Six Things To Consider When Buying Your First Hearing Aid

Introduction

Hearing loss is the inability to hear sounds at the normal level. Older adults often have a hard time hearing due to the natural process of ageing; however, exposure to deafening noise, genetics and accidents can also cause hearing loss. Hearing loss can make it challenging to engage in conversation and can even lead to isolation. Not only do people feel like they’ve lost their independence, but they also struggle to communicate with loved ones and may even become depressed. While hearing aid devices are a godsend, it is still a tedious and expensive process. So, in this article, we will understand what a hearing aid device is, what it does and how to buy the right one.

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What is a Hearing Aid, and Why do you Need One?

A hearing aid is an electronic device that amplifies sound for hard of hearing or deaf people. It is a small device that is inserted into the canal of the ear. A hearing aid uses a microphone, amplifier, and speaker to make sounds louder to be heard more easily. They also help people who have trouble understanding speech in noisy environments because they can amplify different frequencies of sound.

A hearing aid can help reduce the cognitive load of auditory information and, hence, impact one’s emotional well-being.

Hearing aids are not just for seniors. Today, many children are being diagnosed with hearing loss. Plus, more people live with hearing loss due to other factors such as noise exposure or medical conditions that cause damage to the inner ear.

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid for You

We wish buying a hearing aid was as easy as ordering a pizza or a takeaway burger. However, there are many factors to consider before purchasing a hearing aid. In other words, it is easier to buy a wrong hearing aid device than to buy the right one. Even when you identify your needs, there is a wide range of hearing aids for every need available in the market, and it can be challenging to find the best one for you. However, some factors should help you to make the right decision; below is the list.

Level of hearing loss

To choose the right hearing aid, one should know their level of hearing loss. An Audiologist or Doctor can help you find this. There are three main types of hearing loss: mild (hearing loss between 25dB-40dB), moderate (hearing loss between 41dB-70dB), and severe (hearing loss over 70db). People with mild hearing loss can opt for cheaper devices that amplify sound at all frequencies. Those with moderate to severe hearing loss should consult a specialist to find the appropriate device for them.

You can avail check-ups from our expert Audiologist by visiting our KalkaJi Center or ask for home visit. Please call 9811082446 to book an appointment.

Budget:

There are many types of hearing devices available in the market. Some are very expensive, while others are affordable. It is essential to set a budget before you start looking for one because plenty of options fall under your price range. It is good to make a list of crucial features for you. You mustn’t pay for features you don’t need without missing features that are essential for you. Once you speak with an audiologist, he will tell you the essential features as per your need and which ones are good to have but can be avoided. We have a separate article here that explain all major styles of hearing aids to help you make your decision.

Blindly buying the cheapest hearing aid is not always an excellent long-term investment. There are two reasons for this: they often provide poor sound quality and may not last as long as more expensive hearing aids. On the other hand, premium-priced hearing aids offer better sound quality and durability; but they can be costly for some people.

On the other end, high-quality hearing aids are the ones that come with the latest technology and offer better performance. Hearing aids can be expensive, but they can be really worth it. Since they are durable, they are an investment, not just a purchase.

Comfort:

We know how difficult it is to wear some uncomfortable hearing aids, to the point that people prefer to live with hearing issues than to wear them. It is important to remember that having a hearing aid that suits your needs and fits comfortably in the ear is vital for a healthy relationship between you and your hearing aid. The comfort and sound quality of the hearing aid should not be compromised.

Technology has advanced a lot in the last few years, making hearing aids near invisible and highly comfortable to wear. Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are considered the most comfortable because they involve more miniature transmitters than other models.

Wireless Connectivity:

Wireless connectivity is fast becoming one of the most important factors when choosing a hearing aid. Before Bluetooth devices, people with hearing aids avoided wearing headphones in public because they would have to remove their hearing device every time they wanted to switch between modes, which can cause embarrassment.

Today, Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids are designed to be compatible with smartphones and other mobile devices. Having compatibility with your smartphone means that you can stream music or podcasts directly from your phone to your hearing aid.

Digital Vs Analog:

Analogue hearing aids are cheaper than digital hearing aids, but they don’t offer customization options and can be less effective for people with more severe hearing loss.

Digital hearing aids are the most advanced of all hearing aids. They use digital technology to process sound. Digital Technology makes them more accurate than analogue hearing aids. Digital hearing aids are also easier to customize than analogue ones because they can be adjusted based on users’ needs.

Professional Needs:

Does your job require you to hear conversations at a distance? If so, you need a directional microphone; on the other hand, if you work or live in a noisy environment, you need a hearing aid with excellent noise reduction. And in case you travel a lot, you should go for extended batteries.

Final Verdict:

It can be challenging to find a hearing aid that matches your personal needs, though it is worth the effort. When buying a hearing aid, it is essential to research what factors matter most. There are many different types of aids that have various features. Seek guidance from those who have been through the process before when deciding, along with paying attention to the things you find essential when picking out a hearing aid that suit your needs, lifestyle, and ear shape best.

Still, if all this information feels too overwhelming, never hesitate to take professional advice. We at POH Hearing solutions are always available to help. Feel free to make an appointment with one of our expert Audiologists to help you make the right decision.

The Complete Guide to Gum Disease

Introduction:

The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria and an ideal environment for disease to take hold. When this happens, it causes an acidic environment on or near your teeth and makes them more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.

Gum disease is a type of oral health condition that should not be ignored. If left untreated, it can lead to other more severe problems with your teeth and gums. There are many types of gum diseases, but they all have one thing in common: they all cause damage to the tissues surrounding your teeth. Some people associate gum disease with tooth decay, but there are many other conditions that can result from poor dental hygiene habits or weakened immune systems. This article will explore gum disease and how it manifests itself.

How to know if you have Gum Disease? What symptoms you should look for?

Gum disease is a condition where the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. It occurs when plaque (a sticky, colourless film made of bacteria) builds up on the teeth and gums. Plaque build-up can cause inflammation, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the gum tissue. This can lead to tooth loss and other serious problems.

The symptoms of gum disease depend on the severity of the infection. Some signs include:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
  • Dental Plaque
  • Bleeding gums
  • Receding gums
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Loose teeth

Types of Gum Diseases

Gum disease is generally divided into two categories, Gingivitis and periodontal diseases. You can also say that Gingivitis is the earlier stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis affects only the tissues that line your mouth, while periodontal diseases affect not only these tissues but also your jawbone and teeth. Let us understand both of them in detail.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an infection of the gums and the tissues that surround them. Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar in the mouth, leading to gums inflammation. Plaque is bacteria that cause inflammation when it builds upon the teeth, gums, and tongue. Tartar is a calcified plaque that builds upon the teeth after being there for a while.

Gingivitis can be caused by various factors such as tobacco use, stress, poor health habits, using certain medications or having a deficiency in iron or vitamin C.

Gingivitis is a common problem that affects about half of all adults. The symptoms are bleeding gums, red patches on the gums, bad breath, and swollen or puffy gums, making it difficult to brush and floss. It can make you sensitive to hot and cold food. You can also have it for years without knowing because there are no noticeable symptoms until the infection becomes advanced. If left untreated, it can progress to Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to serious health issues. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, contact a dentist today for an exam

Gingivitis is clinically cleaned through an ultrasonic cleaner which is more effective and efficient.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that can cause the gums around your teeth to recede and eventually pull away from the tooth itself. It can also cause the bone supporting the tooth to deteriorate until its root is exposed. This exposure can lead to various consequences such as tooth loss or abscesses, which could require surgical intervention.

Detection of Periodontitis requires more than just observation and requires measuring of depths of gum pockets using a special ruler and dental x rays, both painless procedures.

These will help us know the severity of your condition and what treatment plan is best for you. There are a range of treatments available depending upon your issue’s severity, including deep cleaning, teeth scaling and root planing, and, only if essential, surgery.

Steps to take for healthy gums that age well

There are some obvious and other not so apparent oral health tips for having healthy gums. You will see that what you need to avoid is just as important as you need to follow. Let’s go through them quickly:

Do’s:

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
  • Using toothpaste containing fluoride
  • Flossing
  • Clean your tongue
  • Cleaning your mouth after eating
  • Drink more water
  • Take more calcium
  • Eat crunchy fruits

Don’ts:

  • Tobacco products
  • Hard toothbrush
  • Soda and sports drinks
  • Acidic juices and food
  • Sticky Candies
  • Starchy Foods
  • Tea, Coffee and Alcohol
  • Anything that leaves you with a dry mouth

Conclusion:

Gum Diseases are preventable. However, in our busy lives, it is easy to ignore gum health because the symptoms don’t show up immediately, and hence it may take us long to notice the damage done to our gums and teeth. That is why it is recommended to have a visit to your dentist twice a year or at least an annual checkup done to make sure you can act when it’s still reversible. Today dental treatments are not as scary as they used to be, and they have become more affordable. So any time you notice any of the symptoms discussed above, please visit your dentist.