Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids Audiology Services – ENT Clinic What is a hearing aid?

A hearing aid is a device which typically fits in or behind the wearer’s ear, and is designed to amplify and modulate sound for the wearer. Hearing aids are not a cure for hearing disability, as they are incapable of truly correcting a hearing loss, instead the devices are used to make sounds more accessible.

Which hearing aid is suitable for you?

Every hearing loss is different, hence the needs of each individual are unique.

Hearing aids vary widely in their sizes, styles, types of circuit technology, and how they fit into each individual’s ear. While each hearing aid offers different advantages, the considerations in selecting the appropriate aid include the specific hearing-loss characteristics, preferences in device style, and cost.

Hearing Aid Style

Behind the ear

Receiver in canal

In the canal

In the ear (Full Shell)

Completely in canal

Invisible in canal

In the ear (Half Shell)

What to expect when using hearing aids?

Knowing what to expect from hearing aids can ensure maximum satisfaction when using them.

•

Hearing aids help you to hear better, but they do not restore normal hearing.

•

Hearing aids increase your sound detection and spatial awareness as you able to hear more sounds from the environment, but it does not allow you to hear everything in every situation.

•

Even people with normal hearing miss things at times.

You are advised to have realistic expectations.

Hearing aids help to preserve the ability for your brain to process speech and delay the possibility of dementia.

Hearing loss occurs gradually.

Learning to hear sounds again with hearing aids is also a gradual process. At first, sounds may seem unnatural. Your own voice may also sound different. Start using your new hearing aids in a

quiet and calm environment such as your home.

Your brain will begin to reprocess all the unusual sounds that you hear and make them more normal. At the same time, it will re-learn to concentrate on what is important and filter out unimportant sounds. As the brain adjusts to hearing again, sounds will become more natural. As such, the more you use your new hearing aids, the better you can train your brain. You will progress gradually overtime.

•

The adjustment period usually lasts a few weeks, and can take up to a few months.

•

Hearing aids should always be comfortable. Re-fitting may sometimes be required to obtain a perfect fit.

•

Part of the fitting process is fine tuning your hearing aids to your particular hearing needs. This usually happens over several sessions, after having opportunities to wear the aids in different environments, and provide feedback to your audiologist about your experiences.

Communication Strategies Communication is a two-way process. Both the hearing aid user and the person they are talking to play a part in ensuring effective communication.

•

Use body language such as hand gestures or facial expressions. Lip movements are a great aid to improve speech understanding.

•

Speak clearly, slowly and naturally without shouting or exaggerated mouth movement. Shouting may distort speech.

•

Use short and simple sentences.

•

Try to use different words or ways of saying the same thing, instead of repeating the original words as the hearing aid user may have difficulty understanding certain words or phrases.

Below are some strategies to improve communication with a hearing aid user: •

Ensure good ambient lighting and face each other directly for visual cues.

•

Move closer and get the hearing aid user’s attention.

For example, tap his/her shoulder before beginning the conversation.

•

During social gatherings, choose seats away from crowded or noisy areas.

•

Try to reduce surrounding background noise when people are speaking.

For example, turn off the television or radio.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

ENT.PE.01.0421