All new born babies should be screened to identify a hearing loss as soon as possible to ensure early detection and hearing aid fitting, if needed, and thus maximise normal speech and language development.
Hearing and middle ear tests
Babies should all be tested at birth and a full diagnostic test is again needed before school readiness. If the child suffers from middle ear infections hearing should be regularly checked after infections and/or grommet placements.
Adults should be tested every 3-5 years after 20 to 45 years or the frequency will increase if a problem is diagnosed. From 45 -60 years a hearing test should be performed every 3 years. After 60 every 2n year and after 70 yearly. This will then ensure early detection and handling of problems. A full diagnostic hearing test is necessary to program a hearing aid well.
Middle ear deficits can be diagnosed, and further referrals made where needed as early as possible.
Newest technology and computer programming make first fit acceptance of most hearing aids very high. As independent Audiologists we offer most to all brands of hearing aids and thus choose to fit your needs and /or pocket. Hearing aids come in battery -and also rechargeable models. Most hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible and make control via a downloaded app on your smart phone easy and discreet.
A hearing aid thus helps you to hear everything (environment, noise, music etc.) but also to focus on other aspects (speech). A diagnosis is made when taking all the results into consideration and a careful step by step plan of action will be taken. All issues will be explained to you. Where does your hearing loss come from? Is it medically treatable? Do I need medication? Do I need to consult with a Medical Professional? Will a hearing aid help me? Will I be able to function in a small group? Will I hear in a crowd? Which model is best for me? Why do my ears ring? These are some of the questions that patients struggle with every day. We will assist you and help you to find answers to your questions and supply a hearing solution that suits you. It will increase the quality of your life and it is not only meant for deaf people but also to assist with daily listening for those with slight hearing losses.
We will also help you do basic troubleshooting and take care of your hearing aids. We will teach you to change batteries or how to charge them if they are re-chargeable, how to insert the aid correctly into the ear, check for wax that can interfere with sound quality, stop the hearing aids from whistling, how to avoid moisture and to keep them safe from pets and children.
