Deciding on the best hearing management solution can be overwhelming, but it’s not a decision you need to make on your own. At Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia (HSNS), you’ll work closely with one of our audiologists to choose the best treatment for your hearing and lifestyle.
Hearing aids and assistive devices
With today’s technology, almost every deaf or hard of hearing person can be helped by hearing aids and assistive devices that go either over or into the ear. Assistive devices work in conjunction with hearing aids to provide extra help in certain situations, like a microphone for help in noisy environments or a TV attachment to help you channel surf while enjoying your best hearing.
An audiologist can help by conducting a thorough hearing test and give you professional advice about whether or not a hearing aid or assistive device is the right treatment. HSNS does not sell hearing aids but we can help you understand what to look for when purchasing a hearing aid.
Cochlear implants
A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that can help children and adults with severe hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids. They have two parts: one is surgically placed under the skin and the other is worn behind the ear. For someone to be eligible for a cochlear implant, it’s important they don’t have medical issues that could make surgery unsafe.
Make an appointment with us if you think a cochlear implant might be the right solution for you.
Bone anchored hearing devices (BAHD)
A BAHD is a type of hearing aid that is surgically implanted behind the ear, best for children and adults who aren’t able to wear regular hearing aids because of issues with their outer or middle ear. A BAHD can also help someone who has complete hearing loss in only one ear and hasn’t had any success with other options.
If you think you or your child may need a BAHD, have your doctor refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor either at the QEII Health Sciences Centre (for adults) or the IWK. (for children). You’ll be able to try a BAHD on a headband and get the information you need to decide if it’s the best solution for you.
Middle ear implants
A middle ear implant is a special type of implantable hearing aid for adults only, who don’t benefit from or can’t use regular hearing aids for medical reasons, like ear canal inflammation or eczema.
If you’re curious about middle ear implants, ask your doctor for a referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor at the QEII Dickson Building to see if it’s the right solution for you.