What Are My Options If I Have Hearing Loss?
Hearing aids are the most widely-used solution for coping with hearing loss. Hearing aids are small, electronic devices that are worn in the ear or behind the ear. Hearing aids adjust incoming sounds appropriately to help hearing impaired people hear in all different listening environments, from quiet to noisy. There are a variety of options for every lifestyle and budget. To determine the best device for you, we will consider your:
- Degree of hearing loss
- Lifestyle
- Communication needs
Advances in technology over the recent years have made hearing aids smaller, more durable, easier to manipulate, and provide much-improved sound quality. Hearing aids come in various sizes and styles from Behind-the-Ear (BTE) products to Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) aids. They are ordered to match your hair color or skin tone. At the hearing aid information session, we will determine the size best for you based on your lifestyle needs, hearing loss, dexterity, and budget.
Some recent hearing aid technology advancements include:
- Noise reduction: The hearing aid processes the incoming signal and determines if it is speech or noise. It will selectively reduce the noise resulting in a more comfortable listening situation. The hearing aid classify the incoming sound and adjust it as needed.
- Directional microphones: Reduces noise from behind the user.
- Bluetooth interface: Wireless communication is established between your hearing aid and a Bluetooth compatible device. Cell phone calls and music from MP3 players is directly played to your hearing aid eliminating the need to hold the phone up to your ear or use headphones to listen to music.
- Feedback management: The biggest complaint from hearing aid users in the past was the “whistling” or feedback when hugging, yawning, or in the presence of wind. With today’s advancements, hearing aids automatically detect and virtually eliminate this buzzing or whistling.
- Optimal listening on the telephone: The hearing aid automatically eliminates feedback and adjusts for optimal communication on the telephone.