Improving hearing with the simple use of modern equipment
The human ear is one of the most complex systems in the body. Its three-part structure and functions make it more prone to complications, and the treatment of problems can vary from home care to surgery.
Impaired ear health in most cases occurs in the form of inflammation. Ear infections are mostly harmless and are treated with antibiotics and home care.
However, some of them can permanently affect the quality of your hearing, or even spread to surrounding bone structures (perforation of the eardrum and mastoiditis).
Old age, mechanical trauma, tumors and severe inflammation are responsible for partial or complete hearing loss. The implantation of hearing aids compensates for impaired hearing, and the operation of the apparatus depends on the area responsible for the disorders (middle or inner ear).
The human ear is made up of three parts; of the outer, inner and middle ear.
The outer ear consists of the auricle and the ear canal. The ear is responsible for better collection of sounds from the environment, which then passes through the ear canal all the way to the eardrum. The outer ear is also covered with hairs that prevent the penetration of small objects.
The border between the outer and middle ear is formed by the eardrum. Its membrane vibrates in contact with sound waves, and the ossicles connected to it chain the waves all the way to the cochlea.
The hammer, anvil and stirrup are the smallest bones in the human body, and any abnormality in their structure can result in poorer hearing.
The ossicles transmit sound waves to the cochlea, the part of the inner ear where energy is registered and sent to the brain’s hearing center. The cochlea, with three semicircular canals, is filled with endolymph, a fluid rich in potassium and sodium.
With the presence of endolymph and receptors, even better known as hairs, a difference in charge is created and a certain frequency of sound is recognized.
The resulting nerve impulse travels to the hearing center in the brain where sound is recorded and registered.
There are several reasons why partial or complete hearing loss occurs. Depending on the affected part of the ear, we divide two types of hearing loss:
Chronic ear infections
Frequent ear infections can disrupt the functioning of the eardrum. The accumulated secretion is retained in the middle ear due to blockage of the Eustachian tube, and due to the inability to drain, infection and possible rupture (perforation) of the eardrum can occur.
Severe infections can also spread to bone tissue (mastoiditis), whereby there is a chance of damage to the auditory nerve or even the formation of an abscess in the brain.
Mechanical trauma
Hearing loss can also occur due to exposure to adverse conditions that damage the eardrum in the long term.
Noise in the workplace, frequent air travel ( pressure change), activities such as diving or mountaineering, piercing sounds such as explosions or gunfire are just some of the reasons why impaired hearing can occur.
Age
Poorer hearing is normal in older generations. However, if poor hearing interferes with daily activities, it is necessary to seek help and adequately treat the problem.
Hearing loss can be recognized by performing various audiological tests, CT and MRI scans.
Audiological tests can range from subjective and objective to quantitative and qualitative.
Subjective tests require the cooperation of the person being examined, while objective tests require abnormalities without your signaling. That is why objectively the tests are more suitable for hearing examinations in children.
In addition to subjective and objective hearing tests, there are also quantitative and qualitative ones. Qualitative tests determine the type of hearing impairment, and the quantitative degree of impairment.
Therefore, at the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic , we perform the following tests:
Subjective methods
Objective methods
If we suspect bone tumors or bone erosion, we perform CT and MRI scans.
Depending on the degree of hearing loss, there are two basic types of hearing aids:
Hearing aids are used for partial hearing loss. Their role is to amplify the sound inside the ear canal. A microphone that is placed behind or inside the ear registers the sound, which is then amplified.
Modern technology has made sound machines almost imperceptible; You can position them behind the ear, and the transparent tube will extend all the way to the eardrum. You can also opt for an “invisible” hearing aid with a stronger microphone that is placed directly into the ear canal.
Implanted hearing aids (e.g. BAHA, Bonebridge) are used for hearing loss when conventional hearing aids are not effective (cannot be used for various reasons)
An artificial cochlea, unlike hearing aids, is used for hearing loss related to the inner ear. When it comes to damage to the inner ear, amplifiers of any type will be of no use because the cochlea is not capable of registering the impulse coming through the eardrum and ossicles.
Therefore, the artificial cochlea performs the function of a defective cochlea.
Hearing aids are used for partial hearing loss, which is most often related to poorer function of the eardrum and ear oss.
In the case of injuries, such as perforation of the eardrum or bone damage, in most cases surgery (myringoplasty or trimpanoplasty) is necessary to repair the hearing or to be able to use a hearing aid.
The outer part of the device can be placed behind the ear, and the microphone located in the outer part absorbs signals from the environment and transmits them to the eardrum through a transparent tube.
For aesthetic reasons, you can use appliances that go directly into the ear, without a microphone behind the ear. Such aids are also called invisible devices.
The artificial cochlea consists of an outer and an inner part. The outer part consists of a microphone, speech processor and coil, and the inner part consists of a receiver with an electrode that is installed under the skin behind the ear.
The microphone collects sounds from the environment and transmits it to the speech processor. The speech processor removes interference and noise, amplifies the sound and converts it into digital signals. Digital signals are converted through the coil and receiver into electrical impulses that go through the electrode.
The electrode is threaded through the cochlea and is directly connected to nerve receptors that register and transmit the electrical impulse to the brain’s hearing center.
It is necessary to mention that the electrode does not have as many receptors as a normal cochlea. This makes the registered sound slightly different . For example, clients with an artificial cochlea can recognize sounds, but find it difficult to distinguish the pitch of the voice, and the human voice sounds more robotic.
However, thanks to the constant development of technology and medicine, such behaviors of the apparatus will be less and less frequent.
Hearing aids are used in patients who cannot wear standard ones (inflammation of the ear canal, leakage from the ear, excessive conductive hearing damage, previous surgeries)
Upon arrival at the office, you will be placed on the operating table. The anesthesiologist gives you general anesthesia after which you fall into an unconscious state.
The anesthesiologist will monitor your vital functions during the operation so that he can warn of possible complications.
Implantable hearing aids are implanted in the mastoid bone behind the ear. An incision is made behind the ear and the device is fixed under the skin with special screws for the mastoid bone.
After a month, it is possible to use a hearing aid, but it needs to be adjusted accordingly.
Before installing hearing aids, it is necessary to perform tests that are carried out for all operations, and they include:
These findings will serve us to observe your vital functions during the operation. If we notice any deviations in heart rate or breathing, we adjust the operation to avoid further complications.
In addition to the tests performed, you will fill out the consent before the hearing aid is installed . By filling out the form, you confirm that you are familiar with the procedure of surgery, the use of general anesthesia, but also possible complications after the procedure.
If you have blood clotting disorders or if you are allergic to anesthesia, be sure to let us know so that we can react in time and adjust the procedure procedure.
You come to us for the operation on an empty stomach. Namely, general anesthesia sometimes causes nausea and can trigger vomiting; To avoid potential choking and other complications, we do not recommend consuming food before surgery.
You come to the procedure accompanied. The effect of general anesthesia is present even a few hours after waking up, which can make you feel dizzy. Therefore, come with someone who will drive you home after the surgery.
After surgery, complications typical of any operation are possible: bleeding, infection or allergic reaction.
In addition to the above side effects, it is also possible:
If these side effects are present, contact us as soon as possible so that we can react in a timely manner and provide an adequate solution.
Only when all the parts of the aid are installed do you begin to learn to recognize sounds, and the device is programmed depending on the degree of hearing loss.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic , we take care of the health of the upper respiratory tract, and our specialists in otorhinolaryngology and neck and head surgery do everything to make you leave the office healthier and more beautiful.
We are aware of how important normal hearing is for your everyday life, and thanks to modern working methods and current technology, we successfully treat the problems of partial and complete hearing loss.
If you suspect hearing disorders, make an appointment today by calling +3851 2444 646, or by filling out our online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
