Hearing Aid FAQs (Header 1)
When you’re experiencing hearing loss or difficulty, one solution your doctor or audiologist may recommend is the use of a hearing aid. If it’s your first time to wear one, you probably have some queries in mind, like how do hearing aids work? Here are some frequently asked questions about this device:
How Do I Know if I Need It?
You know you need a hearing aid when your situation is affecting your daily life. Does your hearing loss make it difficult for you to communicate and keep up with your everyday lifestyle? If your answer is yes, then you probably need a hearing aid. But the best way for you to answer this question is to consult your audiologist.
What Are the Types of Hearing Aids?
Currently, there are six types of hearing aids you can choose from:
- Invisible Hearing Aid – rests in the ear canal, so only you know you’re wearing it.
- In-the-ear or ITE – is custom made to fill either most of the bowl-shaped area of your ear (full shell) or only the lower part (half-shell).
- Behind-the-ear or BTE – is said to be the largest type of hearing aid. It is used by hooking it over the top of the ear.
- Completely-in-canal or CIC – is molded to fit inside the ear canal.
- In-the-canal or ITC – is molded to fit partly inside the ear canal.
- Receiver-in-canal or RIC – is similar to BTE, but it has a less visible behind-the-ear portion.
Where Can I Get the Device?
You can purchase a hearing aid from professional audiology practices and other medical supply stores. However, it might be best for you to visit a certified audiologist or otolaryngologist first rather than buying directly from a store. This way, you can get a sound device that fits your needs.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
A hearing aid can receive sound through a microphone and transmit it into the ear over a speaker. It uses complex algorithms to manipulate sounds, keeping those that are important and eliminating those that are not. Hearing aids can also reduce background noise in the tiny spaces between syllables of speech.
Can the Device Restore My Hearing to Normal?
Hearing aids are designed to help you hear easier. However, they can’t restore your hearing, nor can they prevent the progression of your hearing loss.
How Much Does a Hearing Aid Cost?
The price of the device varies depending on its style and circuitry. Basic hearing aids are normally less expensive than those that offer more features.
If My Condition Worsens, Will I Need a New Hearing Aid?
Today’s hearing aid devices can be reprogrammed for the current condition you have. This means that in case your hearing loss worsens, you won’t need a new device.
Can I Control the Device Through a Smartphone App?
If your hearing aid has Bluetooth compatibility, then you can control it through specific apps. You can stream videos, listen to music, and answer phone calls directly from the device. You can also control the volume of the hearing aid and check its battery status.
How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?
Nowadays, many hearing aids use zinc-air batteries. The life of these batteries depends on their type and the number of hours the device is used in a day. Larger batteries can last up to three weeks, while smaller ones may need to be replaced within a week. The hearing aid itself can last up to six years if properly maintained.
How Can I Take Good Care of the Device?
The method or process of cleaning a hearing aid depends on its style and shape. Moisture and earwax buildup are some of the most common problems when using the device, so make sure to wipe them off using a clean and soft cloth.
Some tips for taking care of the device include keeping it dry at all times, keeping it away from heat, and avoiding hairsprays and other hair products when the device is in place. Also, consider replacing its batteries regularly.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about hearing aids. Feel free to ask your audiologist more questions when you visit them.
