I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids: Are You A Good Candidate?
Vickie Armstrong
Hearing aids are a common type of treatment for many people experiencing hearing loss. However, in some people that have hearing loss, traditional types of hearing aids are not an option. If you have hearing loss and have trouble wearing traditional types of hearing aids, learning more about bone-anchored hearing devices is a good idea.
What Is A Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid?
In some people, their hearing loss cannot be treated by hearing aids that magnify sound through the ear canal. A bone-anchored hearing aid is a surgically implanted aid that allows sound transmission to be carried to the inner ear without going through the ear canal. During surgery, a tiny titanium abutment is placed into the bone directly behind the ear. An advanced digital sound amplifier attaches to the titanium abutment. The great thing about titanium is how bone naturally grows to it, making it much more sturdy and durable. Due to the durability produced by bone growth to the titanium abutment, the removal of your device when you shower or swim is never a problem you have to worry about. Once you are ready to re-attach your device to the abutment, you can do so without worrying about it being painful or coming loose.
Are You A Good Candidate For Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids?
If you have chronic ear infections, a traditional hearing aid is not a good idea because it would block the ear canal, causing fluids to remain in the canal and block air, making an infection much worse. People suffering with a malformed ear canal may not be able to wear a traditional hearing aid, many suffering with conductive hearing loss due to anomalies like absent pinna. Sufferers of one-sided deafness, like those dealing with Meniere's Disease, can benefit from bone-anchored hearing devices. Bone-anchored hearing aids are the only option some with hearing loss have, especially when their ear canal is compromised. Bear in mind that candidates best for bone-anchored devices have some hearing capability in one ear while the other ear is compromised.
Making Your Own Choices About Hearing Aids
You may already wear a traditional hearing aid and find it to be uncomfortable. Maybe you feel a though your ear is "clogged up" while wearing it. If you are able to use a hearing aid and find it troublesome, you may be able to more easily manage a bone-anchored hearing device. While having the surgery for a bone-anchored hearing aid may be more expensive and take more time, the investment would definitely be worth it for the improvement of your hearing.
For more information, contact Hearing Specialists of DuPage or a similar organization.
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