Treatment of Deafness and Hearing Loss
By Jamie Berke, About.com Guide to Deafness
Many if not most deaf and hard of hearing people can access at least some sound with the help of assistive devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants.
What are Hearing Aids?
Today's hearing aids are small, to the point of being nearly invisible. Some in fact are invisible, because they are surgically implanted. However, hearing aids are usually not covered by health insurance, making paying for a pair difficult for many people. Whatever type of hearing aid you get, rest assured that the days of the bulky body aid are long gone.
- What a Hearing Aid Looks Like and Does
- Basic Facts on Hearing Aids
- History of Hearing Aids
- Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
- Implantable Hearing Aids
Benefits of Hearing Aids
Why should you get a hearing aid? About.com readers discussed the benefits they got from hearing aids, and a study even showed that hearing aids can improve relationships.
Getting Hearing Aids
Insurance companies usually do not cover hearing aids, making it difficult for old and young alike to afford hearing aids. Some people believe hearing aids are overpriced. There are guidelines for buying hearing aids, which will help avoid becoming the victim of fraud. Finally, while digital hearing aids are overtaking analog hearing aids, analog hearing aids are still around, and are often a much less expensive alternative.
- Lack of Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids
- Are Hearing Aids Overpriced?
- Help Paying for Hearing Aids
- Buying Hearing Aids
- Digital Hearing Aids vs Analog Hearing Aids
Caring for Hearing Aids
Hearing aids must be cared for carefully to avoid damage, particularly from the elements. A hearing aid relies on batteries. When hearing aids are no longer used, there are ways to recycle them and help others.
- Maintaining Hearing Aids
- Protect Hearing Aids from Heat and Water
- About Hearing Aid Batteries
- Recycling Used Hearing Aids
What are Cochlear Implants?
What are cochlear implants, and does everyone qualify for a cochlear implant? Who are the manufacturers of cochlear implants? Are there any support organizations for people considering an implant or who have already gotten implants?
- Cochlear Implants 101
- Who Does Not Qualify for a Cochlear Implant
- Cochlear Implant Manufacturer - Advanced Bionics
- Cochlear Implant Manufacturer - Med El
- Cochlear Implant Manufacturer - Cochlear
- Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation
Getting Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are usually, but not always, covered by insurance. Sources of help are available. After the cochlear implant surgery comes the activation experience, which is different for each user. About.com visitors can follow one deaf adult's journey from making the decision to get a cochlear implant to living with an implant.
- How to Get Help Paying for Cochlear Implants
- Cochlear Implant Surgery
- Cochlear Implant Activation Experience
- One Person's Cochlear Implant Story
After Getting Cochlear Implants
Getting the cochlear implant surgery is only the first step. In order to maximize benefit from an implant, rehabilitative therapy is needed. Implant speech processors need batteries. Sometimes, an implant does not work or the person has a physical reaction to the implant that results in having to have the implant removed. People often have questions about living with a cochlear implant, usually about sports or travel.
