1How long does it take to adjust to wearing hearing instruments?
This takes a considerable amount of time, if you take into the fact that you have to adjust to the new sounds in your environment. The physical aspect of wearing a hearing aid, however will take much less time.
2Do I need to wear my hearing instruments all the time?
In the initial stages, it is always advisable to wear the hearing aid at home, for a few hours in the beginning. Then you could move on to wearing them for longer periods like when taking a walk outdoors. Once you get more accustomed to this, you would be comfortable wearing them in more challenging situations like get-togethers, movies etc.
3What should I do if my hearing instruments are not working?
First check if the batteries are properly fitted. Check if the battery has run flat. If so, replace the battery. If the battery is not the cause of the problem, then check the instrument's sound outlet for presence of debris or ear wax.
4How much do hearing instruments cost?
The cost of hearing aid depends on its technology and features. For more information visit our products section.
5Where does hearing loss occur in the ear?
Hearing loss can occur in the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear or brain. This can be determined by various hearing tests.
6Can hearing impaired children develop speech and language?
Hearing impaired children can learn to talk, chat, make friends just like any person with normal hearing, given the right amplification and support.
7What is an audiogram?
An audiogram is a graph that shows the softest level that we hear at each frequency from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz. Hearing is considered normal at each frequency if it falls above 20 dB on the audiogram. A hearing loss is present at a certain pitch or frequency range if the softest level that we hear falls below 20 dB on the audiogram.
8What are the various degrees of hearing loss?
The degrees of hearing loss refers to the severity of hearing loss.
- Normal : 0 to 15 dB.
- Minimal hearing loss : 16 to25 dB.
- Mild hearing loss : 26 to 40 dB.
- Moderate hearing loss : 41 to 55 dB.
- Moderately severe hearing loss : 56 to 70 dB.
- Severe hearing loss : 71 to 90 dB .
- Profound hearing loss : 91 dB or above.
9What are the common symptoms of hearing loss in infants?
Infants are said to be suffering from hearing loss in case of the following common symptoms:
- Does not startle, move, cry or react in any way to unexpected loud noises.
- Does not awaken to loud noises.
- Does not turn his/her head in the direction of your voice, or
- Does not freely imitate sound.
10How do I know if I have a hearing loss?
- Having to ask others to repeat themselves often.
- Difficulty following conversations with background noise or in group situations.
- Finding children's and women's voices difficult to hear.
- Having the TV or radio turned up louder than normal.
11How do I know which hearing aid will be best for me ?
There are several factors that determine which hearing aid will be the right one for you. They include the nature and severity of your hearing loss, lifestyle, job, eyesight , dexterity and the size and shape of your outer ear and inner ear canal. Ultimately, your hearing professional will be able to instruct you as to the best choice for you.
12What causes hearing loss ?
There are several causes. The main ones include excessive noise, infections, genetics, birth defects, infections to the head or ear, aging, and reaction to drugs or cancer treatment.
13How long will the batteries last?
Battery life depends on the length of time you use your hearing aid, the size of your hearing aid, the type of circuit you have, and the size of battery you use.
14Will I need a hearing aid In one ear or two ?
Two-ear hearing (called "binaural") is better than one. If you have hearing loss in only one ear, you may be fine with one hearing aid. Age- and noise-related hearing loss tend to affect both ears, but your hearing profile for each ear is probably different. If there is a loss in both ears, you will probably benefit more with a binaural solution. Today, about two-thirds of new users opt for dual hearing instruments, and as a group they report a higher level of satisfaction than users of a single instrument.