Buying a Hearing Aid
Answers to common questions
I don't hear well. What should I do? What should I expect?
Conductive Hearing Loss
A hearing loss is conductive when there is a problem with the ear
canal, the eardrum and/or the three bones connected to the eardrum.
Common reasons for this type of hearing loss are a plug of excess wax
in the ear canal or fluid behind the eardrum. Medical treatment or
surgery may be available for these and more complex forms of conductive
hearing loss.
| Sensorineural Hearing Loss
A hearing loss is sensorineural when it results from damage to the
inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve, often as a result of the aging
process and/or noise exposure. Sounds may be unclear and/or too soft.
Sensitivity to loud sounds may occur. Medical or surgical intervention
cannot correct most sensorineural hearing losses. However, hearing aids
may help you reclaim some sounds that you are missing as a result of
nerve deafness. |
Because some hearing problems can be medically corrected, first visit a
physician who can refer you to an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and
throat specialist). If you have ear pain, drainage, excess earwax,
hearing loss in only one ear, sudden or rapidly progressive hearing
loss, or dizziness, it is especially important that you see an
otolaryngologist. Then, get a hearing assessment from an audiologist (a
nonphysician health care professional). A screening test from a hearing
aid dealer may not be adequate. Many otolaryngologists have an
audiologist associate in their office who will assess your ability to
hear pure tone sounds and to understand words. The results of these
tests will show the degree of hearing loss and whether it is conductive
or sensorineural and may give other medical information about your ears
and your health.
Where do I go to get hearing aids?
Because federal regulation prohibits any hearing aid sale unless the
buyer has first received a medical evaluation from a physician, you
will need to see your physician before you purchase a hearing aid(s).
However, the regulation says that if you are more than 18 years old and
are aware of the recommendation to receive a medical exam, you may sign
a waiver to forego the exam. An otolaryngologist, audiologist, or an
independent dispenser can dispense aids. Hearing aids should be custom
fitted to your ear and hearing needs. Hearing aids purchased by
mail-order typically cannot be custom fitted.
How expensive are hearing aids?
Hearing aids vary in price according to style, electronic features, and
local market conditions. Price can range from many hundreds of dollars
to more than $2,500 for a programmable, digitalized hearing aid.
Purchase price should not be the only consideration in buying a hearing
aid. Product reliability can save repair costs and the frustration of a
malfunctioning hearing aid.
What kinds of hearing aids are available?
There are several styles of hearing aids:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are placed over the ear and connected with tubing to custom-fitted earpieces.
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fill the entire bowl of the ear and part of the ear canal.
- Smaller versions of ITEs are called half-shell and in-the-canal (ITC).
- The least visible aids are completely-in-the-canal (CIC).
Hearing aid options, which are appropriate for your particular hearing
loss and listening needs, the size, and shape of your ear and ear
canal, and the dexterity of your hands will all be considered in
deciding what type of hearing aid is the best for you. Many hearing
aids have special telecoil "T" switches to aid in use of the telephone
and certain public sound systems. Discuss your need for a T-coil switch
while you are considering hearing aid options.
Will I need a hearing aid for each ear?
Usually, if you have hearing loss in both ears, using two hearing aids
is best. Listening in a noisy environment is difficult with
amplification in one ear only, and it is more difficult to distinguish
where sounds are coming from. If, however, the quality of hearing in
one ear is very different from the other, one hearing aid may be better
than two.
What other questions should I ask?
- Ask about charges for the hearing evaluation, dispensing fee(s), and future servicing and repair.
- Inquire about the trial period policy and what fees are refundable if you return the hearing aid(s) during the trial period.
- Ask about the warranty coverage for your hearing aids and the
consumers' protection program for hearing aid purchasers in your state.
What will happen at my hearing aid fitting?
- The hearing aids will be fitted for your ears.
- Then, while wearing your hearing aids, you will be tested for
word understanding in quiet and in noise and for improvement in hearing
tones.
- Next, you will receive instruction about the care of your hearing
aids, the batteries used to power them, a suggested wearing schedule,
general expectations, and helpful communication strategies.
- You will also practice properly inserting and removing the hearing aids and batteries.
How should I begin wearing the aids?
- Start using your hearing aids in quiet surroundings, gradually building up to noisier environments.
- Note where and when that you find the hearing aids beneficial.
- Be patient and allow yourself to get used to the aids and the "new" sounds they allow you to hear.
- Keep a diary to help you remember your experiences.
- Report any concerns on a follow-up appointment.
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Patient Education