Do you often have to ask, "What did you say?" over and over again, without being able to hear what other people are saying clearly? Do they scold you for "turning the volume down a bit" when you watch TV with your family? This may be because you turn the TV volume up too high. These are the first signs that your hearing is starting to deteriorate. This is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of. Many people develop this condition with age or for other reasons. The best thing is that there are now very good solutions for this. The main solution among them is the use of a hearing aid, which is what we all know as a 'hearing aid'.
How do I choose a hearing aid that suits me?
Okay, so let's say you're thinking about getting a hearing aid. When you go to the store, you'll see a lot of different types and sizes of hearing aids. Then you might think, "Oh my, which one of these is right for me?" That's a fair question. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right one for you. These are things you should discuss with your doctor or audiologist.
- The level of your hearing loss: Is your hearing loss mild, moderate, severe, or profound? This level determines the power of the hearing aid you need.
- The size and shape of your ears: Not everyone's ears are the same. So you should choose one that fits your ear shape well and is comfortable to wear.
- The function of your hands and fingers: This is very important. Some hearing aids are very small. You need to be very skilled with your fingers to put them in your ear, change the battery, and clean them. For an elderly person, or someone with shaky hands or joint problems, using such a small device can be a bit difficult.
- Modern technology: Many hearing aids are very advanced these days. Some are rechargeable , meaning you can charge them just like your phone. Others can connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth® technology. You can then answer phone calls and listen to music directly from the hearing aid.
- Your preferences and lifestyle: Finally, your preferences are important. Do you want something small that others won't see? Or do you want something a little bigger but still easy to use? If you work outside and sweat a lot, it's a good idea to choose one that's water-resistant.
What are the main types of hearing aids?
Simply put, hearing aids can be divided into about 5 main types. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at each of these types in this table.
| Hearing Aid Type | Description | Who is it suitable for? |
|---|---|---|
| Behind-the-ear (BTE) type | This is the traditional type that most people have seen. The main part of the machine sits behind the ear. From there, a thin tube or wire carries the sound into the ear. | Suitable for all levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound. This is especially suitable for young children and those with limited dexterity. |
| In-the-ear (ITE) type | This device is designed to fit completely over the outer part of the ear (the earlobe). It comes in two sizes: 'full-shell' and 'half-shell'. | It is ideal for people with moderate to severe hearing loss. It is easy to use for those who have difficulty grasping small objects or have limited finger function. |
| Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) | This is similar to a BTE, but with a slight difference. The machine sits behind the ear, while the small part called the receiver that produces the sound goes along a thin wire and stays inside the ear canal. | Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. Many people say that this provides a more natural sound experience because it does not completely cover the ear. |
| In-the-canal (ITC) type | This type is smaller than the ITE. It also sits inside the ear canal, so it is much less visible. There is also an even smaller type called the Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type. | This is good for those who want a device that won't be visible from the outside. But because these are so small, the battery is also small. So the battery can run out quickly. It can also be a little difficult to handle. |
| CROS/BiCROS type | This is a bit special. Imagine that you have good hearing in one ear and no hearing in the other. Then, if someone speaks to you in the non-hearing ear, you won't hear them. What this device does is that you place a microphone in the non-hearing ear and send the sound from there to the good-hearing ear. | This is recommended for those who have very poor or no hearing in one ear, but normal or some level of hearing in the other ear. |
Remember, hearing loss is nothing to be ashamed of. There are many good, advanced solutions for it these days. The most important thing is to see a doctor at the right time and get advice.
Are there hearing aids (over-the-counter) available in Sri Lanka?
In countries like the United States, people with mild to moderate hearing loss are now legally allowed to purchase a hearing aid from a pharmacy without a prescription. These are called ``Over-the-counter (OTC)`` hearing aids.
However, this is very important - these are only recommended for people with mild hearing loss . If you have very low hearing, or if you have other symptoms such as ear pain, dizziness, etc., you should definitely see a doctor and have your ears checked. In Sri Lanka, it is best to see an ENT specialist before purchasing any hearing aid, have a hearing test, and follow their advice.
Do you need to think about batteries? Rechargeable? Disposable?
Yes, absolutely. In the past, most hearing aids came with small button-like, disposable batteries that you removed when you were done using them. But now, many of the new, advanced hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries.
This is very convenient. Just like leaving your smartphone plugged in to charge at night, when you sleep, your hearing aid is connected to its charger (docking station) and fully charged by the morning. You don't have to worry about constantly bringing small batteries from the store and changing them. So this is a great convenience for many people, especially the elderly.
What is the best hearing aid for my specific condition?
A hearing aid is not just a device that amplifies sound. It can be ``programmed'' to suit the cause and type of your hearing loss. Your doctor will choose the one that is right for you.
- Do you constantly hear a ringing sound in your ears? (Tinnitus): Some people constantly hear a ringing sound in their ears. This is called ``Tinnitus``. Some advanced hearing aids have a special technology called ``masking feature`` that can suppress this sound.
- Do you have a condition like Meniere's disease?: This is a condition that causes dizziness and hearing loss due to pressure in the inner ear. People with this condition sometimes experience hearing loss. So, they need a hearing aid that can adjust to such changes.
- Can't hear certain sound frequencies? (High/Low-frequency hearing loss): Some people can't hear high-pitched sounds (e.g., birdsong, small children's voices). Others can't hear lower-pitched sounds, such as bass. Once your hearing test detects this, you can program your hearing aid to amplify only the sound frequencies you can't hear.
- Is it due to a nerve defect? (Sensorineural hearing loss): The majority of people have this type of hearing loss. It is caused by damage to the sensory cells in the inner ear. Hearing aids can be adjusted to suit this as well.
What should I do if I don't get any relief from hearing aids?
Some people with very severe (profound) hearing loss may not get the desired results from hearing aids. In such cases, do not worry. There are now advanced medical solutions for that too.
For example, there are cochlear implants and bone-anchored auditory implants . These are more complex than regular hearing aids and are surgically implanted. If you are not getting enough benefit from hearing aids, your hearing care professional can explain these other options to you.
When should I see a doctor?
If you are experiencing hearing loss and it is affecting your daily life, work, or family relationships, see a doctor immediately without further delay.
- If you feel like you have a hearing loss.
- If you already use a hearing aid, see an audiologist at least twice a year for a check-up and any necessary adjustments.
- If you experience any other changes in your hearing or any new symptoms (such as ear pain or dizziness).
Take-Home Message
- Hearing loss is a common condition that affects many people. Don't be ashamed or sad about it.
- Choosing the right hearing aid for you can greatly improve the quality of your life.
- When choosing a hearing aid, you need to consider many factors, such as the level of your hearing loss, the shape of your ear, the function of your hands, and your lifestyle.
- Before purchasing any hearing aid, be sure to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a proper examination and advice.
- Modern hearing aids are very easy to use because they come with features like rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth.
- If there is a problem, it is wise to seek medical advice immediately, without hiding it.
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