Questions?

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that is worn in or behind your ear. It makes some sounds louder so that if you have hearing loss you can listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities. A hearing aid can help you hear more clearly in both quiet and noisy situations. However, only one of five people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually uses one.

A hearing aid has three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. The hearing aid receives sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.

If you think you have hearing loss and could benefit from hearing aids, let the hearing health care professionals at AccuHear help. We will perform a hearing test to assess your hearing and the type and degree of loss. After analyzing the results, we may refer you to your physician, who may refer you to an otolaryngologist — a physician who specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders and will investigate the cause of the hearing loss.

Hearing aids improve hearing and speech comprehension if you have hearing loss that results from damage to the small sensory hair cells in the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss and is usually the result of disease, aging, injury from noise, or certain medicines.

There are three basic styles of hearing aids. The styles differ by size, their placement on or inside the ear, and the degree to which they amplify sound.

BEHIND-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS — Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids consist of a hard plastic case worn behind the ear, connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through the earmold and into the ear. BTE aids are appropriate for mild to profound hearing loss.

OPEN-FIT HEARING AIDS — A new kind of BTE aid is an open-fit hearing aid. Small, open-fit aids fit behind the ear completely, with only a narrow tube inserted into the ear canal, enabling the canal to remain open. They may be a good choice if you experience a buildup of earwax, or if a traditional BTE causes your own voice to sound “plugged up.”

IN-THE-EAR & CANAL HEARING AIDS — Canal hearing aids fit into the ear canal. The in-the-canal (ITC) aid is made to fit the size and shape of your ear canal; a completely-in-canal (CIC) aid is smaller and nearly hidden. Both are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because they are small, canal aids may be harder to adjust and have less room for batteries and features, so they usually are not recommended for young children or severe to profound hearing loss.

Hearing aids work differently depending on the electronics used. The two main types of electronics are analog and digital.

The hearing aid that will work best for you depends upon the type and severity of your hearing loss. If you have a hearing loss in both ears, two hearing aids are generally recommended because two aids provide a more natural signal to the brain. Hearing in both ears also helps you understand speech and locate where sound is coming from.

Keep in mind that a hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. Select one that is convenient and easy for you to use, and consider warranty coverage, maintenance and repair costs, upgrade options, and the company’s reputation for quality and customer service.

Before you buy a hearing aid, ask your Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist these important questions:

• What features would be most useful to me?
• What is the total cost of the hearing aid?
• Do the benefits of newer technologies outweigh the higher costs?
• Is there a trial period to test the hearing aids? (Most manufacturers allow a 30 to 60-day trial period during which aids can be returned for a refund.)
• What fees are nonrefundable if the aids are returned after the trial period?
• How long is the warranty? Can it be extended? Does it cover future maintenance and repairs?
• Can the provider make adjustments and provide servicing and minor repairs?
• Will loaner aids be provided when repairs are needed?
• What instruction does the provider offer?

Hearing aids take time and patience to use successfully. Wearing your aids regularly will help you adjust to them. You may experience some of the following as you adjust:

My hearing aid feels uncomfortable. Some individuals find a hearing aid slightly uncomfortable at first. Ask how long you should wear it while adjusting.

My voice sounds too loud. The “plugged-up” sensation (the occlusion effect) is very common for new users. Check with your provider to see if a correction is possible — most people get used to it over time.

I get feedback from my hearing aid. A whistling sound can be caused by a poor fit or a clog from earwax or fluid. See your provider for adjustments.

I hear background noise. A hearing aid does not completely separate wanted from unwanted sounds; sometimes it may need adjustment.

I hear a buzzing sound when I use my cell phone. This can occur due to radio frequency interference. When fitted for a new aid, bring your phone to check compatibility.

Proper maintenance and care will extend the life of your hearing aid. Make it a habit to:

• Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
• Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage a hearing aid.
• Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids.
• Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.
• Replace dead batteries immediately.
• Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from children and pets.