Hearing aids can give a much-needed boost to the quality of life of individuals who suffer from hearing loss. No matter why any person is losing the ability to hear well, it affects the way that person functions. It is just like losing the ability to see or smell. The world becomes different. Long ago, that is the way the world would have stayed. Now, just looking at things like the Miracle Ear twitter account is enough to see how much the world of hearing loss has changed. Many people have been able to restore their hearing with the help of a hearing device.

Causes of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can happen suddenly or over time. A common reason for a slow decline in hearing is age. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly half of individuals over 75 have hearing difficulties. However, hearing loss that happens with age may be caused not by age but by repeated exposure to loud sounds, genetics and even personal hygiene. Hearing loss can also appear at birth for a number of reasons. Causes for hearing loss during the rest of life include damage to the eardrum, infection and growths inside of the ear.

How Hearing Aids Help
Most causes of long-term hearing loss are irreversible. Damage to hearing structures, age, etc., are all things that people have yet to solve. So how does a person regain hearing? People who are not fully deaf (and some that are in the case of more advanced technology) can be helped by devices that amplify noise and transfer the sound to the existing structures within the ear and make the sound clearer to the listener.

Types of Hearing Aids
It is important to know that not all types of hearing aid will work for particular types of hearing loss. Furthermore, some types have more functionality, discretion and clarity than others do. Speaking to a professional is a good idea before choosing which hearing aid is best for a wearer’s needs.

Clip-on hearing aids fit over the back of the ear. Most of these devices are quite large and visible, but are an option for most individuals with hearing loss. Open fit hearing aids clip on the back of the ear, but are smaller than other clip-on hearing devices. They do not require filling the ear canal, so there is less obstruction in the ear. However, the device loses some of its potential with this design. It may not have controls, such as volume control, because it is so small. It is also best when low-frequency hearing is still at normal range.

Hearing aids that fit in the canal and in the ear are more discreet than clip on hearing aids. Some are almost imperceptible. Depending on the fit and design, these will often feature capabilities such as volume control, though some will have flaws such as interference from wind. Nonetheless, there are many options that fit in the ear and they will suit any level of hearing loss that is treatable with a hearing aid.