My grandmother wore a hearing aid. She got it for herself after reading the many hearing hero reviews online. She often, however, forgot to replace the batteries. As she lived alone, that wasn’t necessarily an issue. When she came to visit, however, her non-functional hearing aid was a source of frustration and comedy to her family. Hearing loss and losing touch with loved ones because of it is not a funny business. Happily, the tools for correcting hearing loss have gotten better and better over the years.

According to the National Institute on Deafness (NIDCD), about 28 million Americans have some sort of hearing impairment. The good news is that many of these folks can have their impairment assisted or even resolved using current technology. If you think that you or a loved one might be experiencing a hearing loss, ask your physician to help you find a licensed hearing care professional in your area.

Hearing professionals have the experience and the tools to determine if a hearing aid is going to help you. A hearing aid is a battery operated device that amplifies sounds. They come in 4 basic sizes. Which one is best for you is something to discuss with your professional. It will depend on the level of amplification needed, the comfort, and the cost for each type.

The first type of hearing aid is the “behind-the-ear” model which is hooked up to a plastic ear mold that is placed in the ear. It is used in cases of mild to profound hearling losses.

The second type of hearing aid is the “In-the-Ear” model and fits into the outer ear. It is used in cases of mild to severe hearing loss.

The third type is the “In-The-Canal” model. As the name indicates, it fits into the ear canal and is for mild to moderately severe hearing losses.

The final type is the “Completely-in-the Canal model. It is the smallest hearing aid available today and fits deep in the ear canal. It is barely visible when worn, but is only for those with milder hearing loss.

Hearing Aids are not an off-the-shelf device. They need to be adjusted for the particular user. There will be an initial fitting and the wearer may need to have adjustments made to get the highest value from the unit they wear. Hearing aids are tuned to assist in those ranges where hearing loss has occurs. Wearers of hearing aids should anticipate a period of adjusting when they begin. After long periods of not hearing certain types of background noise, the reintroduction of certain sounds may take some getting used to. It is necessary to adjust to hearing things one hasn’t heard in a while.

Among the problems that hearing aid wearers experience is the sensation that their own voice is too loud. This is one the person will have to adjust to. At times, new hearing aids whistle. This is known as feedback and should be an adjustment your hearing care professional can make.

 

Be patient when you get a new hearing aid. It takes some effort on your part. Stick with it. Better hearing will give you more opportunity to be social and involved with those around you. You’ll regain many of the pleasures you’ve lost.