Main: 604-531-4274
Cell: 604-644-8995
ADVICE FOR UNDERSTANDING & DEALING WITH HEARING LOSS IN SOUTH SURREY
TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
You may not realize it, but there are multiple types of hearing loss a person can experience, and each comes with its own causes and treatments. Our staff will help you understand what type(s) of hearing loss you’re experiencing, if any, and suggest some strategies for treating the loss. Simply contact us to arrange a hearing test.
Tinnitus– If you’ve had ringing in your ears, you’ve experienced tinnitus. Though rarely a serious issue, if your tinnitus worsens over time, talk with our staff about treatment ideas.
Sensorineural– When you have an inner ear or auditory nerve dysfunction, you have sensorineural hearing loss. Though typically irreversible, a hearing aid can significantly improve your hearing.
Conductive– Typically caused by something blocking sound in the middle ear, conductive hearing loss is when the intensity of sounds is reduced as they reach the ear’s cochlea. This type of hearing loss is typically treatable.
Mixed– Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. It is best to talk to a hearing professional about how best to treat this situation.
Acoustic Neuroma– This type of hearing loss is caused by a benign tumor growing on the main nerve from your inner ear. Radiation and/or surgery may be needed.
Meniere’s Disease– Meniere’s Disease causes both vertigo and hearing loss and requires treatment – please discuss this with your hearing professional.
Neural– Neural hearing loss is when the auditory nerve is damaged. In this case, hearing aids will not help improve hearing.
RESOURCES FOR NEW PATIENTS
Adjusting to life with a hearing aid is significant, and we want to do our best to help you make a smooth transition. Take a minute to read though our advice for new patients.
Choosing Your Hearing Aid– If you’ve never had a hearing aid before, you might imagine that all hearing aids are large, bulky and obvious devices that you’re going to be embarrassed to wear. However, thanks to technological advancements, more natural looking hearing aid options exist, and we’ll help you find the right hearing aid for your lifestyle.
Adjusting to Your Hearing Aid– It’s important to remember that while your hearing aid is going to be helpful to you from the moment you put it in, it’s going to be an adjustment for your body, as your brain has to adapt to this new type of stimulation. Be patient with yourself as you make this adjustment, and continue with any suggested rehabilitation treatments.
Developing Communication Strategies– Your family and friends will play an important role in your adjustment to life with a hearing aid. They can help you practice communicating by talking with you in a clear voice in a location without background noise. Our staff can help you develop other communication techniques to practice with your loved ones.
