Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are small, high-tech devices designed to enhance hearing. They amplify sound waves, allowing the wearer to hear sounds they would otherwise miss. These devices vary in design, size, and how they're placed in your ear. Some are small enough to be placed entirely in the ear canal, making them nearly invisible, while others fit partially in the ear.

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When are Hearing Aids Necessary?

Hearing aids are necessary when hearing loss can't be treated medically or surgically but can be improved with amplification. This condition is called sensorineural hearing loss, caused by damage to the hair cells in the cochlea or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. Hearing aids can help improve your ability to communicate and participate in daily activities, thus enhancing your overall quality of life.

Benefits of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids provide numerous benefits, including improved hearing and understanding of speech, better mental health, enhanced social interactions, and increased safety. They also reduce tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and improve spatial awareness. Most importantly, hearing aids can boost self-confidence, leading to a more active and independent lifestyle.

Am I a Candidate for a Hearing Aid?

If you find it challenging to follow conversations, often ask people to repeat themselves, have trouble hearing on the phone, or keep turning up the volume on the TV, you might be a candidate for a hearing aid. However, the decision should ultimately be made after a comprehensive hearing evaluation by a qualified ENT.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be caused by many factors, including:
Aging
Exposure to loud noise
Certain medications
Infections

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Difficulty understanding words.
Frequently asking others to speak more slowly.
Trouble hearing consonants.
Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio.

Types of Hearing Loss

The three main types of hearing loss are:

Sensorineural (damage to the inner ear)
Conductive (blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear)
Mixed (a combination of sensorineural and conductive)

At Southern ENT Associates, we're committed to helping you understand your hearing loss and finding a solution that fits your lifestyle. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss, enabling us to tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.

Types of Hearing Aids

At Southern ENT Associates, we offer a wide range of hearing aids to suit your individual needs. These include:

Behind-the-ear (BTE):

The most traditional type of hearing aid, BTE devices have a piece that sits behind the ear and a tube that connects to an earmold in your ear canal. These are suitable for almost all types of hearing loss and ages.

In-the-ear (ITE):

ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fit your ear structure. They sit in the outer entrance of your ear, making them easy to insert and remove. These are ideal for mild to severe hearing loss.

In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC):

ITC and CIC hearing aids are even smaller, tailor-made devices that fit partially or entirely into your ear canal. They're discreet but powerful enough to assist with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC):

RIC devices, like BTEs, have a part that sits behind the ear, but they also have a receiver directly in the ear canal, providing clearer sound and reducing feedback. They're suitable for mild to profound hearing loss.

Why Choose Us?

At Southern ENT Associates, we pride ourselves on being a leading, nationally recognized network of ENT providers across 6 locations in Louisiana and growing. With over 45 years of experience, our exceptional ENT specialists can provide care to all ages. Our team consists of experienced ENT specialists who have grown up in Louisiana and are an integral part of the medical community.

We offer easy access to our services with same-day appointments and a friendly staff that genuinely cares about you and your family's ENT needs. Southern ENT Associates delivers the highest quality of medical and surgical care for conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and breathing passageways. Southern ENT Associates is the largest ENT group in Louisiana, giving patients access to unprecedented levels of care. Our fellowship-trained and board-certified physicians deliver the pinnacle of ENT expertise.