| What
causes hearing loss? |
|
|
The
main cause of hearing loss is something that comes to all of us
- age. However, other possible causes can be - exposure to loud
noises, hereditary, disease, illness, medication and trauma to name
a few. The most common form of hearing loss is called 'nerve deafness'.
This comes about as a result of the auditory nerves in the inner
ear being unable to transmit their signals to the brain.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| How
common is hearing loss? |
|
|
There
are approximately 8.7 million deaf and hard of hearing in the U.K.
1 in 5 people over the age of 50 suffer some degree of hearing loss.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Can
you cure hearing loss with drugs or surgery? |
|
|
Yes
you can, but it depends largely on the type of hearing loss. Conductive
hearing losses can be helped by drugs or surgery, but only a small
proportion are. The majority of Sensori Neural losses unfortunately
cannot be helped in this way. Most people with hearing difficulties
find that a professionally prescribed hearing aid will improve their
hearing.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| What
should I do if I am not hearing so well? |
|
|
The
first step is to have your hearing professionally and thoroughly
tested by a Hearing Aid Audiologist. This will determine whether
you have a loss or not, and if so, what type and degree of loss
exists. Today most people can be corrected by a hearing system,
if that is the right course of action.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Will
a hearing instrument cure my hearing loss? |
|
|
It
is important to remember that although hearing aids can make the
best of your residual hearing, they cannot physically alter your
natural hearing mechanism or return your hearing back to a normal
state.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| What
is a hearing aid? |
|
|
In
its basic form a hearing aid is an electronic, battery operated
device that amplifies sound. Every hearing aid contains a microphone
that picks up sound signals and converts them into electrical signals.
An amplifier then increases the loudness of the signal and the receiver
then delivers the sound into the ear.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Do
I really need a hearing aid; my hearing is not that bad? |
|
|
Hearing
loss through the ageing process (presbyacusis) is generally a gradual
deterioration and therefore we do not really appreciate the difficulties
we are having because we adapt accordingly, as our hearing can deteriorate
over many years. It tends to be those closest to us (friends or
relatives) who notice first, by having to repeat themselves or by
having to ask for the TV to be turned down as it is too loud. If
you think, or someone suggests that you may have a hearing loss,
it is advisable to have it tested by a qualified Hearing Aid Audiologist
who will be able to advice on the best solution to meet your needs,
and even if it means that you are not yet ready to wear a hearing
aid.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| How
much will a hearing aid cost? |
|
|
This
is probably one of the most commonly asked questions, and one of
the most difficult to answer. There are hundreds of different types
of hearing aids each giving different benefits and results. It is
impossible to even hazard a guess at a price for a hearing aid unless
the person with the hearing loss has undergone a thorough hearing
assessment by a Hearing Aid Audiologist. If hearing aids are the
correct remedial action and only after discussion about the individual's
needs, requirements and lifestyle can this question be answered.
However prices start from as little as £199.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| How
do I know that a hearing aid will work for me? |
|
|
After
carrying out a hearing assessment and discussing the various solutions
available, a demonstration can be performed to give an insight to
better hearing. Although this is a demonstration it is not the finished
article as this has to be made to a particular prescription and
moulded specifically for the individual. All hearing aids supplied
by Sound Advice (Hearing Ltd) are provided with a 30 day money back
guarantee, and in the unlikely event that you do not get benefit
from the hearing system supplied, you will be entitled to a refund.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| How
much does a hearing test cost? |
|
| All
hearing tests are FREE of charge and without obligation. |
| <
back to the top > |
|
|
|
| Do
you do home visits? |
|
|
Yes
we carry out home visits. Most people find it difficult to travel
to a centre, have difficulty with parking etc. Therefore we are
more than happy to carry out an assessment in the comfort of your
own home with a friend or relative present.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| I've
heard my hearing loss can't be helped |
|
|
In
most cases hearing loss can be helped through amplification, an
assessment will determine whether this is the case or not and whether
medical referral is required.
|
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| What
can a hearing aid do? |
|
·
It can make sounds louder
· Make speech easier to hear in most situations
· Help you hear certain pitches better, such as high pitched
consonant sounds
· Enable you to participate more fully in life's activities |
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| What
can't a hearing aid do? |
|
·
Restore normal hearing
· Deliver the ability to hear speech perfectly when distracting
noises are present
· Transform distorted sounds into clear sounds
· Allow you to hear only the sounds that you want to hear |
| <
back to the top > |
|
| |
|
|
|
| How
long will a hearing aid last? |
|
| A
hearing aid's life expectancy is typically three to five years. |
| <
back to the top > |
|
