Temporary hearing loss will return to normal in most cases when the root cause is treated, but if things go south, how does one cope with the news? What if you know a family member who is facing worsening hearing difficulties?

Types of Deafness and Deafness Causes

Hearing loss manifests in three main types: Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), Conductive, and Mixed, with Sensorineural being the most common, resulting from damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways. Conductive hearing loss is caused by obstructions in the ear canal, while mixed hearing loss is a combination of the two.

Temporary hearing loss, which happens due to infections, blockages, or noise exposure, can usually be reversed if addressed promptly. However, if left untreated, it can escalate to permanent damage. On the other hand, permanent hearing loss is deemed irreversible – often exacerbated by age, underlying conditions, or prolonged noise exposure – and typically necessitates hearing aids for auditory support.

Signs of Hearing Difficulties

Many individuals with hearing problems in Singapore often do not immediately notice if they have worsening hearing issues. Seniors in particular may find themselves in denial, unwilling to confront the reality of their condition, or do not think it serious enough to necessitate a hearing check-up.

Here are some common symptoms to watch out for to determine if someone is experiencing hearing loss:

• Struggles with Understanding Conversations: One of the most telling signs is if the person is having problems hearing spoken words during everyday interactions with friends, family, and colleagues. Individuals might ask others to repeat themselves frequently or face constant miscommunications. Speech may seem unclear or muffled, complicating communication further.
• Challenges in Hearing Specific Sounds: A noticeable reduction in the ability to hear high-pitched sounds, like doorbells or telephone rings, is a common symptom. Additionally, distinguishing between certain consonants can become problematic. Moreover, some individuals might develop a heightened sensitivity to particular sounds, causing discomfort or even pain.
• Increased Volume on Televisions or Radios: Those experiencing hearing difficulties often find themselves needing to increase the volume significantly to hear what’s being broadcasted. This adjustment can become a point of contention or discomfort when sharing these experiences with others, as the volume levels required for one individual may be uncomfortably loud for everyone else in the room.

Emotional Struggles of Hearing Loss and Why Support is Essential

The journey through hearing loss, be it gradual or sudden, is daunting and overwhelming and can negatively impact an individual’s mental health and well-being. Understanding and acknowledging the emotions of someone with hearing problems is crucial in providing comprehensive support for them.

• Anxiety: The uncertainty surrounding the progression of hearing loss and the effectiveness of treatments can be a source of significant anxiety. Concerns about miscommunications and the fear of being judged in social settings further exacerbate this anxiety, creating a cycle of worry and stress that can be difficult to break.
• Depression: The loss of hearing can lead to a profound sense of grief and isolation, as individuals mourn the sounds and experiences they once took for granted. This grieving process, coupled with the feeling of being cut off from social interactions and activities, can significantly increase the risk of depression. The perceived loss of independence and a diminished sense of self-worth contribute to this emotional turmoil.
• Cognitive Decline: Beyond the immediate emotional effects, hearing loss is also linked to accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. The reduction in auditory stimulation can heighten the risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, further emphasising the need for early intervention and support.
• Other Social Impacts: Besides emotional problems caused by a decrease in self-esteem and confidence, someone with hearing loss may also face fewer educational and job opportunities due to impaired communication. They may also experience social withdrawal due to reduced access to services and difficulties communicating with others.

How to Communicate with Someone Who Has Hearing Difficulties

Effective communication with someone who has hearing problems requires patience, understanding, and a few key strategies. Here’s how you can make conversations more inclusive and supportive:

• Capture Attention First: Gently get the attention of the person with hearing loss before you start speaking. This can be through a light tap on the shoulder or by saying their name.
• Face-to-Face Interaction: Ensure you are facing them directly and maintain a close but comfortable distance. This allows for lip-reading and better understanding.
• Clear Visibility and Lighting: Keep your face well-lit and avoid covering your mouth while speaking. This aids in lip-reading and facial cues.
• Slow Down: Speak at a measured pace to ensure clarity and reduce hearing difficulties. This doesn’t mean over-exaggerating your speech but rather enunciating clearly.
• Moderate Your Volume: While it might be instinctive to raise your voice, shouting can distort speech and make understanding harder. Adjust your volume as needed, without shouting.
• Expressiveness: Use facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language to convey your message more effectively.
• Preparedness for Alternatives: Have a pen and paper handy, or use text messages for clearer communication when needed.

How to Show Support to a Loved One with Hearing Loss

1. Participate in Their Hearing Loss Appointments: Accompany them to appointments for hearing aids or consultations. Being present helps you understand their needs better and allows you to support them in adapting to new hearing devices.
2. Maintain Patience: Miscommunications can be frustrating, but remember to stay calm and patient. Avoid showing frustration or anger, as it can discourage your loved one from engaging in future conversations.
3. Adapt Your Environment: Simple changes can greatly enhance communication and manage hearing difficulties. Ensure good lighting, reduce background noise, and use visual cues to facilitate better understanding. Remember, lip-reading and visual cues are still important, even with hearing aids.
4. Prioritise Clarity Over Volume: Speaking slower and clearer is more beneficial than speaking louder. This minimises misunderstandings and makes conversations more accessible.
5. Provide Context and Clarification: If your loved one misses parts of a conversation, discreetly fill them in. Ensure they are included in group discussions and aware of any subject changes.
6. Reduce Background Noise: Background noise can significantly hinder the ability of someone with hearing difficulties to follow a conversation. Turn off unnecessary sources of noise when possible to improve communication.
7. Seek Professional Advice: Early intervention by healthcare professionals can make a significant difference in managing hearing loss effectively. Encourage your loved one to seek help and explore all available treatment options.
8. Consider Mental Health Support: The emotional impact of hearing loss can be profound. Seeking hearing loss support from a therapist can provide valuable coping strategies and emotional relief.
9. Educate Yourself and Seek Help: Let your loved one know they are not alone in their journey. Many organisations and communities offer resources and support for both individuals with hearing loss and their families. Knowledge is power, and support is strength.

Utilising Hearing Aids to Help with Hearing Problems

Hearing aids dramatically improve communication and interaction for individuals with hearing difficulties, blending advanced technology with user-friendly design for a seamless daily experience. Upon adapting to hearing aids, users can expect a renewed sense of connection to their surroundings, with enhanced ability to participate in conversations, enjoy music, and engage with their surroundings. The transition to wearing hearing aids involves a period of adjustment as users acclimate to new sounds and settings. However, with consistent use, this adjustment leads to a significantly better quality of life and will renew confidence in the individual.

Know someone who is going through hearing loss? Show your support to them so they need not feel like they are navigating through their difficulties alone. You can also schedule an appointment for a hearing check up in Singapore at any of The Hearing Solution Group’s centres conveniently located islandwide.

1. Improved relationships

Hearing is an important part of communicating in person or over the phone. Not being able to hear during conversations can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression, and more. In contrast, being able to hear allows you to stay engaged during social events and participate in activities that others are doing. If you suffer from hearing loss, hearing aids can help you bridge the communication gap and keep you sociable. This leads to healthier relationships, a healthier mind, as well as a boost in confidence.

2. Greater independence

If you’re suffering from hearing loss, it is normal for you to become more reliant on those around you as you may need their assistance in paying attention to sounds or communicating with others on your behalf. From alarms to announcements, being able to hear even the most insignificant sounds can make a huge difference to your life.

Hearing aids can help you to hear your surroundings again, reducing your reliance on others. This allows you to reclaim control of your life and navigate around without the assistance of others. Being able to hear also allows you to continue working for job security and financial stability.

3. Reduced tinnitus symptoms

Tinnitus is a condition in which you hear sounds that originate within your body rather than from external sources. The most common sound people with tinnitus experience is a ringing in the ears. Other sounds you may hear include buzzing, humming and/or grinding. Tinnitus might be caused by an issue with the inner ear, which also causes hearing loss. Although not everyone suffering from hearing loss experiences tinnitus, some may. In this case, patients experiencing tinnitus may be referred to do a hearing test to determine whether they have hearing loss. If yes, having hearing aids help to provide relief as the amplification provided by the hearing aids can mask out tinnitus symptoms.

4. Prevent cognitive decline

When you suffer from hearing loss, the part of your brain that processes what you hear is deprived of sound; this is also referred to as auditory deprivation. This lack of auditory stimulation can weaken your auditory cortex and lead to cognitive decline over time. This is because without sound, your auditory cortex does not get to “work” and will start to atrophy. This may also lead to an increased risk of dementia if you do not seek hearing solutions or treatment when you suffer from hearing loss.

Although hearing aids cannot treat hearing loss, it can help to prevent your auditory cortex from losing its function and prevent cognitive decline. Hence, getting hearing aids fitted when necessary is important.

Studies have shown that aside from helping you hear your surroundings, hearing aids can also improve your quality of life and maintain your health. If you notice any signs or symptoms or hearing loss, it would be wise to get a hearing test and have hearing aids fitted.

The Hearing Solution Group is one of the largest hearing centres in Singapore that provides a range of hearing solutions with cutting-edge technology, equipment, and therapy. Contact us today or call us at 63370090 to schedule a hearing test or find out more about our services.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Source : https://sadeaf.org.sg/about-deafness/introduction/

Our ears consist of three parts – outer, middle and inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss typically occurs when the hair cells in the cochlea and/or the auditory nerve becomes damaged. It is the most common type of permanent hearing loss that cannot be medically or surgically treated as damaged cochlea hair cells cannot regenerate.

Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss

• Muffled hearing
• Difficulty hearing soft sounds or speech
• Sudden or steady loss of hearing
• Full or stuffy feeling in the ear
• Ringing in the ear
• Dizziness

Causes of sensorineural hearing loss

• Illnesses
• Genetics
• Injury to the head or the ear
• Exposure to loud noise
• Ageing
• Drugs that are harmful to hearing

Treatment options for sensorineural hearing loss

In mild cases where your cochlea hair cells have not been completely damaged, medical therapy such as the use of corticosteroids might be able to help reduce swelling and inflammation to prevent permanent hearing loss. However, it may not be suitable for all cases. Do speak to your audiologist for more medical advice. In other more severe cases, there are no treatment options apart from the use of assistive listening devices, such as hearing aids, to help you hear better.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Source : https://healthjade.net/ear-wax-blockage/

Conductive hearing loss happens when sound waves cannot travel through your ear canal and into your inner ear. This usually occurs when there is an obstruction in the outer or middle ear. In some cases, conductive hearing loss can be reversed through medical or surgical intervention as the inner ear may still be in healthy condition. However, this depends entirely on your condition. For some, hearing loss may remain even after surgery.

Symptoms of conductive hearing loss

• Muffled hearing
• Sudden or gradual loss of hearing
• Fluctuating hearing loss
• Full or stuffy feeling in the ear
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Pain or tenderness in the ear
• Dizziness

Causes of conductive hearing loss

• Colds or allergies causing fluid to build up in the ear
• Otitis media or external otitis
• Poor eustachian tube function
• A hole in your eardrums
• Tumours
• Earwax stuck in your ear canal
• An object stuck in your outer ear
• Deformed ear canal or outer ear
• Bone abnormality in middle ear

Treatment options for conductive hearing loss

If your conductive hearing loss is caused by obstruction in the ear, the problem can be resolved simply by removing the obstruction. In more severe cases such as a deeply rooted obstruction or structural issues like bone lesions or tumours, surgery may be required. You may also get special hearing aids fitted at the hearing centre to help improve your hearing.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss occurs when you have both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss as a result of damage to both the outer and inner ear. Sound cannot travel properly through your ear canal, and the inner ear is unable to process the sound for transmission to the brain. Those with mixed hearing loss often struggle to hear soft sounds and have difficulty understanding speech.

Symptoms of mixed hearing loss

• Inability to hear sounds, especially faint sounds
• Feeling of pressure or pain in the ear
• Vertigo
• Ringing in the ears
• Your own voice sounds weird
• Other symptoms under sensorineural or conductive hearing loss as mentioned above

Causes of mixed hearing loss

• Genetics
• Ageing
• Exposure to loud noise
• Medications
• Birth conditions
• Tumours and diseases
• Head trauma
• Ear wax
• Ear infections

Treatment options for mixed hearing loss

With mixed hearing loss, only problems causing conductive hearing loss might be treated; sensorineural hearing loss cannot be reversed. Medical or surgical intervention may be required to remove the obstruction within your ear, or to correct structural issues in your ear. Hearing aids may also be fitted to help improve your hearing.

Regardless of your condition, it is critical to schedule a hearing test with a hearing centre as soon as possible if you notice any abnormalities in your hearing or your ears. Early intervention can aid in preventing severe hearing loss and/or potential cognitive decline.

The Hearing Solution Group is one of the largest hearing centres in Singapore offering a range of hearing solutions to help you hear better. Contact us today or call us at 63370090 to learn more about our services.

Although many of us know that hearing impairment will lead to a decrease in our quality of life, we continue to take our hearing for granted, only realising the value of healthy hearing when we suffer from hearing problems. How important is healthy hearing and what will happen if we do not take good care of our ears?

#1. Independence and Security

Healthy hearing keeps us aware of our surroundings and helps us to stay safe even when we are travelling alone. From the ringing of our phone to the sound of vehicles, knowing what is going on around us allows us to quickly get out of harm’s way without the assistance of another.

Hearing is also essential for most jobs in the world, granting you job security. Losing your hearing may lead to reduced work productivity and even retrenchment.

#2. Building Connections and Relationships

Communication is the foundation of all relationships and good hearing helps to keep you relevant in social situations. Poor hearing health hinders your ability to understand what the people around you are saying. This results in you missing out on conversations and the opportunities to participate in and experience many of life’s cherished moments, such as chiming in during meaningful conversations with your family and friends, listening to your favourite music, or hearing a loved one’s voice or laughter. This may lead to social isolation, depression, or other mental health issues.

#3. Better Brain Functioning

Being able to hear keeps our brain active because it forces our brain to process and translate the impulses into sounds that we know and understand. When sound waves travel from our outer ear into the inner ear, the vibrations stimulate thousands of tiny hair cells which then send electrical signals to the auditory cortex. Our brain then works to identify the sounds and filter out unwanted noise to help us focus on what we are listening to.

Hearing loss causes our brain to lose its ability to process sound. The parts of our brain that are responsible for auditory processing changes how it operates, switching to other tasks such as visual processing. These parts may then shrink and make it challenging for you to process and hear sounds normally again even with hearing aids. Additionally, a study conducted in 2011 said that adults with hearing loss are “significantly more likely to develop dementia” over time than those who have healthy hearing. This demonstrates the importance of healthy hearing.

Signs you or a Loved one may Need to Visit a Hearing Clinic

Hearing loss can happen to anyone, but most people do not realise that they are suffering from it. The symptoms may differ from person to person, and they can be different from what we believe deafness to be. Individuals suffering from milder forms of hearing loss may be unaware of this problem, letting it affect their lives and allowing it to worsen. If you notice these changes in behaviour, or signs and symptoms of hearing loss, do schedule a consultation with an audiologist at a hearing clinic to get your ears checked.

Sign 1: Constantly asking others to repeat themselves

Is someone around you or are you constantly getting others to repeat themselves during a conversation? If you find yourself having difficulty keeping up with conversations or struggling to hear what people are saying, you may be experiencing some form of hearing loss.

Sign 2: Persistent ringing in ears

Also known as tinnitus, persistent ringing in your ears is a condition caused by problems in your auditory system. It can cause whirring, buzzing or whooshing noises that are disruptive and uncomfortable. Although tinnitus can be a temporary condition you experience after being exposed to loud noises, it can also be a permanent condition that requires treatment. An audiologist may recommend a hearing device to help relieve and reduce the symptoms.

Sign 3: Turning up the volume

Do you find yourself having trouble listening to your music or the conversations on a television show? Do you have to turn up the volume of what you’re listening to? If you struggle to hear but your family members are complaining about the loud sounds, you may be suffering from hearing loss. You will need to visit an audiologist at a hearing clinic.

A DEEP DIVE INTO HEARING AIDS AND HEARING CENTRES

What Makes a Good Audiologist/Hearing Care Consultant?

You will need to see a qualified audiologist or hearing care consultant should you require help managing your hearing loss. The best hearing care consultants can empower a more seamless, enjoyable and effective process. However, with the amount of audiologists in Singapore, how do you know if you’re seeing the right person? Here are some traits you should keep a lookout for.

Trait 1: Professionalism

Every healthcare professional has the knowledge and expertise to treat patients in their field. However, knowledge alone is not enough if they cannot communicate their thoughts and information to you properly. An audiologist must be able to explain complex conditions, treatments and hearing solutions to you in a manner that you can understand. This minimises misunderstandings, miscommunication and makes you feel more secure. They should also have great problem-solving skills to effectively figure out the answers to your issues.

Additionally, a professional audiologist will be patient and careful with you, yet efficient enough to evaluate every patient without letting anyone wait too long. This excellent time management skill is a reflection of their ability to think fast and provide the best solutions for you.

Trait 2: Compassionate

Patience and empathy is a requirement if one wishes to work in the healthcare industry. Taking the time to attend to each patient and treating you to the best of their abilities without losing their patience or rushing you through any procedures establishes compassion for their patient’s wellbeing.

Trait 3: Patient-centric

Does the audiologist place the patient’s wellbeing over their own business needs or do they simply want to rush through the job? A patient-centric audiologist should be able to provide holistic solutions to their patients and the patients’ families, guiding them through the steps they need to take to properly manage their hearing loss journey. It is important to work with someone who doesn’t simply focus on getting the job done, but instead, has a friendly and empathetic disposition that shows they truly care about your hearing health.

Common Myths about Hearing Aids

The most common hearing solution you will receive at a hearing centre is a hearing aid. Not only do hearing aids help with hearing loss but their continuous improvement in technology further enhances the hearing experience. However, some may still be hesitant over whether they are truly helpful. The truth is, modern hearing aids are highly effective and very comfortable to wear despite the misconceptions surrounding them. We debunk some myths you may have heard.

Myth 1: Hearing aids are not functional

Many are under the misconception that hearing loss is caused by “nerve loss’, which cannot be resolved. Due to this, they assume that hearing aids are simply accessories that fail in function. That is far from the truth. Advanced digital technology allows the majority of patients with sensori-neural hearing loss to experience improved communication with hearing aids. They are also engineered to amplify sounds such that one can hear them with more clarity.

Myth 2: Hearing aids are big and ugly

Modern hearing aids are available in smaller and less visible solutions that can even be worn inside the ear. Hearing aids like the Evolv AI offer different styles such as the completely-in-canal (CIC), invisible-in-canal (IIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) options that are entirely or nearly invisible. They do not affect your appearance and are also comfortable to wear.

Myth 3: The sound quality of hearing aids are bad

In the past, analogue hearing aids were loud and difficult to hear with, because they amplified all sounds equally, no matter the frequency or volume. However, digital signal processing today makes it possible for hearing aids to be tailored and adjusted to meet individual listening needs and situations. For example, the Evolv AI lets you easily control your hearing aid from your phone, adjusting settings and volumes in different situations to help you hear even better.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

These small electronic devices that those with hearing loss wear in or behind their ears help to amplify sounds so that they can listen, communicate, and participate in daily activities normally in all sorts of situations. They work through a three-part system – the microphone, amplifier, and speaker. The microphone receives sound from your surroundings and converts it into a digital signal that is increased by the amplifier. The speaker then produces the amplified sound into the ear.

There are two types of hearing aids available – analogue and digital – and they work very differently.

Analogue Hearing Aids

Sound waves received by analogue hearing aids are converted into electrical signals before being amplified. They are programmed by the manufacturer according to the needs of the individual user and have more than one programme or setting that the audiologist and user can change depending on your listening environment.

Digital Hearing Aids

The sound waves that travel into digital hearing aids are converted into numerical codes similar to a computer’s binary code before amplifying them. The code includes information about a sound’s pitch or loudness, which allows the hearing aid to adjust the sound, amplifying some frequencies more than others. The audiologist will have more flexibility when adjusting the aid to a user’s needs. They can even be programmed to focus on sounds coming from a specific direction.

Common Services Provided by Hearing Clinics

Hearing clinics provide a range of other services to help you through managing and living with your hearing impairment. When it comes to getting through this journey, it is important that you leave yourself in the hands of a hearing clinic that delivers the required services. Afterall, the hearing loss journey is not an easy one and engaging the right clinic can ease your fears and anxiety. These are some of the basic services the hearing clinic you are planning to choose should provide.

#1. Hearing Test

To evaluate the severity of your hearing loss, the hearing centre should conduct a full hearing and central auditory processing evaluation, as well as a comprehensive hearing impact assessment. This will help them better understand your needs and develop a solution for you. If going to the centre for a test is too inconvenient, look for a place that offers online hearing tests.

#2. Consultation and Customisation of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are useful devices that can help people who have hearing loss listen and converse more effectively. A hearing clinic should be able to do a thorough assessment and understanding of your needs, as well as customising and purchasing hearing aids to ensure that they fulfil your listening requirements.

#3. Hearing Aid Aftercare

Hearing aids must be properly maintained. Look for a hearing centre that offers regular aftercare services. They will help ensure that your devices are in good working condition and that you have all the information you need to fully utilise them. These aftercare services include the cleaning and servicing of your hearing aids, minor programming adjustments, and instruction on how to use your hearing aids and its technology.

#4. Yearly Re-Assessment

You may need another assessment of your hearing and cognitive abilities after a period of using your hearing aids. A yearly reassessment will usually be provided by your hearing centre, serving as a benchmark for determining whether your hearing aids require adjustments.

ACCEPTING HEARING LOSS

How to Care for and Maintain your Hearing Aids

If you or someone you know uses hearing aids, it is essential to know how to properly maintain them so that the devices can continue to function effectively. Hearing aids are simple devices that require little maintenance, but they must be cared for and protected in order to serve its user for a long time, prevent breakdowns and avoid costly repairs. Following these basic care and maintenance instructions can help them perform at their best.

Tip 1: Store in a safe dry place

Hearing aids should be kept in a clean, cool, and dry environment. To prevent moisture from building up in the batteries, put them out in the open with the battery doors open. If your environment is particularly humid, a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier may be necessary to keep the devices dry. Additionally, you should store them in a secure location away from pets and small children to prevent them from being smashed, damaged, or dropped.

Tip 2: Clean off earwax and replace wax filter regularly

Earwax is necessary for ear health, but it interferes with electronic devices like hearing aids and can potentially reduce their efficiency if it accumulates around them. Your hearing aids will, however, be exposed to earwax on a daily basis. This is why you should clean them with a dry cotton swab or a soft toothbrush at the end of each day, paying special attention to the receiver and microphone.

Hearing aids also have wax filters that protect the device’s internal components from damage. These filters must be replaced on a regular basis. Make sure you have the right type of wax filter for your hearing aids.

Tip 3: Battery care and replacement

Hearing aid batteries must be maintained and replaced on a regular basis because even a small amount of moisture trapped within the device can cause corrosion and damage to the hearing aid’s interior. When you’re not wearing your hearing aids, make sure the battery doors are open and change the batteries when it’s time to do so.

Remove the batteries from your hearing aids if you won’t be using them for a few days to air the battery slots. Additionally, keep the battery contacts clean by wiping them with a dry cotton swab after each usage.

Tip 4: Schedule professional cleanings

Hearing aids should be cleaned professionally every four to six months. This professional cleaning service inspects your hearing aids for any damage, repairs it, adjusts the settings, and thoroughly cleans them to preserve their performance. It’s an important step in keeping your hearing aids in good working order because the pros will know exactly what needs to be done.

Ways to Minimise Deterioration of Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible; there are no medical or surgical methods that can reverse the symptoms of hearing loss since damaged hair cells do not regrow. To protect our hearing, we should take care of our ears as much as possible and be conscious of what we’re listening to and how we’re listening. Here are some things you can do to protect your hearing and/or keep it from getting worse.

Tip 1: Limit smoking and drinking

Cigarette smoke and heavy alcohol consumption can create a toxic environment in the ear, affecting a person’s hearing health significantly. Large amounts of alcohol can harm the auditory cortex of the brain and inner ear cells, lower blood oxygen levels, and increase toxins in the body. The eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to the back of your throat, might become blocked if you smoke often. This increases the possibility of inner ear injury. Smoking is also connected to changes in blood pressure; high blood pressure puts additional strain on the cells in the ear, causing damage.

Tip 2: Use proper ear protection when necessary

Hearing loss can be prevented using ear protection such as headphones or in-ear foam plugs. They should be worn to protect your ears if you need to enter a noisy or loud place. Long-term exposure to noise above 85 decibels for more than eight hours per day causes gradual hearing loss, and explosive noises exceeding 140 decibels, such as fireworks, can cause immediate damage. Musicians and performers are some people who should be using ear protection to prevent hearing loss.

Tip 3: Visit your audiologist/hearing care consultant regularly

Regular hearing tests keep you informed about your hearing health. If your test reveals that you have some hearing loss, you can begin taking steps to prevent it from deteriorating and explore your hearing aid options.

How Loved Ones Can Provide Support

It’s not easy to live with hearing loss. If you are not experiencing hearing loss but are caring for someone who is, you must understand that the transition from a normal hearing adult to someone who can hardly hear what you are saying will be difficult for them. A loved one’s attention and support can make this experience less frightening.

When caring for someone who has hearing impairment, effective communication is crucial. This can also help your other family members and friends who have normal hearing abilities feel less stressed. Here are some suggestions.

#1. Be patient and understanding

Maintaining a positive attitude and being patient with someone who has hearing loss might help them feel more at ease and less affected by their condition. If you are asked to repeat your sentence several times, do not be offended. Instead, try to figure out how you might improve your communication style to make it easier for people to hear and understand you. For example, moving to a quieter area or speaking into another ear.

Avoid raising your voice or even shouting at them because this could be viewed as disrespectful or angry. To help them, try rephrasing your sentence to offer more context or enunciating your words more clearly.

#2. Reduce background noise while speaking to them

Background noise in public settings interferes with your voice, making communication more difficult. If at all feasible, move to a quieter location to hold a conversation or do everything you can to eliminate background noise. For example, lowering the music volume or getting others to lower their volume.

#3. Non-verbal cues

Non-verbal elements of conversation, such as facial expressions and hand gestures might help us express our message more effectively than words. Consider how your facial expression and body gestures can help contribute to the conversation. Also, pay attention to the listener to determine whether they understand what is being said. If something you have said is met with a confused expression, make an effort to repeat yourself or clarify whether they heard it.

#4. Speak clearly and slowly

While speaking clearly and slowly can help persons with hearing loss hear better, speaking too slowly can make some people feel patronised, resulting in an uncomfortable interaction. However, avoid speaking too quickly or using overly complex words and sentences. Speak clearly and naturally, without using exaggerated facial expressions or lip movements. Take turns speaking and avoid interrupting others so that the listener does not have to struggle to understand what you are saying.

Hearing health is essential for our physical and mental well-being, thus it’s important to look after your ears. Early visits to a hearing centre can help you detect problems before they become irreversible.

A qualified audiologist and a good hearing centre with all of the services you need can make managing your hearing loss a lot easier and more enjoyable.

The Hearing Solutions Group provides a variety of hearing solutions and services in Singapore to assist people on their journey through hearing loss. To learn more, or to schedule a hearing test, contact us today or call us at 63370090!

Nevertheless, with the variety of hearing aids available in Singapore today, understanding and knowing how to choose one that best suits your needs can be quite the challenge. Therefore, in this article, we explore the different types of hearing aids and how they compare to each other to help you make a more well-informed decision when selecting the hearing aid of choice.  

Custom Hearing Aids  

Suitable for those with mild to severe hearing loss, custom hearing aids are typically customised according to the shape of your ear. They come in three styles – completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids, which fit inside the ear, in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids that are slightly extended out on the concha area, and in-the-ear (ITE) hearings aids, which almost fully covers the outer ear. Some custom hearing aids may feature telecoils, which receive sounds through the circuitry instead of a microphone. This does not only make it easier to hear conversations over the phone but also in public facilities where special systems called induction loops are installed. Some benefits of custom hearing aids include discreetness, comfort and more natural sound quality. However, they may be susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker, moisture damage and more occlusion as the ears are plugged up. ITEs are also not recommended for elderlies with dexterity issues or young children due to the constant replacing of the shell as their ears grow.  

Behind-the-ear Hearing Aids  

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are worn with a customised ear mould fitted in the canal. In this way, the microphone from the hearing aid can pick up environmental sounds and transmit them into the ear through the earmould. The benefits of BTE hearing aids include supporting higher hearing profile range, longer battery lifespan and easy maintenance. However, they are more bulky, less discreet and cause less ventilation in the earmould. Unlike the ITE hearing aid, they are usually used by children and the elderly.

Receiver-in-canal Hearing Aids

Last but not least, we have the receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, which perfectly fits the size and shape of your ear. They fit into the ear canal and come in two styles – invisible in the canal (IIC), and completely in the canal (CIC). Both these hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet and positioned deeply in the ear. The IIC, just as its name suggests, is virtually invisible and people might not even realise if you are using one! In fact, they are so deep in the ears that they can only be removed by tugging on a small pull-out string. The CIC is similar to the IIC, except that it does not sit as deeply in the ear. In-the-canal hearing aids are more suited to those with mild to moderate hearing loss as they tend to lack power and certain features like volume wheels and programme buttons due to their small size. 

Today, technology’s reign has introduced a newer type of hearing aid known as the open-fit hearing aid. They are small and fit completely behind the ear, allowing the ear canal to remain open. This makes it ideal for individuals who are more prone to earwax build-up and eliminates any potential discomfort of a muted voice perception from the user themselves when communicating. 

To recap, hearing aids can be categorised into 3 types – the custom hearing aids which includes the CIC, ITC and ITC, BTE hearing aids and RIC hearing aids. The hearing aid style you decide to go for should be dependent on your hearing condition and preference. For instance, if you suffer from severe hearing loss and prefer a solution that offers more features and functions to help you hear better than an ITE or BTE hearing aid is the choice to make. On the other hand, an IIC or CIC hearing aid may be ideal if your condition is mild and you prefer something that is more sleek in style. Ultimately, it is still highly recommended to consult your hearing care consultant to ensure you get the best hearing aid option in Singapore made for you!

At The Hearing Solution Group, we offer a range of hearing care solutions including hearing aids to help ease your hearing loss journey. Require more information on hearing aids including hearing aid prices in Singapore? Contact us today or call us at 63370090. 

Hearing loss robs more than just sounds, it also impacts self-worth and independence. Fortunately, as technology progresses, hearing loss can be addressed with the help of hearing aids in Singapore. Hearing aids are a major investment that can significantly enhance the overall quality of life. Therefore, it is important to understand the different elements of hearing aids and keep certain considerations in mind before getting one.

Hearing Test

The first step towards getting your very own hearing aids is to go for a hearing test at a hearing clinic. A hearing test will help you determine the cause of your hearing loss and select the right hearing aids for your condition. When it comes to hearing aids, there is no one size fits all solution. Each individual differs depending on their hearing condition. While one patient may benefit from a basic hearing aid, another might not find the same success with it. Moreover, a hearing test presents the opportunity for you to speak to your audiologist to learn more about your condition and evaluate the different solutions available. With a trained professional’s recommended opinion, you can be assured of a solution that is tailored to your needs, thus delivering effective results. 

Beyond Amplification

With the continuous advancement of technology, hearing aids today have evolved to become more sophisticated, encompassing a variety of features and functions. They can filter background noises, make sounds more understandable and even improve speech comprehension. The key functionality of hearing aids goes beyond amplifying sounds. Rather, it lies in the ability to amplify such sounds selectively. This means that they can be adjusted to focus only on the sounds you need. By going for a hearing test, your audiologist can help professionally adjust your hearing aids according to your needs and condition. Additional features such as bandwidth extension, automatic regulation of volume, noise control, and feedback suppression may also enhance the listening experience. As such, never go into buying your hearing aid with the idea that it only supports one function. Assess the different options carefully to make a worthwhile investment.

Realistic Expectations 

Often, patients may get a hearing aid and expect their hearing to be restored to how it was before hearing loss. This in turn leads to disappointment. Hearing with a hearing aid is very different from the way you used to hear. While hearing aids may possess a variety of features, they cannot reproduce natural hearing. What you can expect however, is the ability to hear in many situations that may have been challenging before. With hearing aids, your brain does not have to strain as much to comprehend sounds. Keeping expectations realistic is essential for a positive mindset and relationship with your hearing aid. On the other hand, frustrations from unrealistic expectations can build resentment, which negatively affects the hearing loss journey in the long run.

Consider Assistive Listening Devices 

Hearing aids can be further powered up with assistive listening devices (ALDs). These devices work in conjunction with hearing aids to remove distracting background noises and bring the appropriate sound closer to the user. A neck loop, wireless system, or room loop can transmit sounds directly to those wearing hearing aids, enhancing their sound quality and clarity, especially when listening from a distance. Should you wish to elevate your hearing to the next level even with a hearing aid, then ALDs might come in useful. 

Purchasing hearing aids is vastly different from any typical consumer product. Choosing a hearing aid requires the knowledge and skills of a professional with experience in this area. By keeping the above considerations in mind and consulting a good hearing solutions provider, finding the right hearing aid and improving your quality of life is made possible. 

The Hearing Solution Group is one of the largest hearing clinics in Singapore, providing excellent hearing solutions including hearing aids from 7 locations island wide. Contact us today for more information or call us at 63370090.