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How to buy a hearing aid
Can you hear me now?
If your answer to that question is “huh?” or “what did you say?” chances are you might be among the 31 million Americans who struggle with hearing loss.
Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the elderly. People of all ages can suffer hearing loss for any number of reasons from noise exposure to personal injury.
Many people put off getting a hearing aid for cosmetic and financial reasons, as well as because of a lack of knowledge about the types of aids that are available. While Medicare and insurance usually don’t cover the cost of hearing aids, some policies may offer partial reimbursement.
Joyce Kinker-Johnson with Kenwood Hearing says, “The smallest and most technologically advanced hearing-aid models can cost anywhere from $2,000 and up, while more basic versions can be found for around $800. In today’s electronic age, most analog hearing aids have now become a thing of the past and the majority of models are now digital.”
Hear ye, hear ye
Hearing aids of all shapes and sizes may help offset loss by amplifying sound waves as they enter the ear to improve hearing. Kenwood Hearing Center, Inc., recommends taking comfort levels and hearing loss characteristics into account when choosing the best model for your individual needs.
A thorough exam and testing by an audiologist is the first step in determining the nature and degree of hearing loss in both ears, and whether one or two aids are appropriate. The audiologist’s expertise includes the diagnostic evaluation that identifies the type and degree of hearing and balance impairment, the selection of the fitting of hearing aids and assistive devices, programming and follow-up of cochlear implants, and auditory and vestibular habilitation to improve the quality of life for patients with hearing and balance disorders.
The latest and greatest
Modern technological advances have led to some of the smallest and most inconspicuous hearing aids ever invented, most of which are practically invisible, completely hidden inside the ear canal (CIC). Other options include slightly more visible hearing aids worn in the ear and versions that are worn over and behind the ear. You can get the latest technology in any size instrument.
Keep in mind that the degree of your hearing loss may not lend itself to the smaller sizes. Your own physical makeup also plays a role in figuring out what kind of hearing aid is most suitable. CIC hearing aids may not fit if you have a smaller-than-average ear canal.
What you might expect with a hearing aid
The first thing you’ll probably notice is that your hearing in a quiet environment will be improved. If you’re in a situation with moderate noise background, you should still realize an improvement. Of course, hearing in noise will not be as good as hearing in quiet, and if you’re in a place with a lot of loud noise, your hearing should be no worse than without hearing aids. Soft speech should be audible, conversational speech comfortable and loud speech not uncomfortable. Your own voice should sound normal to you.
If you hear whistling with your hearing aids or the ear mold is uncomfortable, be certain in contact your audiologist immediately. Remember, it takes time to fully achieve the benefits from hearing aids.
Living with hearing loss
When selecting a hearing aid, don’t forget to consider your lifestyle. What kind of work do you do? What kinds of activities do you enjoy? If your lifestyle is heavy on the recreation, you’ll want a hearing aid that is durable, doesn’t interfere with physical activity and that is suitable for outdoor use.
Ease of handling is another aspect to think about. Smaller instrumentation may be more difficult for the elderly to adjust and operate, particularly if poor eyesight and arthritis are factors.
Again, an audiologist is the best resource to help you determine which hearing aid is best for you.
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