Hearing loss can have a substantial effect on your life. Hearing is one of the senses that dictates our experiences of the world around us, so to lose this can be a difficult change to come to terms with. At first, you may experience denial of your hearing loss symptoms to cope. Hearing loss is a gradual process; sometimes, it can feel better to ignore the loss than come to terms with your changing circumstances. However, it is essential to see an audiologist as soon as you start experiencing symptoms to reduce the amount of damage to your ears and hearing. Some, in the face of hearing loss, find themselves feeling low, even depressed about their new situation. Keeping on top of your emotions when facing hearing loss is incredibly important. Make sure to talk to someone about how you are feeling about your hearing loss, either your audiologist or family and friends.

Understand hearing loss

Often it can help to research hearing loss. Through this, you can understand what you are going through and why you find yourself in this position. A bit of research can help in thinking about what to do next. The first step is to visit an audiologist. Know that, in accepting that you have hearing loss, you have taken the first step to a better quality of life. It may seem like a step back, but this is not the truth.

Know there are things you can do

Your audiologist will explain to you your options moving forward. It may be as simple as treating an ear infection or removing excess ear wax. Most likely, though, you will be recommended hearing aids. Hearing aids may seem like a big step, especially to those experiencing hearing loss at a younger age. However, studies show hearing aids to considerably increase the quality of life for those with hearing loss. There are three types of hearing aids available to you.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

These hearing aids are worn completely in the ear instead of behind it. ITE hearing aids have a longer battery life. On top of this, ITE hearing aids can come in a stronger powered version for those with moderately severe hearing loss. ITE hearing aids are discreet and easy to handle. Devices worn in the ears are the preferred type for individuals who wear glasses, as they remain isolated from the arms of the eyewear.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

Similar to ITE hearing aids, ITC devices are also worn entirely in the ear, made to fit in the canal. They are smaller than ITE hearing aids, and come in other varieties, including completely in canal (CIC) and invisible in canal (IIC). Because of their small size, they can be difficult to handle if you experience any dexterity issues. You wouldn’t even know they were there, except for the incredible difference in your hearing.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

BTE hearing aids have a component that sits behind your ear, while a small plastic tube lies in your outer ear canal, joined by an ear hook. This plastic tube keeps the whole hearing aid in place, transmitting sounds to your eardrum. BTE hearing aids, while partially existing outside of your ear, as still remarkably discreet. They are very small, and can be color-matched to hair and skin tones to better blend in. These hearing aids are typically the most powerful out of all the options available. It is likely your audiologist will recommend a specific type of hearing aid for you. They almost might suggest you have either two hearing aids or just one, depending on the level of hearing loss you experience. By knowing there are things that can be done to improve your hearing loss, you should be able to come to terms with your hearing loss. Yes, your life may look a bit different, you might have to remember to put your hearing aids in each day, but you don’t need to let it stop you from living your life to the fullest. Think of it like this: if you were experiencing blurry vision, you wouldn’t think twice about going to see an optometrist. If you were told you needed glasses or contacts, you would definitely get them. So why do we think twice about hearing aids? If you would like to know more about the impacts of hearing loss, and knowing how to move forward, contact Quality Hearing Aid Center at (248) 430-8791.