HEARING AIDS

Between 20 and 25 million people in the United States have some kind of hearing loss. For many people whose hearing cannot be corrected through medical treatment, hearing aids offer help. Many hearing losses, ranging from mild to profound, are improved by wearing a hearing aid.

A hearing aid can be custom fitted to an individual's hearing loss and to a variety of listening conditions. Hearing aids cannot restore a person's hearing to normal, but they can make it easier to hear.

Different styles of hearing aids exist:

A body aid has an earpiece connected by a wire to a small body-worn case containing a microphone and amplifier. It is the most powerful type of hearing aid.
A behind-the-ear hearing aid has an earpiece that connects to a short tube, microphone, and amplifier.
An in-the-ear hearing aid uses an earpiece that contains a microphone and amplifier and sits inside the user's ear. About 80 percent of hearing aid users wear this style.
An in-the-canal hearing aid is similar to an in-the-ear hearing aid, but is smaller and sits deeper in the ear.
A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid is smaller still, out of sight, and deep inside the ear canal.
Eyeglass hearing aids have the hearing aid in the eyeglass frames. These are rarely used today.

When a person is fitted with a new hearing aid, the brain requires time to get used to new sounds. Most people begin by wearing the hearing aid at home for limited periods of time. Each day the time and settings in which they wear their hearing aid are increased.

If you suspect a hearing loss, contact your healthcare provider for a hearing test. A hearing test can determine the degree and type of hearing loss. When thinking about buying a hearing aid, a checkup with a hearing specialist is the first step. Ask your provider for a referral to a reputable audiologist. If you decide to purchase a hearing aid, ask about a trial period since it will take awhile to get used to using a hearing aid. And be sure the hearing aid includes a 1 to 2 year warranty. It is important to be aware of misleading advertisements or salespeople that promise that hearing aids will restore normal hearing.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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