Hearing loss is common, affecting approximately 48 million Americans. Fortunately, people with this condition have several treatment options. Two treatments for sensorineural hearing loss – a type of hearing loss caused by damage to the sensory cells in the inner ear – include hearing aids and cochlear implants. We review the differences between these two types of devices below.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are small electronic devices that are worn in or on the ear. They work by amplifying sounds to a level the wearer can detect.
All hearing aids consist of four main parts:
- The microphone picks up sounds in your environment.
- The processor amplifies sounds to the exact specifications your hearing loss requires.
- The receiver delivers the amplified sound to your ears.
- The battery powers the device.
There are many styles of hearing aids on the market today, including:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE).
- Mini-behind-the-ear (mini-BTE).
- Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE).
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC).
- In-the-ear (ITE).
- In-the-canal (ITC).
- Completely-in-canal (CIC).
- Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC).
Many of today’s hearing aids boast amazing features that help you hear better in environments with a lot of background noise, like Russell’s on Macklind. Some of these features include:
- Rechargeability.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Smartphone compatibility.
- Directional microphones.
- Background noise reduction.
- Automatic programming.
- Machine learning.
- And more!
Hearing aids are a suitable treatment for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They are prescribed by an audiologist following a comprehensive hearing test.
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are complex medical devices that are surgically implanted by a medical professional. Rather than simply amplifying sounds, they bypass the damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
There are three main parts of cochlear implants:
- The external component houses a microphone, speech processor and transmitter.
- The internal component contains a receiver and electrode array.
- A strong magnet couples the two components.
Ideal candidates for cochlear implants include those who have:
- Hearing loss that interrupts spoken communication.
- Limited benefit from hearing aids as determined by specialized hearing tests.
- Motivation to participate in hearing rehabilitation and be part of the hearing world.
- Realistic expectations of what cochlear implants can and can’t do for hearing.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Center for Hearing & Speech today.
