Ear Health: Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Compiled by:

Lori Kress, B.S. & Aura Lee Elder, Au.D.

In association with:

The Dayton Institute of Hearing and Balance

Hearing Health Care Team

Hearing Healthcare Professionals Otolaryngologists M.D. or D.O. Audiologists Hearing Instrument Specialists Ph.D., Au.D., M.S. or M.A. BC-HIS

Otolaryngologists
Physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck Commonly referred to as ENT physicians Ear Health: typically treat disorders of the ear requiring medical or surgical solutions.

Audiologists Experts in the non-medical management of the auditory and balance systems.

They specialize in the study of:

Normal and impaired hearing. Prevention of hearing loss. Identification and assessment of hearing and balance problems. Rehabilitation of persons with hearing and balance disorders.

In addition, audiologists may:

Prepare future professionals in colleges and universities. Manage agencies, clinics or private practices. Engage in research to enhance knowledge about normal hearing, and the evaluation and treatment of hearing disorders. Design hearing instruments and testing equipment

Provide services and work in many different types of facilities

Public and private schools Hospitals Rehabilitation centers Residential health facilities Community clinics Colleges and universities Private practice offices Health departments State and federal government agencies Military Industry with hearing conservation programs Long-term care facilities Physicians offices Research laboratories VA

Hearing Instrument Specialist Hearing Aid Dealers

Individual other than an audiologist, who engages in the practice of fitting and dealing in hearing aids. Variety of work environments:
Physician Offices Private Practices Retail Chains

Hearing Loss--Degree of Loss

-10dB to 25dB = Normal range (Grey)

26dB to 40 dB = Mild hearing loss (purple) 41 dB to 55 dB = Moderate hearing loss (red) 56 dB to 70 dB = Moderately Severe hearing loss (green) 71 dB to 90 dB = Severe hearing loss (yellow) over 90 dB = Profound hearing loss. (blue)

Hearing Loss -- Type of Loss

Conductive Pathology of the Outer or Middle Ear

Mixed Pathology of the Outer or Middle Ear at the same time as the Inner Ear Sensorineural Pathology of the Inner Ear

Hearing Aids -- Styles

Hearing Aids -- Styles

CIC: Completely in the Canal

Smallest of all designed to hide completely in the ear canal. Small and discreet designed to sit just inside bottom corner of ear bowl Fills the entire ear space Fit snugly behind the ear with a discreet solid earpiece in the ear Fit snugly behind the ear with an open earpiece in the ear.

ITC/HS: In the Canal or Half Shell

ITE: In the Ear

BTE: Behind the Ear

Open Fit BTE: Open Behind the Ear

Hearing Aid Disclaimer

It is necessary to discuss many factors with your hearing healthcare professional when selecting styles of hearing aids including:

hearing loss severity lifestyle listening needs

What works for someone you know may not be an appropriate hearing solution for you.

Facts About Hearing Loss

Approximately 28 million people have a hearing impairment Hearing Loss is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the United States One out of ten people suffer from hearing loss of all degrees. The main causes of hearing loss are:

Over-exposure to noise: 34% Aging: 28% Infection or injury: 17% Birth defect: 5%