Do you feel like you have a little bit of hearing loss? Or does someone close to you have this problem? You may have heard about hearing aids. But you probably have a lot of questions about what exactly they are and how to choose one. Don't worry, we'll talk about all this simply.
Things to consider before choosing a hearing aid
Choosing a hearing aid is not like choosing a pair of glasses. There are a few things to consider. Here are some of them:
- The level of your hearing loss: This means whether you have mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss. This is very important.
- The size and shape of your ears: Not everyone's ears are the same, so you need to choose one that fits your ears perfectly.
- Your manual dexterity: Some hearing aids are small and require a bit of fiddling to put them in, take them out, and change the batteries. So you also need to consider how comfortable you are with them.
- Are there any hearing aids that come with new technologies: Some of the ones that come out now come with things like `Bluetooth®`, can `connect` to your phone. Some are `rechargeable`. So it's good to be aware of new things like this.
- Your personal preference: Finally, it's also important to choose one that you like and that is easy to use.
How many types of hearing aids are there?
Simply put, there are about five main types of hearing aids. Let's take a look at what they are, how they work, and who they are best suited for.
1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
This is the most common type that most people have seen. As the name suggests, it is worn behind the ear. The main part of the hearing aid is behind the ear, from where a small tube, or an `ear mold` made specifically for your ear, goes into the ear canal. These can be used for people with mild to profound hearing loss. However, because there are several parts, it requires a bit of manual dexterity to put it on and take it off properly.
2. In-the-Ear (ITE)
This type of hearing aid is designed to cover the outer part of your ear (the hollow part inside the eardrum) either completely (full-shell) or only partially (half-shell). This is a good option, especially for people who have difficulty grasping small objects or are less used to using their hands. Doctors usually recommend these for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.
3. Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
These are a bit like the `BTE` type. The main part of the hearing aid is behind the ear. But from there, a thin wire goes over the earlobe and into the ear canal. At the end of this wire is the receiver (the part that sends sound). This part that goes into the ear canal is very soft, and it does not completely cover the ear canal. Many people say that this makes them hear sounds more naturally. These also require manual dexterity to use. These are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
4. In-the-Canal (ITC)
These hearing aids are designed to go a little deeper into the ear canal than the `ITE` type. So they are usually less visible. However, because they are smaller in size, they also use a smaller battery. So they can sometimes be a little harder to hold and handle. Depending on your situation, you may also be able to fit a `Completely-in-the-Canal` (CIC) type. These go even deeper, so they are even less visible.
5. CROS/BiCROS type
Imagine that you have normal hearing in one ear, or only minimal hearing loss. But you have very little or no usable hearing in the other ear. That's when a doctor might recommend a hearing aid like `CROS` or `BiCROS`.
What happens is that you wear a hearing aid in your good ear. And you wear an additional microphone in your bad ear. This microphone picks up the sound coming from the bad ear and sends it to your good ear. This means that even if someone is talking on the bad ear, you can still hear it through your good ear. `CROS` stands for ``Contralateral Routing of Signals``. ``BiCROS`` stands for ``Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signals``.
Are there over-the-counter hearing aids available?
Yes, this is a bit new. In August 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced a new law to make it easier to obtain hearing aids. Accordingly, some hearing aids can be purchased over-the-counter without a doctor's prescription. This situation is likely to change in Sri Lanka in the future, so it is good to be aware of this.
These over-the-counter hearing aids are usually suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. However, if you have severe or profound hearing loss, or if you have complex hearing problems, you should definitely see a doctor, get the necessary tests, and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Shall we also learn about hearing aid batteries?
There are two types of hearing aid batteries: disposable and rechargeable. The 'disposable' batteries, which look like small buttons, are not very common anymore.
Most new hearing aids now work with rechargeable batteries. Just like our smartphones and Bluetooth devices. When you're not using your hearing aid, you just have to keep it connected to a charger or the docking station that comes with it. Isn't this very convenient?
What type of hearing aid is best for my condition?
With so many different types of hearing aids on the market, choosing the right one for you can be a bit overwhelming. But the good news is that your doctor or audiologist can help you choose the right device for your health and needs. For example:
- For those who hear a ringing in the ears (`Tinnitus`): There are hearing aids specifically for this condition.
- For people with Meniere's disease: This is a condition where swelling and pressure in the inner ear affect balance and hearing. There are options available for those who have it.
- For those who cannot hear high-frequency sounds.
- For those who cannot hear low-frequency sounds.
- For those with sensorineural hearing loss: This is caused by damage to the inner ear.
- For those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- For those with severe hearing impairment.
- For those with profound hearing impairment.
- For those with limited manual dexterity.
There are hearing aid types that are specifically designed or best suited for each of these conditions. Therefore, it is best to seek the advice of a specialist rather than making decisions on your own.
What if my hearing aid doesn't work?
Some people do not get the desired results from hearing aids. Especially if you have severe or profound hearing loss, you may be more likely to benefit from cochlear implants or bone-anchored auditory implants. These are surgically implanted devices. Ask your doctor about these treatment options.
When should I see a doctor?
If your hearing loss is affecting your daily life and work to the point where it interferes with your ability to function, you should definitely see a doctor for advice. Your doctor can accurately determine the level of your hearing loss and tell you if hearing aids would help you.
If you already use hearing aids, it's important to have them checked by an audiologist at least twice a year. An audiologist is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing loss and balance problems. You should also have your hearing checked right away if you develop new symptoms or notice a change in your hearing.
What questions should you ask the doctor?
If you are considering getting a hearing aid, it is a good idea to ask your doctor these questions:
- Will a hearing aid really help with my hearing loss?
- What type of hearing aid do you recommend for me?
- What will happen if I don't do anything about this?
In addition to these questions, don't be afraid to ask anything you can think of. It's very important to clear all your doubts.
Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Choosing a hearing aid may seem complicated, but it's not that difficult with the right guidance. The most important thing is to understand the cause of your hearing loss, its nature, and the type of device that best fits your lifestyle. Talk to a doctor or audiologist to learn more about your options. They can help you choose a hearing aid that best suits your needs. Then you can live a better, happier life.
Don't forget, if you have a hearing problem, don't hide it. Seek medical advice as soon as possible. It can make a big difference in your life!
` Hearing aids, hearing loss, hearing impairment, types of hearing aids, BTE hearing aids, ITE hearing aids, audiologist
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