Exploring Hearing Aid Options for Different Degrees of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss occurs when you are unable to process and understand sounds. But yours may vary in intensity from another person, and there are no one-size-fits-all hearing aids. Therefore, you’ll find it helpful to get ample information on the various degrees of hearing loss and what devices to leverage. This article will shed more light on this topic.

What Are the Varying Degrees of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can vary in degree, from mild to profound, with each level impacting one’s ability to hear and understand sounds differently. Understanding these degrees of hearing loss is crucial for seeking appropriate support and interventions. Audiologists can assess the extent of hearing loss and recommend tailored solutions to improve communication and quality of life. You may be experiencing one of the following:

• Mild hearing loss: People with this degree of loss can’t hear sounds in the 26-40-decibel range. That means they can power through one-on-one conversations but will not hear if there is a lot of background noise.
• Moderate hearing loss: If you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves on the phone or in person, you may have moderate hearing loss. You can’t understand sounds lower than 40-69 decibels in this case.
• Severe hearing loss: Sounds lower than 70-94 decibels are not for you. Moreover, there’s not a way you can hear anything or anyone without hearing aids, and you often read people’s lips to understand what they are saying.
• Profound hearing loss: In this situation, you can only hear extremely loud noises without a hearing aid, meaning that sounds lower than 95 decibels will be difficult to decipher.

What Hearing Aids Do You Need for Your Degree of Hearing Loss?

Selecting the right hearing aids depends on the extent of one’s hearing challenges, which can vary from mild to severe. Different degrees of hearing loss require different types of hearing aids for effective improvement. Audiologists play a crucial role in assessing the specific level of hearing difficulty and providing personalized recommendations for the most suitable hearing aids.

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE)

BTE hearing aids are versatile and can effectively address hearing loss ranging from mild to profound. These practical devices are worn behind your ear, with their main body connected to a tube or custom earmold. Precise handling is crucial when inserting BTE aids, as their intricate design includes delicate components that can be easily damaged with even minor mishandling.

In-the-Ear Hearing Aids (ITE)

If you are experiencing mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss, than an ITE is your best option. They can be full-shell or half-shell; these will sit in the outer bowl of your ear. If you are looking for a discreet hearing aid ITE might be the one for you. Talk with your audiologist about an ITE hearing aid and if it will be right for you.

In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC)

ITC hearing aids are discreet and custom-fitted devices designed to fit comfortably within the ear canal. These aids are well-suited for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. ITC hearing aids offer the advantage of being nearly invisible when worn, providing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Due to their compact size, they may have limitations in terms of additional features and battery life compared to larger hearing aid styles.