Frequently Asked Questions: ABOUT HEARING AIDS

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What's so good about programmable technology in hearing aids?

The most advanced instruments contain a computer chip that can be programmed by the audiologist using a computer. This unique technology offers a better way to accommodate your needs by separating sounds into bands. Each band is then processed separately for greater flexibility and finer tuning. The benefits include:  

1. The precision of digital programming

2. Automatic delivery of more volume for the soft, high     frequencies and less volume for the more intense, lower, frequency sounds

3. The computer memory retains your preferred listening program for various environments

4. Ability to readjust your prescription should your hearing change over time

Should I wear hearing aids on an airplane?

The following information can help you decide:

The noise inside an aircraft, particularly if you are seated toward the rear, can be quite loud. Hearing instruments may be most comfortable if turned down, or off, in this situation.

Changes in air pressure, especially when the plane is taking off or landing, can cause discomfort until your ears "pop". This equalizes the pressure behind the eardrum with the outside air pressure. Usually, wearing your hearing aid will not affect this process. However, if you have a cold or sinus problems, these pressure changes can be harder to equalize and the discomfort may last longer.
 
Is there a best brand of hearing aid?

There are more than 28 major hearing aid manufacturers each producing quality products. Although some styles are heavily advertised, they may not be the best choice for you.

Your best hearing aid is determined by matching your hearing needs, based on hearing tests and your lifestyle or work requirements, with the available technology. In addition, proper "first fit" and periodic adjustment may be required to help you get the best performance from the hearing aid you do select.

Can hearing aids "filter out" background noises?

No, despite some advertising claims. Several hearing aids do have circuitry that avoids boosting the volume of some background noise, but this can also remove parts of speech you need to hear. These circuits are usually of benefit because they provide a more comfortable listening experience in noisy situations.

Why two ears are better than one.

Hearing with two ears or two hearing aids provides several benefits...

Better speech understanding in noise. When noise is heard with two ears, the brain can "cancel; out" some of the noise, but it can't cancel noise coming to just one ear.

Improved speech discrimination. Studies have shown that speech coming into both ears adds together and can yield about 30% improvement in discrimination over hearing with just one ear.

Localization of sound. This can only be done with two ears so the brain can determine which ear heard the sound first and at what intensity.

Ability to hear softer sounds. If a person with normal hearing can just barely hear a sound of 16 decibels (dB) with one ear, that same person could hear a sound of only 10dB with both ears.

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LINKS TO MANUFACTURERS

Listed below are links to several informative web sites of hearing device manufacturers. These sites offer valuable information about hearing loss, assistive listening devices and the latest hearing instrument technologies.