Is it still possible to wear a hearing aid if Im completely deaf?
Total Deafness and the Ineffectiveness of Hearing Aids
Total deafness refers to the complete loss of hearing in the ears, and the use of hearing aids is generally ineffective. Even in some cases where patients may retain a minimal amount of residual hearing, the effect of wearing hearing aids may still be unsatisfactory. This is because excessive amplification of sound can generate noise reactions or even further damage the ears.
Applicable Population for Hearing Aids
The working principle of hearing aids is to amplify external sounds before transmitting them into the ear canal. If the ears have lost all hearing capability, no matter how many times the sound is amplified, it cannot be perceived. Hearing aids are suitable for children and adults with an average hearing threshold within a specific range, such as 31-80dB for children and 41-80dB for adults. These ranges are based on the average hearing thresholds calculated across four frequencies: 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz, and 4000Hz.
Ways to Restore Hearing for Totally Deaf Patients
The most common treatment for totally deaf patients is the implantation of a cochlear implant. This involves surgically inserting electrodes into the auditory nerve to directly stimulate it and restore hearing. For conductive hearing loss caused by factors such as otitis media or tympanic membrane perforation, surgical repair of the tympanic membrane or tympanoplasty can be performed to restore hearing. Auditory training is also necessary for patients. For hearing loss caused by oxygen deficiency, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used. It is recommended that patients with total deafness promptly undergo medical examination and treatment to understand the specific condition of their hearing loss and potential treatment options.
