Prof Gerard O’Donoghue MB, ChB, FRCSI, FRCS, MCh, BAO is Professor of Otology and Neurotology at the University of Nottingham and Consultant Neuro-Otologist at Queen’s Medical Centre.
At his recent ENT Masterclass which we attended at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Prof Gerard O’Donoghue likened hearing aids to brain aids, highlighting that it is the function of the brain that is being treated. His work and research focus is fascinating and highlights that hearing care is in reality an extension of brain care.
There is a call to try and move away from the term ‘hearing aids’, as this isn’t a fair description of what these instruments are designed to do. Yes, there may be some hearing loss caused by damage to your hearing pathway (the journey the sounds take from your outer ear to your brain), but it’s the brain that hears for us. The ear simply transmits the sound to the brain.
We wish propose that hearing aids are henceforth called ‘brain aids’ as it’s the function of hearing within our brains that we are going to be treating.
Your brain (hearing) aids are designed to give you back the sounds that your damaged hearing is missing. This is done by providing volume and/or clarity where needed. A prescription is made from your hearing loss and the technology level is determined from your hearing ability. These two elements are the cornerstones of a successful hearing solution.
You may be struggling with hearing a loved one, or tired of asking others to repeat themselves all the time yourself, you might be wearing unsuitable hearing aids or the technologies may have moved on. Our goal at angli-EAR Hearing is to be able to help you ‘hear your life’. After all, that’s why you come to see us.
Book an appointment to organise a test or get a new hearing aid in a matter of days.
