Hearing Aids – Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

FAQ Hearing Aids

How can I find out if I need a hearing aid?

If you think you might have hearing loss and could benefit from a hearing aid then come visit Sound Hearing Audiology and Speech! Dr. Zeller can evaluate you. She will perform diagnostic hearing tests and assess the type and degree of your loss. When necessary, hearing aids will be prescribed.

How can hearing aids help?

Hearing aids can improve hearing and speech comprehension of people who have hearing loss that results from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, called hair cells. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss and can occur as a result of disease, aging, or injury from noise or certain medicines.

A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the ear. Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are passed along to the brain. The greater the damage to a person’s hair cells, the more severe the hearing loss, and the greater the hearing aid amplification needed to make up the difference. However, there are limitations to the amount of amplification a hearing aid can provide. If the inner ear is too damaged, even large vibrations will not be converted into neural signals. In this situation, a hearing aid would be ineffective.

Are there different styles of hearing aids?

There are three basic styles of hearing aids. The styles differ by size, their placement on or inside the ear, and the degree to which they amplify sound.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids consist of a hard plastic case worn behind the ear and connected with a piece of clear tubing to an earmold that fits inside the ear. The electronic parts are held in the case behind the ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through the earmold and into the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss.
Mini-Behind-The-Ear (Mini-BTE) hearing aids are open-fit hearing aids. Small, open-fit aids fit behind the ear completely, with only a narrow almost invisible tube inserted into the ear canal, enabling the canal to remain open.

Mini BTEs allow for reduced occlusion (or “plugged up”) sensations in the ear canal, increase comfort, reduce feedback, and accommodate cosmetic concerns for many users. They are also a good choice for people who experience a buildup of earwax, since this type of aid is less likely to be damaged by such substances.
In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely inside the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The case holding the electronic components is made of hard plastic. Some ITE aids may have certain added features installed, such as a telecoil. A telecoil is a small magnetic coil that allows users to receive sound through the circuitry of the hearing aid, rather than through its microphone. This makes it easier to hear conversations over the telephone. A telecoil also helps people hear in public facilities that have installed special sound systems, called induction loop systems. Induction loop systems can be found in many churches, schools, airports, and auditoriums. ITE aids usually are not worn by young children because the casings need to be replaced often as the ear grows.
Canal aids fit into the ear canal and are available in two styles. The in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is made to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear canal. A completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid is nearly hidden in the ear canal. Both types are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because they are small, canal aids may be difficult for a person to adjust and remove. In addition, canal aids have less space available for batteries and additional devices, such as a telecoil. They usually are not recommended for young children or for people with severe to profound hearing loss because their reduced size limits their power and volume.

Do all hearing aids work the same way?

Hearing aids work differently depending on the electronics used. The two main types of electronics are analog and digital.

Analog aids convert sound waves into electrical signals, which are amplified. Analog/adjustable hearing aids are custom built to meet the needs of each user. The aid is programmed by the manufacturer according to the specifications recommended by your Audiologist. Analog/programmable hearing aids have more than one program or setting. An Audiologist can program the aid using a computer, and the user can change the program for different listening environments – from a small, quiet room to a crowded restaurant to large, open areas, such as a theater or stadium. Analog/programmable circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids. Analog aids usually are less expensive than digital aids.

Digital aids convert sound waves into numerical codes, similar to the binary code of a computer, before amplifying them. Because the code also includes information about a sound’s pitch or loudness, the aid can be specially programmed to amplify some frequencies more than others. Digital circuitry gives an Audiologist more flexibility in adjusting the aid to a user’s needs and to certain listening environments. These aids also can be programmed to focus on sounds coming from a specific direction. Digital circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids.

Which hearing aid will work best for me?

The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the kind and severity of your hearing loss. Dr. Zeller will help you select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle, taking all aspects into consideration.

Price is also a key consideration because hearing aids range in cost based on style and features. Price alone should not determine the best hearing aid for you. Just because one hearing aid is more expensive than another does not necessarily mean that it will better suit your needs.

If you have a hearing loss in both of your ears, two hearing aids are generally recommended because two aids provide a more natural signal to the brain. Hearing in both ears also will help you understand speech and locate where the sound is coming from.

A hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. You will want to wear your hearing aid regularly, so select one that is convenient and easy for you to use. Other features to consider include parts or services covered by the warranty, estimated schedule and costs for maintenance and repair, options and upgrade opportunities, and the hearing aid company’s reputation for quality and customer service.

How can I care for my hearing aid?

It is very important to properly care and maintain your hearing aid in order maximize its use.

Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage a hearing aid.
Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids.
Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.
Replace dead batteries immediately.
Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from children and pets.

Why should I bring a family member or loved one to my appointment?

We strongly encourage for our patients to bring a spouse, family member or a loved one to their evaluation appointments. Using a familiar voice during technology demonstrations allows the patient to assess the improvements on their hearing.

Bringing the family member or loved one is particularly important if they happen to be the person you are having trouble hearing. Additionally, most patients hear their Audiologist perfectly, as they are accustomed to speaking with patients who have a hearing loss.

Moreover, it is often an exciting time when a patient experiences technology. It is nice to have someone there to share that moment with.

Sound Hearing Audiology and Speech – Dr. Robin Zeller, Ph.D.
50 Hazelwood Drive, Jericho NY 11753
516-932-7577
Audiologist, Speech Language Pathologist, Speech Therapy, Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss Treatments for Adults and Children