I'm Dr. Victoria L. Moore, the lead Audiologist and President of The Hearing Spa. Welcome to the first installment of our "Ask the Audiologist" series. In this inaugural post, we address an important question: "Do Hearing Aids Work For Severe Hearing Loss?"
Are you wondering if hearing aids are effective for severe hearing loss? It's a common and important question for anyone facing significant hearing challenges. You're probably seeking the assurance that hearing aids will really enhance your hearing experience. Individuals also ask this question because they’re looking for clarity on the effectiveness of hearing aids in severe cases. Rest assured, exploring this question will help you find the right solution for your hearing needs.
Let's dive right in and explore the world of severe hearing loss.
Understanding Severe Hearing Loss
Before we delve into the effectiveness of hearing aids for severe hearing loss, we need to be sure what we mean by severe hearing loss. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines severe hearing loss as an inability to hear sounds below 60 to 80 decibels. On the other hand, profound hearing loss refers to a complete inability to hear sounds below 90 decibels.
That means those with severe hearing loss struggle with everyday sounds, like regular conversations, which equates to around 60 decibels. By contrast, those with profound hearing loss may not even hear high-decibel sounds such as ambulance sirens without amplification.
Typically, profound hearing loss is a result of a birth defect or an illness or injury, not age. Many individuals with this degree of hearing loss resort to lip reading or sign language to communicate.
The Role of Hearing Aids in Severe Hearing Loss
Despite the severity, the good news is that many people with severe or profound hearing loss can still benefit from hearing aids. These devices, often referred to as "power" or "superpower" hearing aids, are slightly larger than regular hearing aids due to their internal components, which are designed to amplify sounds significantly.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
The most common type of hearing aid for severe hearing loss is the Behind-The-Ear (BTE) model. This model comes with a full earmold that sits inside the ear for a snug fit. It's important to note that for those with profound hearing loss, hearing aids are typically needed in both ears.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Technological advancements have led to the invention of slimmer and more versatile hearing aids, even for severe hearing loss. These new-generation hearing aids can comfortably fit even infants and come with rechargeable batteries for added convenience.
Feedback Control and Custom Fittings
An essential feature of power hearing aids is feedback control. Feedback, the unpleasant whistling sound that occurs when amplified sound leaks out of the ear and is re-amplified by the hearing aid microphone, can be minimized with a carefully fitted earmold. This feature is even more important for power hearing aids, as the potential for feedback from higher amplification is more prominent.
Other options for Severe Hearing Loss
If power hearing aids are not sufficient, there are other treatments available, including cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing systems. These solutions require surgery and are typically considered when hearing aids do not provide the necessary amplification.
Assistive technology can also further enhance the hearing experience for those with severe to profound hearing loss. This can include additional microphones, automatic captioning, and specially designed apps that turn your smartphone into a customized alarm system.
Our services are essential in helping you hear better
Regular hearing tests are crucial for your long-term hearing health, as they enable us to examine and adjust your hearing devices as needed. At The Hearing Spa, we offer comprehensive hearing tests to ensure that your hearing aids are functioning optimally.
When it comes to fitting hearing aids, it's all about hitting the right balance. The settings should be just right - loud enough for you to hear but not so loud as to damage your natural hearing. Our team at The Hearing Spa ensures your new hearing aids are adequately programmed for your needs.
Hearing Care in Sarasota and Bradenton
Hearing aids can indeed work for severe hearing loss and do work for many patients with severe hearing loss. If someone has a more profound hearing loss, they may want to consider a cochlear implant. If you’re unsure whether you have severe or profound hearing loss, it’s best to contact us for a hearing test.
We’re also here at The Hearing Spa if you have questions about hearing aids or other treatments. We have two clinics - one in Sarasota, FL and one in Bradenton, FL - and we're ready to help guide you on your journey to better hearing.
