Hearing Health Specialist

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are battery-powered electronic devices used to improve your hearing. They’re worn inside or behind your ears and amplify sound.

A hearing aid is designed around three essential components: a speaker, amplifier, and microphone. The device collects sounds through the microphone, converts those sounds into electrical signals, then transmits them to an amplifier, which increases the signal power and sends the sounds through a speaker into your ear canal. 

Hearing aids can’t improve hearing for everyone, but researchers believe that they’re an underutilized tool. It’s estimated that only one out of every five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wear them. 

How do I know if I need a hearing aid?

Hearing loss often develops slowly over time, so many men and women don’t notice how bad their hearing has deteriorated. Some symptoms of hearing loss include:

• Needing to ask people to repeat what they say
• Preferring the television or radio volume higher than those around you
• Struggling to hear what’s being said in public settings like church or meetings
• Having trouble hearing conversations on the phone
• Complaining that others aren’t speaking up or are mumbling
• Struggling to understand what others are saying if you can’t see their faces
  
  

Very often, a close friend or family member recognizes your hearing loss before it becomes readily apparent to you. It’s important to have a professional hearing evaluation to determine whether hearing loss is an issue. 

What types of hearing aids are available?

Don’t let the sheer volume of available options overwhelm you. The ENT Specialists of Alaska team is here to professionally evaluate your hearing and direct you toward the hearing aid options best suited to your specific needs. Options include:

Behind the ear

Behind-the-ear hearing aids fit behind or atop your outer ear. A thin tube delivers sound to your ear canal. Options in behind-the-ear hearing aids include mini behind-the-ear, receiver in the ear, and behind-the-ear with earmolds. 

In the ear

In-the-ear hearing aids fit inside your ear. These hearing aids can be nearly invisible, barely visible, partly visible (half-shell), or fully visible (full-shell). 

Because every patient’s needs are different, each hearing aid is unique. For a wide selection of hearing aids from the leading manufacturers, trust the ENT Specialists of Alaska team. Book an appointment online or call the office today.