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Questions
So, I have a hearing loss. Do I
really need a hearing aid?
You have a hearing loss, so this makes you a hearing aid candidate. Whether or
not you get a hearing aid depends on:
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how much conversation you are
missing |
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how much frustration you, your
friends or family feel |
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the level of stress you
experience in social, group or work situations |
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whether or not you avoid going
places because of your hearing loss |
My professional
recommendation is that if you are a hearing aid candidate, hearing aids will be
of benefit. You have to make a decision based on the above considerations. This
is best accomplished in consultation with family and friends.
How do I go about shopping for a
hearing aid?
You will be spending a significant amount of time and money, so you need to feel
comfortable in the company you choose.
You should know the following:
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You need a current hearing
test. Arrange this yourself or go through your physician. |
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Hearing aids come in different
sizes and technologies |
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The price of hearing aids
reflects the product/size/technology as well as the professional's services
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Hearing aids are recommended
based on the degree of loss, size of ear canal, manual dexterity, typical
listening environments, and what you wish to spend. |
If you're not
satisfied with your purchase, return to your dispenser to resolve the problem.
Check the terms of the return policy before you buy.
How much do hearing aids cost?
Hearing aids range in cost from $750 to $3,500 for one hearing aid. If you have
a hearing loss in both ears, then you will need to consider the price for two
hearing aids. Price is based on the size and technology:
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Smaller hearing aids cost more
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The latest/more sophisticated
technology costs more (i.e. digital, multi-channel, multi-microphone
technology) |
Make sure you review
all your options with your hearing professional.
What is the difference between an
$800 and a $2000 hearing aid?
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An $800 hearing aid is any
size of hearing aid with conventional technology |
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A $2000 hearing aid is any
size of hearing aid with advanced technology |
Conventional
technology is usually a single channel, analog processor which often has limited
performance in large, noisy situations.
Advanced technology is usually a multi-channel, sometimes
multi-microphone,multi-memory digital or analog processor which has been
designed to process sounds to allow the listener to hear better in noisy
situations.
What does a trial period mean when
you buy hearing aids?
The trial period should also be referred to as the return period. You must
use this time to learn how to use your hearing aid properly and if it does not
fit comfortably or improve communication for you then you must let the
dispensing professional know so that they can correct the problem areas. Keep a
written list of your problem areas. Pre-book your followup appointments the day
you are fit with your new hearing aids. Keep your followup appointment even if
you think everything is working well.
After I buy my hearing aids how much
will it cost to maintain them?
There will be the cost of hearing aid repairs and hearing aid batteries.
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You should know how to clean
your hearing aids but even with care you may still have to send them out for a
charge repair every one or two years. Currently, repairs are a flat rate at
about $150 with a 6 month warranty. Once your hearing aid is over 5 years of
age you may have to pay more to have it repaired. |
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The cost of hearing aid
batteries varies from $1-$1.50 per battery. Each battery can last from 3 days
to 21 days. Battery life is determined by the hearing aid's size,
technology and hours of use. You may pay between $50-$200 per year for
batteries for two hearing aids. |
How often will I need to buy a new
hearing aid?
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Most hearing aids are replaced
after 5 to 10 years of life |
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The manufacturer can usually
repair your hearing aid so long as they still have the product parts. Repair
costs may increase after the hearing aid is older than 5 years. |
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Usually, there are significant
technology advances after 5 years which you may want to try if you are looking
for better performance. |
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See your audiologist for a
hearing test and hearing aid evaluation of your current hearing aids if you
are not sure whether to replace or not. |
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Why does my hearing aid squeal? How
can I stop it?
Squealing or whistling describes what is called Feedback. Feedback falls into 2
categories:
1.
Internal - This type of feedback is due to a part inside the
hearing aid being out of place. To fix this the hearing aid must be sent back to
the manufacturer for repair.
2.
External - This type of feedback is due to the amplified sound
leaking out around the shell of the hearing aid. The shell must either be remade
or the size/style of the hearing aid must be changed to reduce the chance of
feedback.
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My hearing aid works fine in the
morning and gradually fades over the day - it never used to do this. What could
be the problem?
It could be an accumulation of moisture in the hearing aids. There are a few
things you can do to limit moisture buildup. Consider these tips for cruises or
trips to hot, humid countries.
1.
Store hearing aids in a "Dry-Aid" Kit
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With behind-the-ear style hearing aids, invest in an "Air Blower"
for the earmold tubing purchase extra earhooks.
I have trouble hearing on the
telephone. Is there something I can get to hear more easily on the phone?
There are a few different options:
1.
A telephone coil/switch on a hearing aid can sometimes be added.
This option is size/style dependent. This can cost about $50 per aid.
Are digital hearing aids better? Are
there less expensive options that give you similar performance in noise?
Digital hearing aids are better in that they can have more features to enhance
your ability to hear well in both quiet and in noise. Some important features to
learn about are:
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Single, dual or multi-channel
amplifier |
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Single, directional, or dual
microphone |
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Single or multiple memories
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Telephone switch option
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Remote control option
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The most
expensive hearing aids have a digital processor, with multi-channel amplifier,
multi-memory and dual microphone features. Less expensive options are available
with an analog processor, single channel amplifier and directional microphone.
When you buy your hearing aid you should consider the range of features listed
above and review the various benefits with your Hearing aid Clinician
Are smaller hearing aids better?
Smaller is not necessarily better. The bigger the hearing aid the more features
and the greater range of power you can get. Simply put, more features means
better overall performance in all situations. Currently the most sophisticated
hearing aid that allows you to incorporate the maximum number of features
possible is the behind-the-ear style hearing aid. It is important to have a
needs assessment with your audiologist to determine what features may best suit
you. Once you determine this you should then consider the
technology/style/size/price/repair rate and battery life before you make your
final decision about what to buy. For many people the tradeoff is one of
performance vs. aesthetics.
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I have a hearing loss. Should I get a
hearing aid?
It is important to consider the consequences of untreated hearing loss. A large
national study conducted by the Seniors Research group in May 1999 found that
hearing-impaired older persons who do not wear hearing aids are more likely to
experience depression, anxiety, paranoia and emotional turmoil, compared to
people who wear hearing aids. It further reported that most hearing aid users
report significant benefits from the aids in family relationships, mental
health, and other areas that affect the quality of their lives. For a copy of
this study or related articles please call or drop by.
What is the difference between analog
and digital hearing aids?
A digital hearing aid does more work than an analog hearing aid. An analog
hearing aid will respond to the volume and frequency of the incoming signal
whereas a digital hearing aid will respond to the volume, frequency and duration
of the signal. A digital hearing aid can perform an analysis of the signal and
attempt to determine whether it sounds more like noise or speech so that speech
is easier to understand in various settings.
What should I do about wax build-up?
The smallest piece of earwax or flaky skin can block the tip of your hearing
aid, which stops the sound from coming out. Make sure you explain to your doctor
why you need every scrap of wax removed and then if you continue to have
problems ask for some advice from your doctor on how to limit wax build-up. You
may be able to use a wax removal solution or you may need to see your doctor for
wax removal periodically. If you have an in-the-ear style hearing aid make sure
you have a wax filter. If you plan to buy a new hearing aid consider a
behind-the-ear style, which is easier to clean if you have wax build-up
problems.
Does my medical care card pay for
hearing aids?
Your medical care card does not cover hearing aids. The following is a list of
how hearing aids are paid for:
1.
Department of Veteran's Affairs-you may qualify for coverage if you
were ever in the military.
2.
Extended Health Benefits-if you carry extra insurance check the
policy to see if hearing aids are covered.
I think I hear just fine, but my
family doesn't. I can hear if they speak up, I just have trouble if they speak
softly and mumble. How can I get them to speak up?
If you have difficulty hearing soft voices or sounds and speech seems unclear at
times, then it is likely you have some hearing loss for some speech sounds. To
determine if you have a significant loss for some sounds you should have a
diagnostic evaluation of your hearing. If the test results indicate that you
would be a good hearing aid candidate then hearing aids will be recommended. It
is important to understand that hearing aids are designed to emphasize the
sounds you have difficulty hearing. Most people who wear hearing aids can hear
some sounds without hearing aids, but when they wear their hearing aids they
hear more accurately which means communication is once again easy for both the
listener and the speaker.
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I have been told I need hearing aids.
Do I need them for both ears?
If you have a hearing loss in both ears then you may need two hearing aids. It
is not possible to say that all people with hearing loss in both ears need two
hearing aids without seeing their hearing test results.
If you can hear equally from both ears you can have:
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Bettering understanding of
speech in noisy places |
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Less power if you are using
two hearing aids instead of one (when you need two) |
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Improved sound localization
for knowing which direction to look when you hear an important sound
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Improved ability to hear
correctly and respond appropriately |
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A relaxation of listening
effort |
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A more natural sound quality
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I have been told that a hearing aid
with 2 microphones will help me hear better in noise than a hearing aid with 1
microphone, why is that?
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One microphone in your hearing
aid will pick up sound from in front and in back fairly equally. When a
hearing aid has 2 microphones it emphasizes what is closest and in front of
you, instead of what is all around you. The result ... you will hear well in
noisy or group situations. Two-microphone hearing aids are available in both
analog and digital technology in the In-the-ear and Behind-the ear style
hearing aid. The price ranges anywhere from about $1200 per ear up to about
$2600 per ear. |
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An intermediate solution for
the cosmetically concerned individual is a single microphone with directional
characteristics. This can be more limited in the way it responds to a noisy
place than two microphones but is better than a single, non-directional
microphone. This option is available in the in-the-canal (depending on the
person's ear canal size), in-the-ear and behind-the-ear style hearing aids in
both analog and digital hearing aids and can range in price between $1000 per
ear up to $2000 per ear |
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