It can be difficult to realize that one is in need of hearing assistance because the loss of hearing is typically a gradual process.
However, it is important to remain aware of the state of one’s hearing, considering that the earlier you catch hearing loss, the easier it is to treat. Here are a few signs that may indicate you’re experiencing hearing loss:

• You frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
• You have difficulty following conversations involving several people.
• Prefer the television or radio substantially louder than those around you.
• You often hear ringing in your ears.
• Have trouble hearing people speaking over the telephone.
• You often misunderstand what people say.
• Find yourself becoming overly frustrated by any of these symptoms.
• Have a family history of hearing loss.

If you believe you experience any of these issues, it may be time to consult the doctors at Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England, LLC about hearing aids in Springfield.

After performing an examination, the physicians will determine whether or not one of their Springfield hearing aids will benefit you, as well as which one.

Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe one of the following types of aids:

Open fit:
An open-fit hearing aid leaves room in the ear canal, which allows low-frequency sounds to enter the ear, as well as for high-frequency sounds to be amplified through the device.

Completely in the canal (CIC):
Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids are molded to fit inside the ear canal. It is used to improve mild to moderately-severe impairment.

In the canal:
An in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is custom molded to an individual’s ear, and sits partially in the canal. This model is also used to improve mild to moderately-severe hearing loss.

In the ear:
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are also custom made and come in two forms. The full shell version fills the outer ear, while the half shell only fills the lower part of the outer ear. Both are used to treat mild to severe hearing loss.

Behind the ear:
Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids rest behind the ear with a tube connecting the hearing aid to a smaller, custom made ear mold which sits in the canal. These can be utilized for any degree of hearing loss.

Receiver in canal or receiver in the ear:
The receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) models are essentially BTE’s, but use a wire instead of a tube to connect to ear piece to the ear mold.

At Ear Nose & Throat, Surgeons of Western New England, LLC, we use licensed audiologists for hearing aid dispensing, so you know you are getting the best possible care. This means our specialists hold current certification as a hearing instrument specialist from a Board-approved, nationally-recognized body certifying hearing instrument specialists; or pass a written or electronic examination approved by the Board and designed to test competencies and knowledge needed in hearing aid fitting and dispensing, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 

For more information, call (413) 732-7426 to learn about these high-quality hearing aids in Springfield.