BICROS Hearing Aid, Tinnitus Relief & Care Tips
If you’re living with single-sided deafness or managing persistent ringing in your ears, hearing technology has come a long way to improve your daily life. From the advanced BICROS hearing aid system to effective tinnitus management techniques and routine hearing aid maintenance, there's a lot you can do to protect and enhance your hearing health.
In this article, we’ll explore how BICROS hearing aids work, how to care for your device, and what you can do to reduce the impact of tinnitus.
What Is a BICROS Hearing Aid?
A BICROS hearing aid is designed specifically for individuals who have hearing loss in both ears—one ear with profound or total loss and the other with some usable hearing.
How it works:
-
A microphone on the non-hearing (dead) ear picks up sound.
-
That sound is wirelessly transmitted to a receiver in the better-hearing ear.
-
The receiver amplifies both the sounds from the deaf ear and the sounds from the environment.
BICROS stands for Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signals. It’s an ideal solution for people who experience complete deafness in one ear and moderate to severe hearing loss in the other.
Benefits of BICROS Hearing Aids
-
Improved spatial awareness: Helps users detect sound direction better.
-
No need to turn your head: Voices from your deaf side can be heard through your better ear.
-
Better speech understanding in noise: Particularly useful in group conversations or public places.
-
Wireless and discreet: Modern models are small and comfortable, with no visible wires.
If you're unsure whether a BICROS hearing aid is right for you, consult with a certified audiologist for a hearing evaluation and device recommendation.
Hearing Aid Maintenance: Daily and Long-Term Care
Your hearing aid is an essential part of your life, keeping it in top shape ensures that you continue to benefit from clear and consistent sound. Regular hearing aid maintenance is key to its performance, longevity, and hygiene.
Daily Hearing Aid Maintenance:
-
Wipe your device clean with a dry, lint-free cloth every evening.
-
Check the microphone and receiver openings for wax or debris.
-
Open the battery compartment at night to allow moisture to escape.
-
Store the hearing aid in a dry box to prevent moisture build-up.
Weekly Maintenance:
-
Use a soft brush or wax pick to clean small parts.
-
Replace wax guards or filters if clogged.
-
Check the tubing (for behind-the-ear models) for moisture or cracks.
Monthly Maintenance:
-
Replace batteries or recharge your device fully.
-
Inspect the earpiece or dome for wear and tear.
-
Schedule a professional cleaning with your audiologist every few months.
Proper hearing aid maintenance not only improves sound quality but also prevents costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Tinnitus Management Techniques That Really Help
Tinnitus—that constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears, affects millions of people worldwide. While there's no one-size-fits-all cure, several effective tinnitus management techniques can reduce its impact and improve your quality of life.
1. Sound Therapy
Use low-level background noise to distract the brain from tinnitus sounds. Devices like BICROS hearing aids often have built-in tinnitus maskers that emit soft, calming sounds.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps patients change their emotional reaction to tinnitus. Over time, this psychological approach helps reduce the distress caused by persistent ringing.
3. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
TRT combines sound therapy and counseling. The goal is to train the brain to ignore the tinnitus signal, making it less noticeable.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
-
Reduce caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
-
Use relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
-
Stay active and manage stress levels.
5. Avoid Silence
Silence makes tinnitus more noticeable. Use a fan, white noise machine, or soft music in the background, especially at night.
These tinnitus management techniques won’t eliminate the sound completely, but they help you take back control and reduce your awareness of it.
Combining BICROS Hearing Aids and Tinnitus Management
Modern BICROS hearing aids don’t just support hearing in complex listening environments—they also come with tinnitus relief features. Some models include white noise generators or customizable soundscapes that help mask the ringing and improve focus.
Combining hearing aids with counseling, sound therapy, and stress reduction can lead to better outcomes for tinnitus sufferers. If you have single-sided deafness and tinnitus, ask your audiologist about dual-purpose BICROS devices.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s important not to ignore hearing difficulties or symptoms of tinnitus. If you’re experiencing any of the following, consult a hearing care professional:
-
Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
-
Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds
-
Difficulty following conversations
-
Muffled or distorted hearing
-
Inability to tolerate normal background noise
Early intervention can prevent further hearing damage and improve your quality of life through tailored solutions like BICROS hearing aids, therapy, or sound-based relief strategies.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re living with single-sided hearing loss, struggling with tinnitus, or simply want your hearing devices to last longer, taking action makes all the difference. Investing in the right BICROS hearing aid, practicing consistent hearing aid maintenance, and applying effective tinnitus management techniques can significantly improve how you hear and feel every day.
FAQs
1. Who can benefit from a BICROS hearing aid?
Individuals with total hearing loss in one ear and moderate-to-severe hearing loss in the other ear.
2. How often should I clean my hearing aid?
Daily wipe-downs and weekly deeper cleans are recommended, plus professional servicing every few months.
3. Can BICROS hearing aids help with tinnitus?
Yes, many BICROS hearing aids include tinnitus masking features like soft sound therapy.
4. What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus can result from exposure to loud noise, ear injuries, hearing loss, or underlying health issues.
5. Is there a permanent cure for tinnitus?
No, but tinnitus management techniques can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Comments
Post a Comment