maintain, usually require fewer repairs, and easiest to maintain, usually require fewer repairs, and battery replacement is easier.battery replacement is easier.

► DISADVANTAGES: Some people don’t have enough space DISADVANTAGES: Some people don’t have enough space between their ear and the side of their head to between their ear and the side of their head to accommodate this style. This style may pick up more accommodate this style. This style may pick up more wind noise than the smaller aids do. wind noise than the smaller aids do. Back to Slight/MinimalHearing Loss




Back to Severe Hearing Loss

Back to ProfoundHearing Loss

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END


Disposable Hearing AidsDisposable Hearing Aids► Disposable aids are In The Canal (ITC) hearing Disposable aids are In The Canal (ITC) hearing

aids designed to be worn for 40 to 70 days, then aids designed to be worn for 40 to 70 days, then discarded.discarded.

► These devices are suitable for Slight/Minimal to These devices are suitable for Slight/Minimal to Moderate Hearing Loss.Moderate Hearing Loss.

► Using disposable aids may eliminate Using disposable aids may eliminate maintenance problems due to moisture and wax maintenance problems due to moisture and wax buildup that occur with ongoing use of standard buildup that occur with ongoing use of standard aids.aids.

► Disposable aids can be fitted at your hearing Disposable aids can be fitted at your hearing evaluation, so you can leave wearing your new evaluation, so you can leave wearing your new hearing aid. However, disposable aids will not fit hearing aid. However, disposable aids will not fit everyone’s ears or meet everyone’s needs.everyone’s ears or meet everyone’s needs.

► ADVANTAGES: Disposable aids require minimal ADVANTAGES: Disposable aids require minimal maintenance. You cn receive them at the time of maintenance. You cn receive them at the time of your hearing evaluation.your hearing evaluation.

► DISADVANTAGES: These aids are not custom fit, DISADVANTAGES: These aids are not custom fit, and may not fit everyone comfortably. They have and may not fit everyone comfortably. They have less adjustable circuitry and no special features. less adjustable circuitry and no special features. Also, there is the ongoing expense of buying a Also, there is the ongoing expense of buying a new one every two months.new one every two months.

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www.cicoil.com

Back to Slight/MinimalHearing Loss



Back to All Hearing Loss Levels END


Implantable Hearing AidImplantable Hearing Aid► Implantable hearing aids are an Implantable hearing aids are an

alternative to traditional hearing alternative to traditional hearing aids for people with Moderate to aids for people with Moderate to Severe Sensorineural Hearing Severe Sensorineural Hearing Loss.Loss.

► Implantable hearing aids Implantable hearing aids conduct sound by vibrating the conduct sound by vibrating the middle ear bones directly to middle ear bones directly to stimulate the inner ear.stimulate the inner ear.

► This device is NOT This device is NOT recommended for those with recommended for those with Conductive Hearing Loss.Conductive Hearing Loss.

► A wire leads from the receiver A wire leads from the receiver to the electromagnet attached to the electromagnet attached to one of the middle ear bones. to one of the middle ear bones. Some styles have the receiver Some styles have the receiver surgically implanted into the surgically implanted into the skull behind the ear with an skull behind the ear with an external amplifier. Other styles external amplifier. Other styles have the receiver and amplifier have the receiver and amplifier in an external processor worn in an external processor worn behind the ear.behind the ear.

Photo courtesy of Microtia Australia Vibrant Soundbridge via

http://microtiaaustralia.org.au

ADVANTAGES: These devices may produce a more natural sound and are more versatile for sporting activities such as swimming.

DISADVANTAGES: Implantable aids require surgery, and can cost from $6,000 to $18,000 depending on which device is selected and which type of anesthesia is necessary.


Next: Cochlear Implant END

Cochlear ImplantCochlear Implant► Cochlear implants are not an Cochlear implants are not an

alternative to hearing aids.alternative to hearing aids.► These devices are designed for These devices are designed for

individuals who receive little to no help individuals who receive little to no help from hearing aids.from hearing aids.

► Candidates for cochlear implants Candidates for cochlear implants typically have severe to profound typically have severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears sensorineural hearing loss in both ears or have great difficulty understanding or have great difficulty understanding speech.speech.

► Children as young as 1 year old can Children as young as 1 year old can receive the implant, and there is no receive the implant, and there is no upper age limit. upper age limit.

► ADVANTAGES: Many insurance ADVANTAGES: Many insurance companies cover cochlear implants companies cover cochlear implants which greatly reduces the cost to the which greatly reduces the cost to the patient.patient.

Photo courtesy of www.mayoclinic.com

►DISADVANTAGES: There is a DISADVANTAGES: There is a lot of follow-up and lot of follow-up and programming that must be programming that must be done after the surgery. This is done after the surgery. This is a time-commitment that some a time-commitment that some people do not want. The people do not want. The surgery and all the pre and surgery and all the pre and post operative requirements post operative requirements can cost between $30,000 and can cost between $30,000 and $50,000. That can be very $50,000. That can be very costly if your insurance does costly if your insurance does not cover 100% of the not cover 100% of the procedure.procedure.


Next: Sign Language

END

Sign LanguageSign Language► There are several kinds of sign There are several kinds of sign

language. The language preferred by language. The language preferred by most deaf individuals who associate most deaf individuals who associate themselves with the Deaf culture in the themselves with the Deaf culture in the United States is American Sign United States is American Sign Language.Language.

► If you are more interested in remaining If you are more interested in remaining in the English culture, Manually Coded in the English culture, Manually Coded English, Cued Speech, Signed Exact English, Cued Speech, Signed Exact English and Lip Reading are all options. English and Lip Reading are all options.

► Individuals of all ages can learn these Individuals of all ages can learn these skills and methods of communication.skills and methods of communication.

ENDBack to SensorineuralHearing Loss


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hearing loss options and explanations

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hearing loss types

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hearing loss levels

conductive hearing loss

level of hearing loss

kind of hearing loss

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