"Hearing loss can affect more than just how well you hear," says Amy R. Mullin, PhD, FAAA, CCC-A, Audiology at ARC South Specialty. "It can make it harder to follow a conversation, enjoy time with family and friends, or stay engaged in everyday activities. It can also increase the mental effort needed for listening and communication." The right treatment can help you hear more clearly and stay connected to the people and activities that matter most.
What are the benefits of using hearing aids?
- Hearing aids can make everyday sound easier to hear and understand.
- By improving access to speech, hearing aids can make conversations easier to follow, whether you are talking with family at home or joining a discussion in a busy restaurant.
- You may hear speech over the telephone more clearly.
- Modern hearing aids can also help reduce the disruption caused by background noise. They are designed to help you focus on important sounds while making other sounds less distracting. This can make listening less tiring and help you stay engaged in conversations.
- Hearing loss can also require the brain to work harder to understand sounds. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids may reduce this mental strain and support brain health. Research also suggests that treating hearing loss may help lower the risk of cognitive function decline.
- For some people, hearing aids may also help make tinnitus less noticeable.
If you are experiencing hearing changes, ringing in your ears, or difficulty following conversations, talk with an audiologist about your options. An audiologist can help determine whether hearing aids may be appropriate for you.
Choosing the right hearing aids
There are several types of hearing aids available, including over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and prescription hearing aids. Healthcare clinicians categorize hearing aids into five types: behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and CROS/BiCROS.
"The best hearing aid option depends on the type and severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your hearing needs," says Dr. Mullin. "An audiologist can evaluate your hearing and help you find the option that best fits your needs."
Learn more about hearing aids at ARC.
About ARC Audiology
ARC Audiology provides comprehensive hearing care for children and adults, including hearing evaluations, diagnostic testing, hearing aid fittings, hearing rehabilitation, and hearing protection solutions. ARC audiologists work closely with primary care clinicians and patients to assess hearing concerns and create personalized treatment plans that can improve communication and quality of life.
ARC Audiology pediatric care provides specialized services to identify and manage hearing loss in children. Because hearing plays an important role in speech and language development, learning, and social-emotional growth, early diagnosis and intervention can make a lasting difference in a child's development and overall well-being.
Schedule an appointment today
Dr. Mullin is accepting new patients ages five years and older. To make an appointment with Dr. Mullin at ARC South Specialty in Austin, call 512-272-4636 (512-ARC-INFO) or book through ARC MyChart.