Sponsored Ads
Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids To Best Suit Your Needs
by: Robert Thatcher
Studies show that one-tenth of the American population is hearing-impaired. Over the years, hearing aids have helped a great deal in eliminating this deficiency.
Hearing aids are small audio devices which are attached to the ears. Most models now are “hidden” to a casual observer. They offer a superior sound quality which helps lessen, if not eliminate, the loss of hearing.
As technology evolves, the science behind manufacturing hearing aids have become more and more advanced.
Here are the three basic types of hearing aids:
1. Conventional hearing aids
These are the very first types and brands of hearing aids which were realeased in the market.
Although not as technologically advanced as the programmable digital hearing aids, the conventional type can be adjusted in a way that will fit the user’s needs.
With this type, the volume is manually adjusted by the user. The sound can be turned up or down, depending on the softness or loudness of the source of sound.
The only minor disadvantage of this type of hearing aids is that if a person’s hearing loss level improves or worsens, it must be sent back to the manufacturer so that adjustments can be made.This can be quite inconvenient for the user.
2. Programmable hearing aids
This is more advanced in terms of technology, as compared to the conventional type.
Programmable hearing aids have adjustable circuits which may be adjusted, depending on the user’s level of hearing.
The volume control is automatic, making life easier for the patient.
3. Digital hearing aids
Depending on the patient’s needs, a digital hearing aid may be ordered to suit a specific situation.
This is by far the best and most convenient type to use.
There are hearing health care professionals whose job is to find the hearing aid that will be beneficial for the user.
The patient’s lifestyle and level of hearing loss is considered when looking for the best hearing aid to buy.
Digital hearing aids also feature an automatic volume control.
However, it may take one or two visits to a health care professional before the settings of the hearing aid can be adjusted to the user’s satisfaction.
Physically, this type of hearing aid is easier to wear and is “kinder” to the ears.
The circuit within the hearing aid automatically increases or decreases the level of sound.
There is a microphone and an amplifier that gathers and adjusts the sound respectively.
Finally, the speaker transmits the byproduct of the altered and digitally-enhanced sound to the user’s ears.
The downside is that this type of hearing aid is more expensive than the programmable and conventional hearing aids.
Still, once you have invested in a digital hearing aid, it will surely be convenient for you and will fit into any lifestyle.
4. Disposable hearing aids
This type offers the sound quality of a conventional hearing aid and is more cost-effective than its more technologically-advanced counterparts.
Disposable hearing aids have a shorter shelf-life. They can last 40 days at most, and once the battery expires, a new one should be purchased.
To choose a hearing aid that is right for you, make sure that you consult your ear doctor or otologist/audiologist.
When consulting a professional to choose the right hearing aid for you, give them an overview of your lifestyle and budget to determine the best hearing aid that will suit your needs.
Finally, try it out for a few days and if you find that the hearing aid that you bought does not fit your ear, your needs and your way of living, go back to your health care professional so that another type can be purchased.
About The Author
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides hearing aid resources on http://www.hearing-aid-center.info.
This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
need information about sonus products
I Was Born With Centeralnural Hearing Loss I Was Born With A 50% Loss 25% In Each Ear.
I purchased a pair of Audibel in the canal hearing aids on Dec 26, 2007. I have been returning for adjustments over once a month and have not had them adjusted properly yet. Cannot understand phone and genmeral conversations. Where can I go to have them expertly ajusted?
Hi , Can you me if a nerophone can help hearing loss.
I am interested in the ampli-ear it is advertized as #1 selling hearing amplifer in america. Do you have any advise on this product, is it a good buy and does it last for a long time. My hearing has been tested by a perfessonal and they say I need a 6 channel. Do have any info for me about this.
James
i am on a fix income and have 50 per cent loss of hearing in both ears and can’t aford the hearing aids i need where can i get help.
i am and have been with out work for over a year, do to the fact that, we as a nation are going down the tubes! i have heretitary hearing loss i payed 1500 a piece for both aids 3yrs ago i have one left and its fixing to go out to! i need new hearing aids so i can look contiue to look for work, i work constrution and it is good for me to have 2 good hearing aids so i can hear! i have no money and no job , employers look away when they find out you hve a hearing problem even if i have several trades that i can do, i also need to know where i can get free HELP!!! WAYNE KINCAID
Re: BAHA BONE CONDUCTOR HEARING DEVICE My mother had a heartbreaking disappointment when her body rejected her cochlear implant. She has worn a very powerful over the ear hearing aid for years, but still can’t hear well due to excessive congestion from allergies. In other words, her eustachian tube stops up and prevents her from hearing as well. When she blows her nose she hear better very briefly then it closes up again. The doctor recommended the Baha bone conductor hearing device. Who has worn one and what do you think?
my son facing hearing loss.the doctor advise me get for him hearing aids for his future.i,m facing financial problem.please help or advise me as soon as possible sir.
I (age 55) broke my ankle and cracked my heel bone in Oct. I have been out of work and not walking for 11 weeks. I am now beginning physical therapy and little pressure on my foot.
My foot seems very stiff now.
How long will it take in therapy to begin walking normally and to have my foot feel loose again? ksw
you can contact your department of rehabilitation and they can get you help or maybe even free hearing aids based on your income.
I bought hearing aids in Feb 2007. They have not given i=me the quaitity of hear I had with the previous hearing aids. Upon seeking a second opinion I discovered the 2007 hearing aids do not amplifiy the range of loss I have. Other than buying new hearing aids what can I do about receiving the wrong advice from the hearing aid sales company?
I bought hearing aids in Feb 2007. They have not given me the quaitity of hear I had with the previous hearing aids. Upon seeking a second opinion I discovered the 2007 hearing aids do not amplifiy the range of loss I have. Other than buying new hearing aids what can I do about receiving the wrong advice from the hearing aid sales company?
I have older hearing aid’s. Can they be re adjusted due to gaining weight and where and cost. Thank yo.
i am 17 years old and have recently lost complete hearing in my left ear. My doctors say that BAHA is my only option if i want hearing in that ear. Is it worth it? I want to know everything there is to know before i make this decision but its hard to find the information.
The Lions club will help buy hearing under certian conditions.
I have worn 2 aids for 12 years……Widex and Starkey. I have had trouble with both and they have left me totally stressed. At first, Id go back to my audiologist once a mnoith for problems, she’d fix it, in two weeks I’d be back again. She would send it out for repairs, it’d come back within a month trouble again. This went on until I got the Widex…..But same thing happened. Yes, I have had my ears irrigated numerous times thinking it was wax build-up. I had the ITC aids so build-up was a problem, but the aids still weren’t working properly. I’d still get feedback, especially when I moved my head (crazy uh?) I’d get static, more feedback, couldn’t hear, more feedback, adjustments every month. One aid would work fine in the one, yet the other didnt work in the other, but was supposedly fine. Is it- was it my ear??? Its been 12 years with aids and I still have problems. I am still having problems…..feedback, cant hear properly in a crowd, I am always saying, “what”? to people. Its very stressful! Presently, my right aid seems to be working because when I experiment and place it in my left ear just to see, it seems I can hear, but when I actually place it in my right ear, where it belongs, I cant hear and I get strange low static. Is it my ears? I need help!! I will not return to my audiologist who is wonderful, but seems cant help me out unless I spend more money!!
Help! My next aid will be a larger one, could this be my problem????
Any advice………….This is making me really stressed and ill.
My husband recently purchased Lee Majors Rechargeable Bionic Hearing Aid. Comments please from other users and consumer information.
I have had hearing problems every since i was a little baby so you childrens hospital if you have a child if you don’t if you are a grownup UAMS hospital they have good people that will help you there but but i got my testing & fitting at childrens hospital & now since i am 22 i go to UAMS or you can get help at a hearing foundtion club they treat like family but like i said i am 22 but my mind is like a 2nd or 3rd grade level. So i will have to ask my parents what the email is.
I have ringing in my ears and it is very annoying. Would a hearing aid help the ringing the ears. Thank You!
Quote price on size 13. Thanks
To whom it may concern:
I Patricia A.Richardson I am in need of two Hearing Aids badly.And I am in need of Grants to take classes to learn sign laug.
Sincerley your
Patricia A.Richardson
patr.r@insightbb.com