“Hearing”

is important in everyday communication. If you can't hear or can't hear clearly

inevitably affects the ability to communicate

Hearing loss does not only occur in the elderly.

But can happen at any age. This week,

has knowledge about treatment methods.

and results of treatment for hearing loss

treatment guidelines

Guidelines for treatment and hearing rehabilitation

It is performed taking into account the age.

level of severity

and type of hearing loss

Children with hearing loss will need hearing rehabilitation.

When knowing the type of hearing loss if it can be treated, such as middle ear disease

Doctors may be able to treat it by medication or surgery. If cured, it may not be necessary to wear a hearing aid, etc. However, if hearing loss is caused by an incurable cause.

Your doctor may refer you to an audiologist for hearing aids that are appropriate for the severity of your hearing loss.

The procedure may differ according to the treatment rights of each patient.

If the patient does not have any treatment rights

The physician may consider having the patient register as a disability.

In order to be able to pick up hearing aids, the treatment guidelines may be divided according to the age of the patient as follows:

childhood

All newborns should have their hearing screened before leaving the hospital.

Or before the baby is 1 month old if the child is found to have abnormalities from birth.

An audiologist works with an otolaryngologist for effective treatment.

Infants should receive a hearing diagnosis to determine the degree and type of hearing loss before the age of 3 months, and if the child has hearing loss, hearing aids and hearing and speech support are encouraged. Before 6 months of age Since childhood is an important age for language and speech learning, it is therefore essential that hearing loss is detected in childhood when hearing loss is detected. for each child

However, when the child has been wearing a hearing aid.

It is also necessary to receive proper listening and speaking practice on a regular basis.

Including the need to be closely followed up on treatment results.

and regularly assessing language and speaking development

To ensure that those children will have appropriate language and speech development and are as close to normal children of the same age as possible.

It is also necessary to monitor if there is a change in hearing as well.

adults and the elderly

Patients with hearing problems will need to see an otolaryngologist to be referred for a hearing assessment.

The audiologist will examine the basic hearing (Routine audiometry) by examining separately according to the frequency from 250-8000 Hz, hearing examination using speech (Speech audiometry) to know the level of hearing in each frequency.

the ability to memorize, distinguish, speak

and know the type of hearing loss

In adults with preexisting language and speech, if they have hearing loss and have been fitted with a hearing aid.

There is usually no need for speaking or listening practice.

Because hearing aids will help amplify the sound so that more words can be heard.

and communicate better after wearing a hearing aid

There is still a need for follow-up appointments.

To determine the ability to use hearing aids.

Benefits of hearing aids

and an annual hearing test to monitor hearing changes as well

treatment effect

Results of hearing treatment and rehabilitation may vary from patient to patient.

This is because the degree, pattern and type of hearing loss may vary from patient to patient.

or there are other factors

Related and affecting treatment, so the treatment results of each patient may not be directly compared.

for example

Pediatric patients with other disorders

There may also be delayed language and speech development than patients with hearing loss alone.

Although it was diagnosed and rehabilitated at the same time

Or, in patients with conductive hearing loss after wearing a hearing aid they can hear speech better than patients with sensorineural hearing loss, for example.

Therefore, when the patient has been wearing a hearing aid.

Therefore, it is necessary to receive close follow-up.

and follow doctor's advice

audiologist

or personnel involved in the treatment strictly

In order to get the most effective treatment results.

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source of information

Dr. Jitpakorn Pichaithanaporn,

Hearing Rectifier

Department of Interpretive Science and Interpretive Disorders

Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital

Mahidol University