Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions impacting people around the globe. According to WHO, more than 430 million people globally need rehabilitation to address their hearing loss issues. It is estimated that by the year 2050, almost 2.5 billion people worldwide will have some degree of hearing loss. According to another report, in the United States alone there are at least 6.6 million people older than twelve with profound hearing loss in at least one ear. With increased cases of significant hearing loss, demands for hearing aids for profound hearing loss are on the rise worldwide.
There are different categories of hearing loss, and discussing them all is beyond the scope of this article. Here we will focus on severe and profound hearing loss.
People suffering from severe hearing loss can hear very little below 60 decibels, a volume that is typical of normal conversational levels. They also have immense difficulty hearing quieter speech. People with severe hearing loss typically can understand speech only if it is amplified.
The case is more serious for people with profound hearing loss. Such patients can have significant difficulty understanding any speech, even with high amplification. People experiencing profound hearing loss often do not register sounds below 80 decibels – a volume consistent with an alarm clock, hairdryer, or heavy traffic. There is an added difficulty as patients struggle to discern different sound pitches.
A series of hearing tests are conducted to ascertain whether a patient has profound hearing loss. High-power hearing aids help in treating severe to profound hearing loss. Powerful behind-the-ear hearing aids are usually the best choice as per hearing specialists. Along with hearing aids, many patients also use assistive listening devices for an additional boost. These devices can be connected wirelessly to hearing aids, providing improved clarity.
There was a time when patients with profound or severe hearing loss had no choice but to wear bulky hearing aids. But with technological advancements, smaller versions of such hearing aids have been developed, which are more discreet. The hearing aid remains highly effective but much less obvious.
The market is flooded with manufacturers making hearing aids for profoundly deaf patients. Here is a comprehensive list of the best ones in the business:
ReSound devices are excellent for patients with profound hearing loss. The company offers personalization in partnership with trained audiologists including consultation and responsive customer support. ReSound ONE device has a third microphone, making the sound clear and understanding the source of the sound, particularly in crowded places.
One of the largest hearing device manufacturers globally, Signia implements leading-edge technology for improved features and clarity. Their line-up includes several “Super Power” models designed to provide adequate volume for even profound hearing loss. Many of the models are Bluetooth-enabled as well.
Widex provides customized hearing aid solutions for all users including profound hearing loss patients. The devices have SoundSense, helping the wearer adapt to the environment and adjust volume, clarity, and sensitivity accordingly. Speech enhancers are also available with specific models.
Phonak specializes in designing and manufacturing hearing aids and assistive hearing technology. Phonak provides a range of hearing solutions, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and wireless accessories designed to improve the hearing experience for people with hearing loss. Their products are known for their high-quality sound, speech understanding, and personalized fit.
Unitron, Oticon, and Starkey are major manufacturers of hearing aids and assistive listening devices, and all offer models designed for severe and profound loss. While there generally is no one “best” manufacturer, it often is the case that an individual’s needs will be best met by the features of one particular manufacturer. Choosing an audiologist who works with all of the major manufacturers – rather than just one or two – will help ensure that you receive the best hearing aids for your unique needs.
Hoffmann Audiology is the best audiology clinic in Irvine, if you are looking for an audiologist and hearing aid specialist. We provide hearing tests in Irvine, CA for hearing loss. The center offers the best hearing aids from the leading hearing aid manufacturers. You can choose the best hearing aid for profound hearing loss from the many available options and you will also receive the best fitting and maintenance services available. Contact us today to get started with your personalized hearing treatment.
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