Guide to Hearing Aids

Based on hearing test results, your doctor can determine whether or not you need hearing aids, which are devices that amplify sound. Their use is associated with improvements in the well-being of people with hearing loss socially, emotionally, psychologically, and even physically. They are particularly useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people with sensorineural hearing loss.

Nowadays, hearing aids are available in different styles, with diverse features and cosmetic solutions to complement the individual’s lifestyle. When deciding on which a hearing instrument to get, the specialist will consider your hearing ability, medical conditions, lifestyle, physical limitations, and aesthetic preferences.

Hearing aids can be categorized according to where they are worn:

 

  • Receiver-In-Canal (RIC):Receiver-In-Canal, RIC hearing aids.

In the CIC aids, the receiver is placed inside the canal and connected to the behind-the-ear (BTE) unit via a thin tube. Asthe receiver is no longer within the BTE unit, the BTE unit is very small, light, and inconspicuous.

 

 

  • Behind-The-Ear (BTE): Behind-The-Ear, BTE, hearing aids

BTE aids have an earmould that fits snugly inside your ear, while the rest of the aid rests behind your ear.

 

 

  • In-The-Ear (ITE):in the ear hearing aids

ITE ids sits entirely within the ear and are fitted individually based on an impression of the wearer’s ear. ITE ranges usually include aids that are IIC (invisible-in-the-canal) and/or CIC (completely-in-the-canal).

 

Adapting To Hearing Aids

Adapting to hearing aids takes time. It needs commitment, education, and patience. The below tips and information can help with the process:

  • Learn more about how the device works with the help of a specialist.
  • Understand that adjusting to wearing hearing aids takes time.
  • Try to become familiar with hearing instruments under non-stressful circumstances for several hours at a time.
  • Know what to expect:
    • Hearing instruments will not cure hearing loss, restore normal hearing or eliminate background noise.
    • Expect sounds to seem loud at first.
    • Your voice might sound different and too loud to you.
    • You might hear background noise since hearing aids cannot completely differentiate between the sounds we want to hear and the sounds we don’t want to hear. Overtime you will learn to filter noise.

Taking Care Of Hearing Instruments

The following suggestions will help you care for your hearing instruments:

  • Keep hearing instruments away from heat and moisture.
  • Replace dead batteries immediately.
  • Clean hearing instruments as instructed.
  • Do not use hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing instruments.
  • Turn off hearing instruments when they are not in use.
  • Keep replacement batteries and small instruments away from children and pets.