More than 35 million people in the United States are hearing impaired, according to 2009 U.S. Food and Drug Administration data. Hearing aids allow people with hearing loss to communicate and partake in everyday activities. The type of hearing aid you buy depends on the type and degree of hearing loss. Price may also present a deciding factor, as the cost ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Parts
A microphone, amplifier and a speaker make up the three basic parts of a hearing aid. The microphone receives the sound and sends it to the amplifier via electrical signals and sound waves. The amplifier receives the signals, amplifies their power and sends them to the speaker. The speaker delivers the amplified sound into the ear canal.
Styles
There are several different styles of removable hearing aids. A behind-the-ear hearing aid has a plastic case that sits behind the ear that contains the electronic parts. An in-the-ear hearing aid fits entirely inside the outer ear; it uses a small magnetic coil instead of a microphone. The third type is called an in-the-canal hearing aid, which clandestinely fits inside the ear canal. Technological advances regularly inspire new models.
Evaluation
Before receiving a hearing aid, you will undergo a multi-step audiological evaluation. Hearing tests are administered and the resulting scores evaluated. These hearing tests and scores might include the puretone average, most comfortable listening level, uncomfortable listening level, speech recognition threshold and the word discrimination score.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance of your hearing aid will prolong its life. When you store your hearing aid, turn it off and store it in a cool, dry place. Ear wax and auricular drainage can build up, causing damage to your hearing aid. Follow the cleaning instructions included with the device and provided by your health or hearing aid professional. Apply hair products like hair sprays and gels with your hearing aid removed.
Problems
While a hearing aid allows you to hear sounds you otherwise would miss without it, you may experience some common problems. Most people need time to adjust to the sensation of having something in their ear. Additionally, you may find your voice sounds too loud inside your head; this sensation sounds similar to and can be replicated by talking while covering your ears with your hands. Ongoing hearing aid problems include a whistling feedback, competing background noise and a buzzing sound while using your cell phone.
Implanted Hearing Aid
If you are 18 years old or older and suffering from moderate to severe inner ear hearing loss, you may benefit from an implanted hearing system. It has no visible components. The surgery used to implant the device may causes side effects including, but not limited to, taste disturbance and facial paralysis.
