Hearing Aids

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids use acoustic energy, or sound pressure waves, to amplify sound to treat hearing loss.  A multidirectional microphone pics up the sounds, and with two hearing aids can amplify the sound in stereo, to provide you with a better social and family life, and better equip you for the demands at work.  Whether in the ear, or behind, hearing aids are now less visible and also less stigmatized as other ear-worn technology abounds.

“From the first moment that I had hearing aids placed on my ears, I could not believe what I was missing. I knew I was having “a little trouble” hearing, but I had no idea truly how much I was missing. I had no idea what a difference hearing aids would make in my day to day life. The technology available is amazing.”  Joni, age 50 New Brighton

Many patients report this same experience, and never look back after finding a hearing solutions.  Hearing aids simply improve quality of life, and we offer the newest technology with many variety of options to customize hearing solutions for you. 

At MN Ear & Sinus, we sell and service hearing aids to patient in Blaine, and in the neighboring suburbs of the Twin Cities.  

Are You a Candidate for Hearing Aids?

For children, we test and treat inner ear hearing loss, as well as hearing loss related to fluid in the ears and recurrent ear infections.  Kids who struggle with school performance due to their hearing loss may benefit from hearing amplification with hearing aids.  Hearing screening is done in the school system, but mild hearing loss may not be detected.  We offer hearing loss screening for kids of all ages.  

For adults, hearing testing and determining candidacy for hearing aids is a complex process, with subtleties often missed from hearing aids bought commercially at an outlet store or a non-medical dispenser.  We recommended comprehensive audiometry, and a hearing aid trial to adequately fit and troubleshoot the initial experience of hearing amplification.

First EarLens Center in Minnesota

The MN Ear & Sinus team is the first center in Minnesota to offer a new technology, for direct sound stimulation by a device known as the EarLens, which is custom made to fit deep in the ear canal, and to directly amply hearing by stimulating the ear drum and hearing bones.  This device also comes with a behind the ear receiver with a microphone and processor, that sends the signal into the EarLens.  The EarLens, unlike a hearing aid, does not use sound waves or air pressure to amplify sound.  So there is loss sound feedback, and a greater range of pitch and quality of sound compared to hearing aids. This is ideal for musicians, music lovers, and patients with severe hearing loss who have already tried traditional hearing aids and struggle.  

At our well-equipped ENT clinics, we carry out hearing tests and physical examinations to determine your candidacy.  We create a microscopically guided impression of the ear canal and ear drum, which is sent in to EarLens headquarters to custom build the device.  The device is shipped locally, and then Dr. Josh places them with microscopic guidance.  It is that easy, but can lead to life-changing hearing restoration.  

What is the Baha and how is Baha Implant Surgery Done?

At MN Ear & Sinus, we perform Baha (Bone Anchored or Osseointegrated Hearing Implants) implant surgery as an outpatient procedure. Patients that undergo the surgery are placed under general anesthesia, although it can be done locally, after which an incision is made behind the ear. The whole procedure takes about 1 hour.

The Baha device is approved for patients with conductive hearing loss, mixed conductive and sensory loss, and single-sided deafness with normally hearing in the good ear.  The Baha works by amplifying sound via vibration of the skull, which then vibrates the inner ear and amplifies sound in a frequency-specific manner.  We perform both direct-connecting implants with an abutment allowing the hearing device to snap directly onto the implant, as well as a totally implanted magnetic-connected, that vibrates the implant through the skin.     

How will I know which option is best for me?

MN Ear & Sinus has successfully performed hundreds of hearing aids, and other surgical and non-surgical hearing devices for your hearing.  

Hearing improvements from each particular device varies from patient to patient. We will help you determine which solution is best for you, so you can been able to successfully reconnect with family and friends, participate in mainstream education environments, and enjoy a high level of participation in the workplace.