How to Buy a Hearing Aid that Will Enhance Your Lifestyle

In most cases where a person feels a hearing aid is indicated it will often lead to a number of tests at a hearing aid dispenser. For a routine hearing loss the tests will include, among others, a plot of the response of each ear to both frequency and volume. Often a tiny camera will be inserted in the ear to demonstrate the existence of earwax and possibly scarring on the eardrum. The camera view itself is interesting but not particularly informative unless significant wax blockage is contributing to the hearing loss. The discussion often progresses into a sales pitch covering the benefits of multi-channel digital aids, aids for both ears, the configuration of the aids, digital signal processing, etc. In some cases the person buying the aid is asked how much of the cost of the aids their insurance will cover so that you can get the 'best aid possible for your allowance'.

As long as the prospective customer has anticipated this somewhat high pressure approach they will be in a better situation to ultimately purchase the aid(s) that they'll be satisfied with. To reach that goal there are several things that you can think through ahead of time so you're be better prepared to ask probing questions. It is sometimes easy to fall into the trap of forgetting the audiologist/dispenser is ultimately working for you and should be doing everything possible to insure your satisfaction. You should not be hesitant to ask questions freely.

This intent of this article is not to give advice on what type (analog/digital) of hearing aid will best resolve your hearing problem, whether you can benefit from one or two aids, and other issues related to your hearing test results. It also doesn't address the wide variety of digital signal processing features such as noise suppression, feedback cancellation, and speech enhancement. It is written to give you some topics to address with your dispenser so that you end up with a hearing aid that will fit in with your lifestyle rather then just being a hearing amplifier that often sits on your dresser because you find it doesn't fit your needs and lifestyle or is uncomfortable.

1. Configuration: There is a range of hearing aid physical configurations ranging from the smallest completely in the canal (CIC) models to external or behind the ear types (BTE). Completely in the canal aids are attractive to some people due to their low profile and relative invisibility. At the same time if you are someone that wants to have some control over the volume you should ask if a volume control could be used in the tiny instruments. Often it is not possible to add a user adjusted volume control in the smallest aids. Also ask if the aid can be made to accommodate an on/off switch if that is important to you. In addition ask to see the battery insertion process to learn if it's amenable to any physical limitations you may have such as arthritis. The same questions should be asked when it comes to adding features such as phone loops, which lessen the chance of feedback when using the phone. On the other end of the spectrum are open ear aids that are worn behind the ear with a small tube that is positioned in the ear canal opening.

2. On/Off/Volume Control: If you decide you want an aid with a user adjusted volume control you should ask questions about how that manufacturer's volume control works. Smaller aids may not have a volume/off/on/ control and you turn it off/on by opening the battery door. If you are active around the house imagine the challenge of running a leaf blower, vacuum or table saw. Each time you want to run the device you might want to turn your aid off to protect your ear from the noise. This is clearly inconvenient if you have an aid that you have to remove it from your ear, open the battery door, do your chore, then close the battery door, and reinsert the aid. Also if you are watching TV you may want to turn the hearing aid volume up. If you have a volume control this is easily done. Some aids will have analog controls much like the volume control on an older radio. Other aids, mainly digital, will have a push button control that turns the aid on at a preset volume level and depending on the volume set, you will have to turn it down to get a comfortable amplification level.

3. Low Battery Indicators: Many digital hearing aids can be programmed to beep continuously when the battery level drops to the point where it needs to be replaced. This can be a nice feature but consider if this occurs while you are in a business meeting, church or social event and it's not convenient to change the battery at that moment. The warning beeps usually trigger well in advance of the aid ceasing to amplify thus you may not find this feature attractive for your lifestyle and elect merely to replace the battery when you sense the amplification is dropping. This feature can often be programmed on/off by the dispenser.

4. Telephone Coils: The goal of this feature is to reduce the amount of feedback if you use the ear that has the aid. They work with varying degrees of success and not with all older phones. If you only have an aid for one ear you may forgo this and merely use the unaided ear for the phone. If you do find it attractive determine if it will fit in the size of aid you are considering.

5. Customized Response Bands: On some digital aids you can have a number of hearing response bands tailored to meet specific activities. Examples would be a band for normal one-on-one speech, group conversations, TV and music. While they cost extra they can be helpful if your lifestyle is such you are in a number of different social interaction environments.

6. Multiple Microphones: These aids have multiple microphones to more accurately reflect the directional nature of sound. Many dispensers will have a simulation setup allowing you to experience effects such as directionality so you can determine if it will be an issue you want to address. As with some other features these cannot always be used on the smallest aids.

7. Earwax Guards: In the ear hearing aids have small holes in the end pointing towards your eardrum. Typically there is a small wire coil or porous molded plastic plug in the hole with the purpose of preventing earwax from entering the aid and blocking the sound path. Check what type of device the aid you are considering has and ask questions about whether you personally can clean and replace it or do you have to come into the dispenser's office and have that done. Also whether there is a charge for the supplies or labor to replace. Some people accumulate wax quickly and will find it more convenient to replace or clean this at home if they have the manual dexterity required. If that is the case ask for a complimentary supply of these when you first get your hearing aid. If the aid has a molded plastic guard ask to try it out since some people have reported these tend to scrape the inner ear canal surface when inserting and removing the aid. Usually you have the option of having it replaced with a wire coil.Selecting a hearing aid is an expensive proposition that should be done with care. The recommendations of the audiologist/dispenser will be based on your hearing response tests and should be carefully considered. There is also a wide range of features available on hearing aids that you should be aware of and prepared to ask questions about. By doing this you are more likely to purchase a hearing aid that will enhance your lifestyle.