HEARING LOSS
RESOURCES
I Might Have Hearing Loss
Not sure if you are experiencing hearing loss? Learn more about the next steps!
I Have Hearing Loss
New to hearing aids? Learn more about how to maximize your experience!
I Want To Get Involved
Looking to help others with hearing loss? Learn more about how you can get involved!
A GLIMPSE AT OUR RESOURCES
Getting Started
About Hearing Loss
Online Hearing Test
If you think you might have hearing loss, take this quick test to determine if further action is necessary.
Find A Professional
We know how stressful it can be to find a provider that you can trust. We’re here to help. Fill out our Find A Professional form.
Together, we can help you rediscover your hearing.
Your visit to a hearing care professional
An in-clinic hearing evaluation typically includes several simple tests that determine a person’s hearing sensitivity.
STEP ONE:
Answering some simple questions about your hearing experiences
STEP TWO:
Having your ear canals checked for obstructions
STEP THREE:
Listening and responding to different tones and speech samples
About Hearing Aids
There are many types of hearing aids available. Ranging from behind-the-ear to custom models, each style offers unique benefits for the different types of hearing loss. Find which one meets your needs.
Outside the Ear:
BEHIND-THE-EAR
Behind-the-ear (BTE) styles are appropriate for people of all ages and fit the widest range of hearing loss. Designed to fit behind the outer ear, BTE hearing aids provide the most amplification and are the easiest to maneuver for those that have dexterity challenges.
Types of Hearing Loss:
Mild – Moderate
Moderate – Severe
Severe – Profound
Benefits:
Highest amplification
Good option for those with dexterity challenges
Less susceptible to moisture and wax
RECEIVER-IN-EAR
Receiver-in-ear (RIE) hearing aids may be the best solution for those who want a small hearing aid that sits outside the ear. RIE hearing aids are the most popular style available due to their small size and additional features that are not always available in smaller custom hearing aids.
Types of Hearing Loss:
Mild – Moderate
Moderate – Severe
Benefits:
Small design
Discreet solution
Inside the Ear:
MIC-IN-HELIX
Mic-in-Helix (MIH) custom hearing aid is a unique style that is offered exclusively by ReSound. The MIH design fits into the natural contours of the ear to take advantage of the way the ear collects and directs sound for optimal sound localization.
Types of Hearing Loss:
Mild – Moderate
Moderate – Severe
Benefits:
Small design
Wind noise reduction
Discreet solution
IN-THE-EAR
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are the largest custom hearing aid style available. Their larger size allows you to have more options to add additional features including on-device volume control.
Types of Hearing Loss:
Mild – Moderate
Moderate – Severe
Benefits:
Good option for those with dexterity challenges
Good option for those that wear glasses or participate in activities that require helmets or over-the-ear protection
Most options for customization
IN-THE-CANAL
In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids are the most popular style of custom hearing aids. ITC hearing aids are smaller than the ITE hearing aid style but still offer a variety of optional features.
Types of Hearing Loss:
Mild – Moderate
Moderate – Severe
Benefits:
Good option for those with dexterity challenges
Good option for those that wear glasses or participate in activities that require helmets or over-the-ear protection
Options for customization
COMPLETELY-IN-CANAL
Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids fit completely in the ear canal, for a small, discreet custom solution. CIC hearing aids are offered in both non-wireless and wireless versions for those that want a small solution with the benefits of connectivity to your favorite devices.
Types of Hearing Loss:
Mild – Moderate
Moderate – Severe
Benefits:
Small design
Discreet solution
INVISIBLE-IN-CANAL
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) is the smallest custom hearing aid available. The IIC fits discreetly in the ear canal, so is virtually invisible to the eye.
Types of Hearing Loss:
Mild – Moderate
Benefits:
Small design
Discreet solution
ReSound Hearing Aids
Your hearing experience should address your unique needs.
With our portfolio of heaing aids we have a solution for everyone.
Maximize your hearing experience
BENEFITS TO TREATING HEARING LOSS
RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships rely on good communication. Hearing loss can hinder the potential for responsiveness, but using hearing aids is the start to repairing communication.
EARNINGS
Hearing is critical to meeting one’s full potential at work. Studies show that risk of income loss can be reduced by using hearing aids.
COGNITIVE SKILLS
Studies show that seniors with hearing loss are more prone to dementia, but by using hearing aids, they likely can improve their cognitive skills.
HAPPINESS
Hearing loss can make people feel frustrated and alone. Restoring the ability to engage socially and live confidently boosts quality of life.
SELF-CONFIDENCE
Using hearing aids to bring back the gift of sound can improve one’s sense of control and self-confidence.
Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aids
The tips below can help you adjust to your new hearing aids and get the most out of every listening experience.
Your hearing care professional will advise you on how long each day to wear your hearing aids during the first few weeks. During this time you will become more comfortable wearing the devices as well as putting them on and taking them off.
Hearing aids are designed to provide you with a greater range of sounds and these new sounds may surprise and tire you at first. It’s okay to take a break from conversations or noisy environments, as needed.
It is likely that at first, your voice will sound different and this is to be expected. The more consistently you wear your hearing aids the better your voice will sound to you.
Avoid turning up the volume too loud, as this can lead to distorted sound and discomfort. If possible, program your hearing aids to automatically adjust when in different listening environments.
Start by focusing on what you want to hear and practice filtering out the rest.
Maintaining Your Hearing Aids
Maintaining your hearing aids through daily cleanings and regular service visits is important. Proper care helps retain optimum hearing conditions, extends the life of your hearing aids and ensures good hygiene.
– Clean gently
– Avoid dropping
– Store in a dry and cool place
– Change the battery before running out of power
– Maintain excellent ear hygiene
– Wash hands before touching the devices
– Change wax filters regularly
– Switch devices off when not in use
– Leave repairs and servicing to a professional
– Remove devices prior to showering, swimming or when blow drying hair
– Have your hearing care professional show you how to properly clean your hearing aids
– Purchase hearing aid cleaning tools through your hearing care professional
– Hold the hearing aid over a soft surface, in case it is dropped during cleaning
– Never use water, alcohol, solvents or cleaning fluids on the hearing aids
how you can help a loved one hear better
Do you suspect someone in your family is experiencing hearing loss? Here are a few ways you can offer your support:
1
Let them know you care about their hearing and that they have your support
2
Suggest that they have their hearing checked by a hearing care professional – the sooner the better
3
Offer to make an appointment with a hearing care professional and go with them if they wish
Help a loved one reach their fullest hearing potential
Common Signs of Hearing Loss:
Missing parts of conversations
Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
Complaining of muffled speech
Straining or difficulty understanding words
Asking to turn up the volume on TV or radio
Common Causes of Hearing Loss:
Advanced aging
Exposure to extremely loud or continuously loud noise
Certain medications
Genetics
Infections or virus
Birth defects
Head or ear trauma
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News to Use
bEYOND THE HEARING AIDS
Other Resources
An organization that is working globally to ensure that people who are deaf and hard of hearing can hear and talk.
The world’s largest professional organization of, by and for audiologists.
A private non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all children affected by hearing and communication disorders.
Trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, patient safety and education, and public policy.
An organization that opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy.
A membership association that represents hearing healthcare professionals worldwide.
An organization that conducts and supports research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.