While losing some hearing as we age is a perfectly normal thing, some of us lose their hearing more severely than others. This unfortunate situation can lead to frustrating or embarrassing social situations, especially if left untreated. Luckily, a hearing aid can help you regain control of your surroundings and restore your hearing to make your life easier. Learn more about hearing aids with your doctor at Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons of Western New England in Springfield and Northampton, MA, and Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, MA.

How does a hearing aid work? 
Digital hearing aids pick up outside sounds and runs them through a state-of-the-art amplifier inside of the hearing aid. The aid then customizes the sound to your hearing loss and sends the sound out of a built-in speaker and into your ear. This amplified sound is easier to hear and allows you to hear sounds that your ear would not be able to pick up alone. Modern hearing aids use directional microphones & noise reduction strategies to eliminate amplification of background noise while helping patients understand speech in noise better than ever before.

Types of Hearing Aids in Springfield and Northampton, MA, and Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, MA
There are several options when it comes to hearing aids, allowing you to choose one that will work best with you, your ear and your lifestyle. While all of the aids can get the job done, with various options comes various price points, designs and sizes. Some of the most common types of hearing aids include:

• Behind-the-Ear: These aids begin inside of and wrap around the ear. In the past, these aids were bulky and noticeable, but have slimmed down with recent technological advances.
• Full Shell: Full shell hearing aids fit inside of the ear and are visible from the outside of the ear.
• Half Shell: A half shell design also sits inside the ear, but is smaller than a full shell. While the full shell takes up the entirety of the inside of the ear, a half shell fits only inside the bottom portion.
• In-the-Canal: ITC aids fit inside the ear’s canal and are very much hidden from view.
• Completely-in-Canal: CIC hearing aids fit completely inside of the ear’s canal, hidden from view, and are the most discreet option for hearing aids.
• Rechargeable: Rechargeable hearing aids come with the latest advancements in rechargeable technology. Lithium-ion batteries will keep you hearing all day long.

Hearing Assessment in PLACE
To determine the severity of your hearing loss, your doctor may recommend a hearing test. During this test, you will wear a pair of headphones through which your doctor will play sounds at different frequencies. You will locate which ear hears the sound. This test is crucial in diagnosing hearing loss and helps your doctor determine the best treatment plan for you.

For more information on hearing aids, please contact Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgeons of Western New England in Springfield and Northampton, MA, and Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, MA. Call (413) 732-7426 (Springfield), (413) 586-2033 (Northampton), or (413) 967-2249 (Mary Lane Hospital) to schedule your appointment today!