Advancements in technology have improved patients’ experience with hearing aids in a variety of ways.
Experiencing hearing loss can be frightening and stressful. Losing the ability to notice sounds in one or both ears negatively impacts communication, and, ultimately, quality of life. Hearing loss can occur at any age and range from moderate to total deafness.
If you have difficulty hearing your television or struggle to hear conversations in person or over the phone, having your hearing evaluated can help determine if you may be a candidate for hearing aids, which can improve or, in some cases, restore your ability to hear.
Dr. Rajool Dave, Au.D., FAAA, audiologist.
Advancements in technology have improved patients’ experience with these devices in a variety of ways — from enhanced sound quality and reduction in background noise to greater comfort and less visibility.
Dr. Rajool Dave, Au.D., FAAA, an audiologist at Princeton Otolaryngology Associates, explained that when counseling patients it is important to make sure that they have a good understanding of their audiological evaluation results and their prognosis.
“Realistic expectations should definitely be discussed because the last thing you want is for patients to view hearing devices as a ‘miracle cure,’ ” she said. “There are many factors that go into how much improvement in hearing a patient can expect. Factors include age the patient started to utilize hearing devices, type of hearing loss, severity of hearing loss, and then the aid that has been fitted itself can determine a patient’s success.”
Dr. Dave noted that the primary complaint that people with hearing loss have is usually “trouble hearing in background noise.” With that in mind, most of the advancements in hearing aid technology are related to this issue.
Princeton Otolaryngology Associates is a team of medical and audiological professionals committed to excellence in ENT, hearing and aesthetic care for New Jersey.
“Hearing devices use automatic directional microphones to help people hear better during group conversations or while at restaurants,” Dr. Dave said. “Feedback management is another feature that is always being improved. With this, the ‘whistling’ sound that was so common years ago is virtually non-existent now for most hearing aid users.”
Another recent advancement that patients appreciate is the fact that hearing devices are now iPhone and Android compatible.
“This allows for patients to have binaural phone streaming, which means that they can hear phone conversations in both their ears, through their hearing devices,” Dr. Dave said. “Patients can also use their smart phone as a remote control that can change volume or programs within the hearing device.”
Although battery life has not changed significantly over the years, one major breakthrough has been the successful use of re-chargeable batteries.
“These batteries are typically encased in the hearing device and have to be charged on a daily basis,” Dr. Dave said. “You can usually get a full charge within three hours. The main advantage is that patients do not have to replace batteries on a weekly basis or open up battery doors at night time. Re-chargeable batteries also take away the guess work of when the batteries will die and need to be replaced. Most re-chargeable batteries are made to last approximately two to three years.”
As technology has advanced, design has improved accordingly.
“With technology improvements in how custom devices are built at the laboratories, they can make them smaller than ever before without compromising on fit or comfort,” Dr. Dave said. “Hearing devices have come a long way since the time of body-worn hearing aids. The receiver in the ear style is sleeker than ever and the custom devices are smaller and fit deep into the canal.”
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid
When it comes to selecting the right hearing aid, a patient’s age and dexterity level can help to determine the style that is chosen. The type of hearing loss and severity level can narrow down different models and styles of devices as well, Dr. Dave said.
“For example, patients with a conductive hearing loss may benefit with an implantable device, someone with sensorineural can benefit with a traditional hearing aid, or even a cochlear implant,” she said. “A patient’s lifestyle can help to determine which technology level is appropriate for that particular patient. The main goal is to find out what is most important to the patient and then our recommendations can be personalized to meet their specific needs.”
Ensuring Patient Comfort and Hearing Improvement
Once a patient is evaluated and has selected a style of hearing, they’re given a two to four week trial to test the device.
“We have the patient return to us on a weekly basis so we can evaluate their progress,” Dr. Dave said. “We pride ourselves on the fact that we spend time with patients and listen to their feedback. A good majority of our job as an audiologist is listening to patients and how their hearing loss is impacting them.”
Thereafter, patients return every six months to see their audiologist and ensure the aids are functioning properly.
Despite all the breakthroughs and advancements in hearing devices, some patients are still reluctant to consider hearing aids, Dr. Dave said.
“Patients at the age of 90 still don’t want to feel old and want the smallest device possible,” she said. “Patients tend to ask if their hearing will get worse. There is no black and white answer to that question as we are not able to predict how a person’s hearing will be year after year. All we can recommend is using hearing protection while in presence of high intensity noise exposure. We recommend all patients should have their hearing checked annually. If a patient’s hearing loss changes, it does not mean they need new hearing devices. The devices can be re-programmed for any change in hearing, which usually patients are not aware of.”
For more information, visit Princeton Otolaryngology Associates’ website at www.drscottkay.com or call (609) 445-4445.
"fit" - Google News
November 12, 2020 at 03:29AM
https://ift.tt/2K1ztmL
Advancements in hearing aids improve function, fashion and fit - Jersey's Best
"fit" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2SpPnsd
https://ift.tt/3aP4lys
Bagikan Berita Ini
it’s a really Awesome post thanks for sharing if you Want jawline fillers in new jersey a well-defined jawline that makes you look younger then Jawline enhancement is the new trend in aesthetic treatments. Enhancement of the jawline can be done by adding to the lost portion or balance the proportions with fillers. Just Visit :
ReplyDeletejawline fillers in new jersey,