In France, it is estimated that around 10 million people suffer from a hearing impairment, requiring, for example, to go to a center such as Duroc Audition. And among these people, more than half say they are bothered by it on a daily basis.
In terms of deafness, failures are classified according to three categories. Mild impairment, up to a loss of 39 decibels; the average, up to 69 decibels and finally, severe or profound deafness, for losses of up to 89 decibels, and beyond, respectively.
Each of these deficiencies may justify the use of a device. This is determined by the patient’s appreciation and level of discomfort.
Causes of loss and alteration of comfort
Deafness, mild or severe, has many origins. This can be congenital, therefore present from early childhood, or linked to degeneration, most often pathological. And in frequent cases, it is a trauma that is at the source of the deficiency, following a shock, a plug or consecutively to frequent ear infections.
In either case, the possibility of a hearing aid must be considered in terms of user comfort. Am I handicapped in my daily life by my hearing loss? Are my hobbies or work suffering? If the answer is yes (not always easy to admit, by the way), consulting a professional is essential.
The role of ENT
The ENT or otolaryngologist, is the specialist of the ears, among others. This doctor, by means of a battery of tests and his expertise, has the ability to determine whether or not you suffer from hearing loss, its level of severity and its origin. Once diagnosed, a number of options will emerge depending on the nature of the disorder identified.
In some cases, treatment or surgery can solve the problem. In other situations, fitting a hearing aid will be considered. This option should be considered once once more, in light of the discomfort felt daily.
Hearing centers
Hearing centers are centers devoted to hearing and specializing in hearing aids. The patient may be required to go there following a consultation with an ENT or directly during a first spontaneous appointment.
These centers offer complete assessments of the user’s hearing and, if necessary, offer different types of hearing aids depending on the disorder, its intensity and the patient’s wishes.
The imperative of discretion might in particular be taken into account to guide him towards hearing aids that are almost imperceptible and invisible. These centers have the advantage of combining expertise, know-how in terms of personalized assessments and exhaustive knowledge of all types of hearing aids.
To conclude, the use of a hearing aid stems from a single major question: am I hampered in my daily activities by what I feel as auditory discomfort? If the answer is yes, consultation with an ENT or hearing center is essential and will determine which aid will improve the patient’s listening comfort.
