Get documents about "Compare Hearing Aids
Document Sample
NIDCD Fact Sheet
Hearing Aids
hearing
balance
components is made of hard plastic. Some ITE aids upgrade opportunities, and the hearing aid company’s Work with your audiologist until you are comfortable
How can I find out if I need a hearing Digital aids convert sound waves into numerical How can I care for my hearing aid?
aid? may have certain added features installed, such as reputation for quality and customer service. and satisfied.
codes, similar to the binary code of a computer, before
a telecoil, a small magnetic coil that makes it easier Proper maintenance and care will extend the life of
amplifying them. Because the code also includes You may experience some of the following problems
to hear conversations over the telephone. ITE aids What questions should I ask before
If you think you might have hearing loss and could information about a sound’s pitch or loudness, the your hearing aid. Make it a habit to:
usually are not worn by young children because the buying a hearing aid? as you adjust to wearing your new aid.
benefit from a hearing aid, visit your physician, who aid can be specially programmed to amplify some
may refer you to an otolaryngologist or audiologist. casings need to be replaced often as the ear grows. • My hearing aid feels uncomfortable. Some • Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
frequencies more than others. Digital circuitry gives Before you buy a hearing aid, ask your audiologist
An otolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in an audiologist more flexibility in adjusting the aid to individuals may find a hearing aid to be slightly
• Canal aids fit into the ear canal and are available these important questions: • Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear
ear, nose, and throat disorders and will investigate the a user’s needs and to certain listening environments. uncomfortable at first. Ask your audiologist how
in two styles. The in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is drainage can damage a hearing aid.
cause of the hearing loss. An audiologist is a hearing These aids also can be programmed to focus on • What features would be most useful to me? long you should wear your hearing aid while you
made to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear
health professional who identifies and measures sounds coming from a specific direction. Digital are adjusting to it. • Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products
canal. A completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid is • What is the total cost of the hearing aid? Do the
hearing loss and will perform a hearing test to assess circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids. while wearing hearing aids.
nearly hidden in the ear canal. Both types are used benefits of newer technologies outweigh the higher • My voice sounds too loud. The “plugged-up”
the type and degree of loss.
for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. costs? sensation that causes a hearing aid user’s voice to
Which hearing aid will work best for • Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.
Are there different styles of hearing me? sound louder inside the head is called the occlusion
Because they are small, canal aids may be difficult • Is there a trial period to test the hearing aids?
aids? effect, and it is very common for new hearing • Replace dead batteries immediately.
for a person to adjust and remove. In addition, (Most manufacturers allow a 30- to 60-day trial
The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on aid users. Check with your audiologist to see if a
canal aids have less space available for batteries period during which aids can be returned for a • Keep replacement batteries and small aids away
There are three basic styles of hearing aids. The styles the kind and severity of your hearing loss. If you have correction is possible. Most individuals get used to
and additional devices, such as a telecoil. They refund.) What fees are nonrefundable if the aids are from children and pets.
differ by size, their placement on or inside the ear, and a hearing loss in both of your ears, two hearing aids this effect over time.
usually are not recommended for young children returned after the trial period?
the degree to which they amplify sound (see figure on are generally recommended because two aids provide Are new types of aids available?
or for people with severe to profound hearing loss • I get feedback from my hearing aid. A whistling
page 1). a more natural signal to the brain. Hearing in both ears • How long is the warranty? Can it be extended?
because their reduced size limits their power and sound can be caused by a hearing aid that does not
also will help you understand speech and locate where Does the warranty cover future maintenance and Although they work differently than the hearing
• Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids consist of a hard volume. fit or work well or is clogged by earwax or fluid. See
the sound is coming from. repairs? aids described above, implantable hearing aids are
plastic case worn behind the ear and connected your audiologist for adjustments.
Do all hearing aids work the same way? designed to help increase the transmission of sound
to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. You and your audiologist should select a hearing aid • Can the audiologist make adjustments and provide
• I hear background noise. A hearing aid does not vibrations entering the inner ear. A middle ear
The electronic parts are held in the case behind the that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Price is also a servicing and minor repairs? Will loaner aids be
Hearing aids work differently depending on the completely separate the sounds you want to hear implant (MEI) is a small device attached to one of the
ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through key consideration because hearing aids range from provided when repairs are needed?
electronics used. The two main types of electronics are from the ones you do not want to hear. Sometimes, bones of the middle ear. Rather than amplifying the
the earmold and into the ear. BTE aids are used by hundreds to several thousand dollars. Similar to other
analog and digital. however, the hearing aid may need to be adjusted. sound traveling to the eardrum, an MEI moves these
people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss. • What instruction does the audiologist provide?
equipment purchases, style and features affect cost. bones directly. Both techniques have the net result
Talk with your audiologist.
Analog aids convert sound waves into electrical However, don’t use price alone to determine the best
A new kind of BTE aid is an open-fit hearing aid. How can I adjust to my hearing aid? of strengthening sound vibrations entering the inner
signals, which are amplified. Analog/adjustable hearing hearing aid for you. Just because one hearing aid is • I hear a buzzing sound when I use my cell
Small, open-fit aids fit behind the ear completely, ear so that they can be detected by individuals with
aids are custom built to meet the needs of each more expensive than another does not necessarily Hearing aids take time and patience to use success- phone. Some people who wear hearing aids
with only a narrow tube inserted into the ear canal, sensorineural hearing loss.
user. The aid is programmed by the manufacturer mean that it will better suit your needs. fully. Wearing your aids regularly will help you adjust or have implanted hearing devices experience
enabling the canal to remain open. For this reason,
according to the specifications recommended by your to them. problems with the radio frequency interference A bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is a small device
open-fit hearing aids may be a good choice for A hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing.
audiologist. Analog/programmable hearing aids have caused by digital cell phones. Both hearing aids that attaches to the bone behind the ear. The device
people who experience a buildup of earwax, since With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase
more than one program or setting. An audiologist Become familiar with your hearing aid’s features. and cell phones are improving, however, so these transmits sound vibrations directly to the inner ear
this type of aid is less likely to be damaged by such your awareness of sounds and their sources. You
can program the aid using a computer, and the With your audiologist present, practice putting in and problems are occurring less often. When you are through the skull, bypassing the middle ear. BAHAs are
substances. In addition, some people may prefer will want to wear your hearing aid regularly, so
user can change the program for different listening taking out the aid, cleaning it, identifying right and being fitted for a new hearing aid, take your cell generally used by individuals with middle ear problems
the open-fit hearing aid because their perception of select one that is convenient and easy for you to
environments—from a small, quiet room to a crowded left aids, and replacing the batteries. Ask how to test phone with you to see if it will work well with the or deafness in one ear. Because surgery is required
their voice does not sound “plugged up.” use. Other features to consider include parts or
restaurant to large, open areas, such as a theater or it in listening environments where you have problems aid. to implant either of these devices, many hearing
stadium. Analog/programmable circuitry can be used services covered by the warranty, estimated schedule with hearing. Learn to adjust the aid’s volume and to specialists feel that the benefits may not outweigh the
• In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely inside
in all types of hearing aids. Analog aids usually are less and costs for maintenance and repair, options and program it for sounds that are too loud or too soft. risks.
the outer ear and are used for mild to severe
hearing loss. The case holding the electronic expensive than digital aids. 2 3 4
NIDCD supports and conducts research and research training on the NIDCD Fact Sheet
voice, speech, language
normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste,
voice, speech, and language and provides health information, based Hearing Aids
hearing, balance
upon scientific discovery, to the public.
smell, taste
hearing
balance
u.s. DepArtMent of heAlth & huMAn servICes ∙ nAtIonAl InstItutes of heAlth ∙ nAtIonAl InstItute on DeAfness AnD other CoMMunICAtIon DIsorDers
NIH Medical Arts
In addition, researchers are investigating the use For more information, additional addresses and phone
Can I obtain financial assistance for a What is a hearing aid? styles of hearing Aids
of computer-aided technology to design and numbers, or a printed list of organizations, contact:
hearing aid?
manufacture better hearing aids. Researchers also are
NIDCD Information Clearinghouse A hearing aid is a small electronic device that you
seeking ways to improve sound transmission and to
Hearing aids are generally not covered by health 1 Communication Avenue wear in or behind your ear. It makes some sounds
reduce noise interference, feedback, and the occlusion
insurance companies, although some do. For eligible Bethesda, MD 20892-3456 louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen,
effect. Additional studies focus on the best ways to receiver in ear canal
children and young adults ages 21 and under, Toll-free Voice: (800) 241-1044 communicate, and participate more fully in daily
select and fit hearing aids in children and other groups
Medicaid will pay for the diagnosis and treatment of Toll-free TTY: (800) 241-1055 activities. A hearing aid can help people hear more in
whose hearing ability is hard to test.
hearing loss, including hearing aids, under the Early Fax: (301) 770-8977 both quiet and noisy situations. However, only about
and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Another promising research focus is to use lessons E-mail: nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov one out of five people who would benefit from a
(EPSDT) service. Also, children may be covered by their learned from animal models to design better hearing aid actually uses one.
state’s early intervention program or State Children’s Behind-the-ear (Bte) “Mini” Bte
microphones for hearing aids. NIDCD-supported
A hearing aid has three basic parts: a microphone,
Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). scientists are studying the tiny fly Ormia ochracea
amplifier, and speaker. The hearing aid receives sound
because its ear structure allows the fly to determine
Medicare does not cover hearing aids for adults; through a microphone, which converts the sound
the source of a sound easily. Scientists are using
however, diagnostic evaluations are covered if they waves to electrical signals and sends them to an
the fly’s ear structure as a model for designing
are ordered by a physician for the purpose of assisting amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the
miniature directional microphones for hearing aids.
the physician in developing a treatment plan. Since signals and then sends them to the ear through a
These microphones amplify the sound coming from
Medicare has declared the BAHA a prosthetic device speaker.
a particular direction (usually the direction a person
and not a hearing aid, Medicare will cover the BAHA if
is facing), but not the sounds that arrive from other How can hearing aids help?
other coverage policies are met.
directions. Directional microphones hold great promise
Some nonprofit organizations provide financial for making it easier for people to hear a single Hearing aids are primarily useful in improving the In-the-ear (Ite) In-the-canal (ItC)
assistance for hearing aids, while others may help conversation, even when surrounded by other noises hearing and speech comprehension of people who
provide used or refurbished aids. Contact the National and voices. have hearing loss that results from damage to the
Institute on Deafness and Other Communication NIDCD Fact Sheet: Hearing Aids small sensory cells in the inner ear, called hair cells.
Where can I find more information? Publication No. 99-4340
Disorders’ (NIDCD’s) Information Clearinghouse with This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing
Updated April 2007
questions about organizations that offer financial loss. The damage can occur as a result of disease,
NIDCD maintains a directory of organizations that can For more information, contact:
assistance for hearing aids. aging, or injury from noise or certain medicines.
answer questions and provide printed or electronic NIDCD Information Clearinghouse
information on hearing aids. Please see the list of 1 Communication Avenue A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the
What research is being done on hearing Bethesda, MD 20892-3456
aids? organizations at www.nidcd.nih.gov/directory. Toll-free Voice: (800) 241-1044 ear. Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and
Toll-free TTY: (800) 241-1055 convert them into neural signals that are passed along
Use the following keywords to help you search for Fax: (301) 770-8977 Completely-in-canal
Researchers are looking at ways to apply new signal to the brain. The greater the damage to a person’s hair (CIC)
organizations that are relevant to hearing aids: E-mail: nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov
processing strategies to the design of hearing aids. Internet: www.nidcd.nih.gov cells, the more severe the hearing loss, and the greater
Signal processing is the method used to modify normal • Hearing aids the hearing aid amplification needed to make up the addition, if the inner ear is too damaged, even large
The NIDCD Information Clearinghouse is a
sound waves into amplified sound that is the best service of the National Institute on Deafness difference. However, there are practical limits to the vibrations will not be converted into neural signals. In
possible match to the remaining hearing for a hearing • Assistive listening device and Other Communication Disorders, National amount of amplification a hearing aid can provide. In this situation, a hearing aid would be ineffective.
aid user. NIDCD-funded researchers also are studying Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health
• Assistive technology and Human Services. 1
how hearing aids can enhance speech signals to
improve understanding.
5 6
Related docs
