3 Ways To Help A Loved One Who Has A Hearing Loss

It’s not uncommon for someone with a hearing loss to be in denial. Many times they either don’t acknowledge their own hearing loss or they simply don’t realize it.

It’s not unusual for family and friends to notice a hearing loss first.

It’s not always easy to be the one to point out a hearing loss to a loved one but if you can muster up the courage, you will be doing them a favor in the long run.

If you find yourself in this situation and you’re trying to find the right way to point out a hearing loss to your loved one, these tips may help:

1. Since many people don’t want to acknowledge their hearing loss due to the fear of “looking old” with a hearing aid, it may lessen their fears somewhat if they understand just how small some new hearing aids can be. Today there are hearing aids that are virtually invisible.

By explaining that there are many options in hearing aids your loved one may not be quite so reluctant to acknowledge their hearing loss.

2. When it comes time for “the conversation” try to find a time when the two of you are calm and relaxed. While you might be frustrated with having to continually repeat yourself or have to endure painfully loud t.v. viewing, it’s important that you put that aside when talking with your loved one to avoid confrontation.

3. Try to be a helping hand during the whole process. Your loved one will likely be a little nervous but having your support will help. And don’t forget, I am always here to help with the whole process, from start to finish.

Your loved one is missing out by not being able to hear well. It’s really a shame and they shouldn’t let fear stop them from getting the help they need to live life more fully.

Remind them that they don’t hesitate to get glasses to see better, why be reluctant to address a hearing loss?

If I can help with any aspect of the conversation, please let me know and I’ll be happy to help!

Looking for some advice or help? Call me today if you have any questions about your hearing health.I can help!

Call Us Today on 0141 345 2036.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

Types of Hearing Aids

When it comes to choosing a hearing aid, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. The first, of course, is the severity of your hearing loss. The next is the design and style of the hearing aid, and then you need to choose whether you want an analogue or digital hearing aid.

It may seem overwhelming, but when you speak to your Darroch Hearing audiologist, he or she will be able to give you sound advice and guidance as which will suit not only your ears but also your pocket:

1. Analogue hearing aids process sound by amplifying electronic signals whereas digital hearing aids use small computer chips to process sounds.

2. The first type of hearing aid that you get is the traditional ‘behind the ear’(BTE) design. This consists of a housing that sits behind the ear with an amplifying tube running across the front of the ear to the receiver seated inside the ear.

3. The ‘receiver in the ear’(RITE) design is smaller than the BTE and easier to manage. More of its parts are situated inside the ear.

4. ‘In theear’ (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the ear and are less visible than the BTE and RITE. Unfortunately, these tend to need more maintenance than other hearing aids.

5. ‘Completely inthe canal’(CIC) hearing aids are also situated entirely in the ear, but are smaller than the ITE. These are not suitable for those who have severe hearing loss or even if you get ear infections regularly.

The choice is yours,but we will gladly help you make the best-informed decision for your hearing loss as well as cosmetic needs. Just talk to your audiologist when you come in for your check-up.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus affects about 1 in 10 people around the world and presents as a ‘ringing in the ears’, hissing, clicking, or whistling sounds in the ear. Sometimes there is the sound of a heartbeat in the ear, which is cause for concern as it could mean that there is a growth or tumour in the ear that needs immediate medical attention.

Although anybody can develop tinnitus, there are certain factors that can cause tinnitus. These include:

1. Excessive or sustained noise levels
2. Certain medications and antibiotics could cause tinnitus
3. Head and neck injuries
4. Ear infections
5. A foreign object, or earwax touching the eardrum
6. Eustachian tube (middle ear) problems
7. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
8. Stiffening of the middle ear bones
9. Traumatic brain injury
10. Cardiovascular diseases
11. Diabetes

What are the Risk Factors?

There are several risk factors for contracting tinnitus. These include:

1. Noise exposure from work, headphones, concerts, explosives
2. Smoking
3. Gender – men are affected more than women
4. Hearing loss
5. Age – older individuals have a higher likelihood of developing tinnitus.

What are the Symptoms of Tinnitus?

The most common symptom of tinnitus is that you ‘hear’ a sound on the inside of your ear. It is not a sound that comes from outside your body – it is generated inside your ear. The sound can be either loud or soft, continuous or intermittent, in just one ear or both ears, and be either a low- or a high-pitched sound or squeal. Very often,tinnitus is accompanied by a certain amount of hearing loss. Usually it is most notable during the night or when you are surrounded by quiet.

What Do I Do If I Have Tinnitus?

Although there is no cure for tinnitus, there are several ways that it can be managed. Speak to Darroch Hearing today about your options as soon as you start experiencing the symptoms.

The Original article Published at Darroch Hearing Blog