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Hearing Loss

What “Degree of Hearing Loss” Means

Only a Doctor of Audiology can accurately measure your personal degree of hearing loss so you can receive the right treatment.

Hearing Loss Can Affect Everyone in Different Ways

Just as you can have different amounts of vision loss, you can have different degrees of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound. In addition, your hearing is measured across a range of pitches from low to high. And your degree of hearing loss or hearing ability can vary across pitches. For example, you may have increased hearing loss in the high pitches with minimal loss, or normal hearing in the low pitches. In fact, this is the most common configuration of hearing loss and is why you often can hear but can’t always understand what people are saying, since you can’t hear high-pitched sounds.

Some people can hear up close but have a hard time when there is background noise. Some have mixed hearing loss.

The degree of hearing loss is based on the audiometric thresholds that are measured during a comprehensive hearing test. Hearing is tested for low, middle, and high pitches for both the right and left ears and is plotted on a graph called an audiogram. The degrees of hearing loss vary from mild hearing loss to moderate hearing loss to severe hearing loss and more profound hearing loss.

Your Doctor of Audiology will discuss the degrees of hearing loss across pitches in more depth with you following your hearing evaluation. Here is an example of an audiogram and degree of hearing loss that can be used:

To learn more about hearing aids, download our FREE Insider’s Guide on how to finally hear better.

Hearing loss can be due to any number of concerns, including loud sounds or even genetics. The right hearing aid for you will depend on your preferences (whether you want an inner ear, ear canal, or outer ear hearing aid) and what your Doctor of Audiology suggests.

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Hearing Loss

Types of Hearing Loss Explained

Hearing loss can be categorized into three unique categories. These hearing loss types range from minor hearing loss to severe.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound passing through the outer and/or middle ear is disrupted. Some examples of these disruptions include excessive earwax in the ear canal, damage to the eardrum (by cotton swabs or other means), fluid buildup in the middle ear with or without infection, and disease of the middle ear bones, such as otosclerosis. Depending on the cause of the conductive hearing loss, other symptoms, such as ear pain, drainage from the ears, or a feeling of pressure or blockage in the ears, may occur. Approximately 10 percent of all hearing losses are conductive, which can range from mild to moderate in severity. Conductive hearing loss can often be medically treated, and, in many cases, hearing can be restored.


Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when a problem exists in the inner ear of the hearing system. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. Roughly 90 percent of hearing aid wearers have sensorineural hearing loss. The most common causes of sensorineural hearing loss are noise exposure, genetics, and problems with the hearing nerve. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, and currently, there is no cure. The best treatment option for this type of hearing loss is to be fit with hearing aids. For persons with complete, or profound, sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear implants may also be an option.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss can occur when both conductive and sensorineural hearing conditions are present. Only a Doctor of Audiology can accurately measure your personal degree of hearing loss so you can receive the right treatment.

If your hearing is impacted by any of these conditions above, it may be time to have your hearing evalulated using a verified appraoch. Using our proprietary H.E.A.R. Method™, Hearing Doctors of New Jersey ensures you never miss another word- guaranteed. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

To learn more about hearing, download the FREE Insider’s Guide on how to finally hear better.

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Hearing Aids

Differences in Hearing Aid Types

Differences in Hearing Aid Types

If you’re getting hearing aids for the first time, you might be surprised to learn that there are many types available based on your individual needs. With these choices can come some confusion about what hearing aid type is right for you. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, our Doctors of Audiology will help you find a customized solution so you never say “what” again. Read more about the differences in hearing aid types and styles below.

Hearing Aid Type: In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In-the-ear, or ITE, hearing aids are custom fit from an impression taken of your ear to ensure that they fit snugly and comfortably within the ear canal. In-the-ear hearing aids are best if you have moderate hearing loss or greater.

Advantages of ITE style include:

  • Low risk of wind noise
  • Customized, comfortable fit

Cons of ITE style include:

  • Due to its small size, it is not recommended if you have dexterity issues
  • Batteries will need to be changed weekly
  • Will not connect to your cell phone directly

Hearing aid style: Invisible-in-canal (IIC) and Completely-in-canal (CIC)

Among ITE hearing aids, two subcategories are available: Invisible in the canal (IIC) and completely in the canal (CIC).

Advantages of IIC and CIC include:

  • Virtually invisible, fitting deeply within the ear canal

Cons of IIC and CIC include:

  • Battery will need to be changed every 3-4 days
  • Small removal string attached to the hearing aid can be difficult if you have dexterity issues

Hearing aid style: In-the-canal (ITC) and Low-Profile (LP)

In-the-canal (ITC) and low-profile (LP) hearing aids are essentially the same. These two types of hearing aids fit in the outer part of the ear and are larger overall that IIC or CIC hearing aids.

Advantages of ITC and LP include:

  • Larger size is easier to handle
  • Typically have a longer battery life
  • Due to its larger size, the hearing aid can include more manual controls (ie. Volume and Programs)

Cons of ITC and LP include:

  • May make you feel as though your ears are plugged

Hearing aid type: Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids consist of an outer housing which sits behind the ear. This type of hearing aid a better option if you have severe hearing loss. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are attached to a custom earmold. 

Advantages of BTE include:  

  • Delivers a lot of power to help you if you have severe hearing loss
  • Large battery will last up to 2 weeks
  • Rechargeable options are available
  • Can be connected to your iPhone and select Android devices

Cons of BTE include:

  • Visible to others

Hearing aid type: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-canal (RITE) hearing aids consist of an outer housing that sits behind the ear connected to a thin receiver which sits in the ear canal.

Advantages of RIC and RITE include:

  • Natural sound quality
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Can be connected to your iPhone and select Android devices
  • Custom earmolds can be made to address different degrees of hearing loss
  • If you have a mild to severe hearing loss, you can wear this hearing aid type
  • Larger size is easier to handle

Cons of RIC and RITE include:

  • Can be awkward to put into your ear initially
  • If not fit properly, the hearing aid will not help you hear well

How Do I Choose the Right Hearing Aid Style?

The best hearing aid option for you will depend on your degree of hearing loss, your listening lifestyle, and your own personal preferences. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, our proprietary H.E.A.R. MethodTM ensures a customized hearing solution just for you so you will never say “what” again – Guaranteed.

Learn More About Hearing Aids

To learn more about your hearing aid options download our FREE Insider’s Guide on how to finally hear better – NOW.

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Local Services

Hearing Services in Springfield, NJ

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we provide expert hearing services to meet a variety of needs. With the help of one of our Doctors of Audiology you can explore your treatment options for hearing loss and begin to live your best life again. Here are some of our hearing services available in the greater Springfield, NJ area.

Adult Hearing Assessments

A hearing assessment is the first step toward better hearing. During a comprehensive hearing assessment, one of our Doctors of Audiology will perform testing to measure your hearing loss, explore possible causes, and discuss the next steps in your treatment program. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we use the latest technologies and testing methods to get a complete picture of your hearing ability and use it to make informed medical decisions about your hearing treatment program.

Hearing Aids

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, you can find everything you need to purchase, maintain, and fit your hearing aids. Our team offers the expertise and knowledge you need to ensure that your advanced hearing technology is prescribed to your exact needs. We work with the following hearing aid manufacturers:

  • Oticon
  • Starkey
  • Widex
  • Phonak
  • ReSound

Hearing Aid Repairs & Fittings

Getting the most out of your hearing aids requires a knowledgeable Doctor of Audiology. In Springfield, we are one of the leading hearing aid service providers and can help ensure your hearing aids continue to work the way they should. Whether you need repairs or fitting, our team can offer a full complement of hearing aid services.

Central Auditory Processing Evaluation

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we take a personalized approach to testing for central auditory processing disorders (CAPD). Our comprehensive testing protocol will identify whether you or your child have an auditory processing disorder.  Once the testing has been completed, we will work with you and other education and medical professionals to provide an individualized treatment program that works.

H.E.A.R. MethodTM Treatment Program

At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, you can find the most comprehensive solution to hearing loss in Springfield, NJ and the greater Livingston area. With our proprietary H.E.A.R. MethodTM Treatment Program, you’ll get ongoing, thorough care that addresses your specific hearing needs and uses the most advanced technologies available.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about our hearing services in Springfield and what you can expect from Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, schedule an appointment today by calling or filling out our online form.

About Springfield, NJ

Springfield, New Jersey is famously home to the Baltusrol Golf Club, which hosts several major golf championships including the PGA Championship. Additionally, Springfield was the site of the Battle of Springfield during the American Revolutionary War, one of the many battles fought around New Jersey. Springfield is a township in Union County and one of the fastest growing townships in the country as of the 2020 census. Springfield is located 6 miles from our Livingston office.