According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), a hearing aid device is a small electronic piece of equipment worn in or behind your ear that increases the level of sound. The Mayo Clinic reports that all hearing aids are comprised of the same parts used to carry noise from your outer surroundings into your ear but they vary in styles and sizes. The NIDCD says only about 20 percent of people who could benefit from a hearing device actually use one.
Effects
Hearing aids control how sound is transferred from the environment to the inner ear. All hearing aids amplify sounds so they can be more easily heard. Nowadays, most manufacturers exclusively produce digital hearing aids as analog hearing aids become a thing of the past. A tiny computer chip translates the incoming sound into digital code, then examines and modifies the sound to match your hearing loss and listening requirements.
Styles
The completely in the canal hearing aid is molded to fit inside the ear canal and can improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. An in the canal hearing aid is custom molded and fits partly in the ear canal, but not as deeply as the completely in the canal aid.
A smaller version of the in the canal hearing aid is what is referred to as a half-shell. This custom molded aid plugs the lower portion of the bowl-shaped area of the outer ear. An in the ear (full-shell) hearing aid is often appropriate for people with severely impaired hearing.
A behind the ear hearing aid fastens over the top of your ear and sits behind the ear. The hearing aid is suitable for almost all levels of hearing loss.
Considerations
If you suspect you are not hearing properly, see your doctor to rule out treatable causes, such as an infection or earwax. You may then have your hearing tested by an audiologist (hearing specialist). If a hearing aid is warranted, an impression of your ear canal will be taken to select a well-fitting and appropriate hearing device for your needs.
Cost
The cost of hearing aids can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Hearing device that come with remote controls and other features generally cost more. The Hearing Loss Association of America says in some states, individuals with low incomes may qualify for hearing aids through Medicaid. People with higher income may temporarily qualify for hearing aid assistance through the "medically needy program"managed by some local county social service agencies.
Outlook
The type of hearing aid that will be most effective depends on the specific kind of your hearing loss and its severity. It will take some time to adjust to wearing a hearing aid. As you get used to the new amplified sound it provides, your listening abilities should improve a great deal.
