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What hearing aids are best for sensorineural hearing loss?

Audiologist in West Hampstead

31 January 2018 - 5.44K Views

To add to what my esteemed colleagues have already said, sound quality is also certainly an important factor, so if you can (having had the hearing instruments correctly set up) do what I would term "The Pepsi Challenge" (other cola beverages are available) by auditioning two hearing aids side by side, you may find the sound quality is near identical (the next patient may have a definite preference between one & the other) if that is the case are the cosmetics/comfort superior on one compared to the other? The only right aid is the device that is right for you. 

If you have certain frequencies which are beyond aiding normally you may want to try an aid which will allow your audiolgy professional to compress, or transpose frequencies over to a more functional part of the cochlea with a view to making inaudible sounds audible. Your brain may take a little why to make sense of this new information but it may be well with the effort.

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Abram Bailey

Professional Member

31 January 2018 - 5.44K Views

There really are no "best" hearing aids for sensorineural hearing loss, and in fact most common hearing aids target sensorineural hearing loss (since it is by far the most common form of hearing loss). I would suggest that you find an audiologist who can assess your specific listening needs in a comprehensive manner, and who can objectively and subjectively measure the effectiveness of the recommended product(s) through the following:

  • Real ear measurements - This measurement ensures that adequate amplification is provided for your specific hearing loss. See wikipedia for more on REMs.
  • Subjective outcome measurements - Your provider should ask you where you need the most hearing improvement (better hearing in groups, etc), and after fitting your hearing aids, should find out whether you have actually benefited in those situations. There are a variety of surveys that may be used, but some form of subjective measure should be used to ensure you are receiving value from the recommended product(s).
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in Phoenix

31 January 2018 - 5.45K Views

Whichever aids have the correct power capabilities for your hearing loss, the right features based on your specific needs, and have been fit using Real Ear Measurement by your audiologist.  Don't know what Real Ear Measures are?  Check out this video.

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Cynthia Modrosic, AuD

Audiologist

31 January 2018 - 5.41K Views

There are already great answers here. What I would add is that, sometimes, it takes some trial and error to find the best hearing aid for a particular patient. Just like some allergy, cholesterol, or blood pressure medications work better for some than others, some hearing aids work better for one person than another. This is because each manufacturer processes sound just a little bit differently.  This is a huge benefit of seeing an audiologist who can try several different brands and is not limited to just one manufacturer. Everyone is different, and there is no one, correct answer for everyone.

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Leann Johnson, AuD

Board Certified Doctor of Audiology

31 January 2018 - 5.42K Views

That is a great question. I wish the answer was an easy one. While most hearing devices would be a good choice for sensorineural hearing loss, a recommendation for devices is very complex.  It is not black and white like we like things to be.  First of all, it depends on the degree of your hearing loss, your activity levels, whether or not your hearing loss has any secondary symptoms, and overall dexterity of the person the devices will be fit on.  Along with this, your Audiologist would take into consideration your listening environments and overall what you need. '

It is best to consult with a professional who is skilled in providing a great recommendation that is highly recommended by your peers.  

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Jeffrey Cline, BC-HIS

Audiologist

05 February 2018 - 5.35K Views

What type depends upon degree and configuration of hearing loss. Most our patients are being fit RIC instruments Receiver in the canal devices due to the comfort and flexibility of the product. The benefits of this device is wonderful due to the amount of technology we can place in the product. Also we use IIC and CIC instruments that fit into the ear and hide easily making hearing loss invisible to others. Sensorineural hearing loss is not reversible but manageable with hearing instruments. 

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Paul Dietsch

Professional Member

01 February 2018 - 5.39K Views

There are sensori hearing losses and there are neural losses. Since the most problematic loss is the neural you should be tested to see which one you have. Go to an audiologist who will test you for the kind of loss.. Most people who do not do well with hearing aids have neural involvement. Wouldn't you like to know your potential before buying expensive aids. Maybe the expensive high technology will be wasted with your problem or maybe you will hear much better with the advanced technology. Only proper evaluation will give you this information. Find a professional who will evaluate your potential and match it to the proper technology. The most important part of getting hearing aids is finding the best hearing professional.

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Sheri Gostomelsky, AuD

Doctor of Audiology

31 January 2018 - 5.42K Views

There is no best solution for a sensorineural hearing loss.  What is important is that your specific listening needs are addressed and that the solution fits your prescriptive needs.  This can be accomplished by seeing an audiologist. Success comes from being in the hands of a hearing health care professional that adheres to using best practices  If you choose a product yourself, it can be evaluated in the same manner.  

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