Alternative Solutions to Meet Complex Hearing Losses
For those with complex hearing losses, there may be an alternative solution to meet your needs. In this section we will cover other options tailored for losses where traditional hearing aid technology may not be suitable. We will discuss:
Hearing aids for tinnitus
Cros and BiCros Hearing Aids
Conductive hearing losses
Cochlear Implants for very severe hearing loss
Glasses with in build hearing aids
Apple AirPods
Are there hearing aids to help manage tinnitus?
There are many hearing aids which have features to help alleviate tinnitus. There are hearing aids with a specific Tinnitus Programme which the wearer can use when they desire. This can be particularly useful during times when the individual's tinnitus is particularly intrusive or when the wearer is in a quieter environment and would like to enjoy a more peaceful setting, for example, when reading a good book.
Some hearing aid manufacturers provide a basic tinnitus programme, which produces white noise, whilst still working as a hearing aid to distract from the tinnitus. Other manufacturers offer more settings, using Sound Therapy techniques, with the use of nature sounds such as the Ocean.
Widex have developed their own sound therapy called Zen, which uses fractal tones to manage tinnitus. You can find out more about Zen, and even have a listen here - although set the volume to minimum as it is designed to be a background sound!
Resound have within their portfolio, hearing aids which have a tinnitus programme which has multiple sound therapy options, such as white noise, pink noise and various nature sounds such as the ocean. Resound have also developed a Tinnitus Relief App. This App can be used with or without hearing aids and has a menu of nature sounds to alleviate tinnitus. The App also allows the user to make their own soundscapes giving the user the ability to make their own programmes. It also has information on managing tinnitus and various relaxation exercises for the user.
Some hearing aid manufacturers provide a basic tinnitus programme, which produces white noise, whilst still working as a hearing aid to distract from the tinnitus. Other manufacturers offer more settings, using Sound Therapy techniques, with the use of nature sounds such as the Ocean.
Widex have developed their own sound therapy called Zen, which uses fractal tones to manage tinnitus. You can find out more about Zen, and even have a listen here - although set the volume to minimum as it is designed to be a background sound!
Resound have within their portfolio, hearing aids which have a tinnitus programme which has multiple sound therapy options, such as white noise, pink noise and various nature sounds such as the ocean. Resound have also developed a Tinnitus Relief App. This App can be used with or without hearing aids and has a menu of nature sounds to alleviate tinnitus. The App also allows the user to make their own soundscapes giving the user the ability to make their own programmes. It also has information on managing tinnitus and various relaxation exercises for the user.
If you think a combination hearing aid with tinnitus features may be the solution for you, then the first step is to either book a Tinnitus Consultation or a Full Hearing Diagnostic. Both consultations include a hearing aid demonstration, during which the tinnitus features can also be showcased. A Tinnitus Consultation includes a Full Hearing Diagnostic, and also additionally includes counselling on tinnitus, development of a management plan, tinnitus history taking and tinnitus severity questionnaire. More information on the Tinnitus Consultation can be found here
Cros and BiCros Hearing Aids
A Cros or BiCros Hearing aid is a solution for those with Single Sided Deafness. In this case, the hearing in the worst ear is unsuitable for a traditional hearing aid. The good ear may have hearing within normal ranges, in which case a Cros System would be an option. Or the better ear may have some hearing loss, in which case a BiCros System would be suitable.
What is a Cros System?
A Cros System entails wearing hearing devices on both ears. The device on the poor ear picks up sound and transmits it across to the good ear. There are various benefits of a Cros System which includes giving the wearer more access to speech sounds, reducing the head shadow affect, enabling better hearing in group settings and reducing listening effort. The Cros system also has the added benefit of easing communication in that someone can stand on the wearers "deaf side" and they will still hear the speech. Someone with a Single Sided Hearing Loss, will be used to turning their good ear towards the speaker, and ensuring, where they can, that the person talking is on their good side! Image not having to think about this, and simply being able to relax and enjoy the conversation instead!
What is a BiCros System?
A BiCros system looks identical to a Cros System, and comes with the same benefits. The difference being, that a hearing aid is worn on the "good ear" providing amplification to address a hearing loss in this ear. The Cros device on the poor ear still transmits sound across to the good ear, whilst the hearing aid on the good ear provides amplification to address the loss in the good ear, and also adequately amplifies what is being sent across from the poor ear.
What do they look like?
The most common Cros and BiCros Systems look like Receiver in the Canal Hearing Aids. However they are available as a custom option as an ITC or ITE hearing aid style. Read more about the different styles of hearing aids here. They are available as rechargeable or non rechargeable. Many of the hearing aid manufacturers have a Cros/BiCros system in their portfolio.
We are a provider!
As an independent practice, we are able to provide Cros and BiCros systems from various manufacturers.
We offer free trials of these systems should you wish to try it out so see if it is suitable for you.
We offer free trials of these systems should you wish to try it out so see if it is suitable for you.
Conductive Hearing Losses
A conductive hearing loss is due to a "mechanical problem", in that the ear is unable to adequately transmit the sound wave through to the inner ear where the Cochlear, the organ of hearing, is located. A conductive loss may be due to problems with the ear canal itself (atresia for example) or a middle ear problem where the ear drum and the smallest bones in your body are located.
There are various bone conduction hearing aids available, which are designed to transmit sound to the Cochlear, bypassing where the mechanical problem is occurring. There are surgical and non-surgical bone conduction options. To be assessed for a surgically implanted bone conduction hearing aid, the patient would be referred by their GP to see a Ear Nose and Throat Specialist. There are both surgical and non-surgical bone conduction options available on the NHS.
There are various bone conduction hearing aids available, which are designed to transmit sound to the Cochlear, bypassing where the mechanical problem is occurring. There are surgical and non-surgical bone conduction options. To be assessed for a surgically implanted bone conduction hearing aid, the patient would be referred by their GP to see a Ear Nose and Throat Specialist. There are both surgical and non-surgical bone conduction options available on the NHS.
Non-Surgical Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
ADHEAR is a non-surgical bone conduction option developed by MED EL. It is the only non-surgical bone conduction hearing aid which does not put pressure on the skin. The wearer simply puts a sticker on their skin behind their ear, and the hearing aid clicks on to this. The sticker remains on the skin for approximately 5 days, after which a new sticker would be applied. The hearing aid itself can be easily attached and removed with the simply click on and off process. It is designed to be discreet and is suitable for all ages.
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Where can I get an ADHEAR?
Some NHS departments now offer a non-surgical option for their patients as an alternative to a surgically implanted device, or whilst they are waiting to reach the top of the list to undergo their surgery. You would need a referral from your GP to Ear Nose and Throat as your first step.
We are a registered provider!
At K and M Hearing, we are also able to provide an ADHEAR bone conduction system for those wishing to go down the private route. If you feel this may be the solution for your needs, we are able to give you a full demonstration of this device. Unfortunately we are unable to offer this solution to anyone under the age of 18.
Cochlear Implant
A Cochlear Implant is a surgically implanted hearing aid, suitable for people with severe to profound hearing loss. In this case, the Hairs Cells which detect sounds inside the Cochlear, the organ of hearing, are severely damaged. A Cochlear Implant may be an alternative option, where traditional hearing aids are not providing meaningful sound to the wearer. The ability to decipher speech as well as the degree of hearing loss are taken into account, when considering a Cochlear Implant as an alternative option.
The Cochlear Implant bypasses the damaged Hair Cells inside the Cochlear, and sends electrical signals to the brain. The brain then interprets the signal. The Cochlear Implant has 2 main components: an externally worn audio processor detects sounds and sends them to the internal implant, which is placed just under the skin behind the ear.
Learn more about Cochlear Implants here
The Cochlear Implant bypasses the damaged Hair Cells inside the Cochlear, and sends electrical signals to the brain. The brain then interprets the signal. The Cochlear Implant has 2 main components: an externally worn audio processor detects sounds and sends them to the internal implant, which is placed just under the skin behind the ear.
Learn more about Cochlear Implants here
Glasses with in-built hearing aids
Bruckhoff have patented a bone conduction hearing aid which is integrated into the arms of a pair of glasses. They have cleverly combined a discreet conductive hearing aid and optical solution into an all in one system. You can read more about this system here
They have wind noise suppression, layered noise reduction, optional programmes, volume control, telecoil, and audio input.
Almost all frames are suitable for the this hearing aids to be mounted on the arm of the glasses. If you prefer a metal frame, the width of the arm needs to be a minimum of 1mm, however not a porous material such as aluminium. Titanium frames have to be sandblasted on the interior side of the frame, therefore a colour change is possible. Plastic frames must have a metal core, a minimum of 1mm width for mounting the hearing aid. Spectacle arms with a larger diameter are preferred, as these apply higher pressure on the mastoid portion of the temporal bone, which is important to ensure the best fit and most effective productive performance.
They have wind noise suppression, layered noise reduction, optional programmes, volume control, telecoil, and audio input.
Almost all frames are suitable for the this hearing aids to be mounted on the arm of the glasses. If you prefer a metal frame, the width of the arm needs to be a minimum of 1mm, however not a porous material such as aluminium. Titanium frames have to be sandblasted on the interior side of the frame, therefore a colour change is possible. Plastic frames must have a metal core, a minimum of 1mm width for mounting the hearing aid. Spectacle arms with a larger diameter are preferred, as these apply higher pressure on the mastoid portion of the temporal bone, which is important to ensure the best fit and most effective productive performance.
We are a provider!
If you want to find out more about these hearing aids, book an appointment with the Audiologist
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple have launched a hearing aid feature in their AirPods Pro 2, accessed through a software update and a hearing test through their software. They are suitable for a mild to moderate loss, and are a good option for those who may not be ready to venture down the hearing aid route yet. To an onlooker, they look just like music buds, because that is what they are. They are designed to give the wearer the confidence to wear something in the ear, whilst addressing hearing loss. As an Audiologist, I was extremely excited to see this latest development. Apple have single-handedly target all generations, particularly the younger generation, and in doing so will over time normalise having regular hearing checks, and addressing hearing loss much sooner. A win win. Their buds have some great features which you can read more about here
I would however recommend that should the Apple hearing test come out as a pass, but you are experiencing difficulties hearing, particularly in noise, to come and see an Audiologist for further testing. It may be that you get a pass on the Apple hearing screen test, but that does not mean there is not a hearing loss at some frequencies. The Apple test is a basic screen test and does not replace a thorough diagnostic. You can read our recent Blog on the AirPods here
I would however recommend that should the Apple hearing test come out as a pass, but you are experiencing difficulties hearing, particularly in noise, to come and see an Audiologist for further testing. It may be that you get a pass on the Apple hearing screen test, but that does not mean there is not a hearing loss at some frequencies. The Apple test is a basic screen test and does not replace a thorough diagnostic. You can read our recent Blog on the AirPods here
FAQ's
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A HEARING AID?
If you feel your hearing is getting worse the first step should be to book a free hearing test, you can do this online here we can then determine the best course of action and if a hearing aid would be the right choice for you.
HOW MUCH DO PRIVATE HEARING AIDS COST?
We provide hearing aids in Truro with packages to suit your personal needs, these start from £995 a pair, find out what’s included and the prices of all our hearing aid packages here
WHAT DO I DO IF MY HEARING AID STOPS WORKING?
For any issues with hearing aids provided by us please contact us:
Phone: 01872 857512
Email: [email protected]
If your hearing aid stops working or is faulty this will be covered by the manufacturer warranty and replaced free of charge.
Phone: 01872 857512
Email: [email protected]
If your hearing aid stops working or is faulty this will be covered by the manufacturer warranty and replaced free of charge.
CAN I CHOOSE WHICH TYPE OF AID I HAVE?
Firstly, we need to understand what type of hearing aid is best suited to you, then we can look at the pricing and style options you have for that type of hearing aid.
ARE HEARING AIDS UNCOMFORTABLE TO WEAR?
Modern hearing aids are designed for quality of life, they are smaller, lighter and more discreet, many are even invisible and wouldn’t be noticed at all. Custom-fitted hearing aids offer the most comfort and practicality.
WILL I HAVE ONE OR TWO HEARING AIDS?
In most cases, if you suffer from hearing loss in both ears it is recommended to wear one hearing aid in each ear to balance the sound entering the ears from different directions and volumes.
CAN WEARING HEARING AIDS MAKE MY NATURAL HEARING WORSE?
No, your natural hearing will not get worse because you wear hearing aids. Your natural hearing deterioration will also not be stopped by wearing hearing aids. Please get in touch to discuss private hearing aids or pop into out audiology clinic in Truro Cornwall.
