It’s no surprise that many individuals experience hearing problems at some point in their lives, but the severity of hearing loss varies from person to person. Hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB), and hearing evaluations help determine the degree of hearing loss by measuring the quietest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies. People with normal hearing can typically detect sounds at levels around 0 to 25 decibels, while those with hearing loss may have difficulty hearing sounds at these levels.
While many individuals experience mild to moderate hearing loss, some may have difficulty hearing sounds below much higher volume levels. If this is the case, they may have severe-to-profound hearing loss. Severe hearing loss can make it difficult to understand speech and other sounds around them, even when using amplification devices.
If you are experiencing severe-to-profound hearing loss, you may be wondering about the most appropriate treatment options. El Dorado Hearing is here to walk you through the various hearing aid options available to people with severe hearing loss.
Severe Hearing Loss
Not sure if you are experiencing severe hearing loss? You may ask yourself, “What does severe hearing loss sound like?” Severe hearing loss is an advanced degree of hearing loss that can make it very difficult to hear speech and everyday sounds without hearing technology.
Depending on the degree and type of hearing loss, an individual may benefit from powerful hearing aids or, in some cases, a cochlear implant. A comprehensive hearing evaluation can help a hearing specialist determine the extent of your hearing loss and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Without hearing technology, people with severe hearing loss may have significant difficulty detecting sounds and understanding speech. Even with a hearing device, the amount of benefit can vary depending on the individual’s hearing and communication needs.
Treating Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss
A hearing evaluation allows your hearing specialist to determine the degree of hearing loss you are experiencing. Over-the-counter hearing aids may not be appropriate for severe-to-profound hearing loss because they may not provide sufficient amplification or the specialized fitting required. A hearing specialist can help determine which devices are suitable for your hearing needs.
Some individuals with severe hearing loss benefit from powerful hearing technology, such as high-powered hearing aids. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are often used for severe-to-profound hearing loss because they can accommodate more powerful components and larger batteries than many smaller styles.
Power hearing aids are designed to provide greater amplification than many standard hearing aids. They typically fit behind the ear and may be paired with a custom earmold that sits inside the ear canal. This design can provide a secure fit and help deliver amplified sound effectively.
If hearing aids do not provide sufficient benefit, particularly for profound hearing loss, a hearing specialist may recommend an evaluation for a cochlear implant. Assistive listening devices and accessories that connect to hearing aids may also help improve access to speech in certain listening environments.
Think you may need a hearing aid upgrade to get more from your hearing technology? El Dorado Hearing can help you explore your options.
Schedule a Hearing Test with El Dorado Hearing of Tucson
At El Dorado Hearing, we provide comprehensive hearing evaluations to help you better understand and manage your hearing loss. Our hearing specialists offer detailed assessments to determine whether hearing loss is present and how it affects your ability to hear.
For personalized hearing testing in Tucson, AZ, consider scheduling an appointment with El Dorado Hearing of Tucson. We strive to make our hearing offices comfortable and welcoming for everyone.
If you are ready to take the next step toward better hearing, visit one of our hearing clinics. For personalized advice about hearing aids in Tucson, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our hearing specialists!