Although hearing aids can benefit many people, its important to keep in mind that no hearing aid can restore normal hearing. The expected benefits depend on many factors, including the degree of hearing loss.

There are many decisions to be made when selecting hearing aids. Making this important choice should be a team effort involving you and your audiologist. The Acoustic Hearing Center provides a comprehensive approach that will help you make the best decision.

Initial Evaluations

First, a hearing evaluation should be completed by a certified audiologist. This evaluation is performed in a sound booth using specialized equipment, and will show the amount and type of hearing loss. The audiologist will also check how well you hear and understand speech. An examination by a physician should be completed to rule out certain medical conditions, such as ear infections, which might be correctable. Unless a waiver is signed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that a physician perform an ear examination within six months before purchase of hearing aids. Your family physician may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist (Otolaryngology) or to an Otologist for this evaluation.

After these two evaluations are completed, impressions of your ears will be made, a simple process that takes about 15 minutes. A hearing aid evaluation then can be performed to help determine which of the many types of hearing aid circuitry will be best for you.

Factors To Consider When Purchasing Hearing Aids

Your listening needs, abilities and concerns are the most important considerations when choosing hearing aids. Some other choices for you to consider are:

One or Two Hearing Aids

Two hearing aids are usually recommended. There are some exceptions to this, and your audiologist will discuss the advantages of using two hearing aids versus one.

Hearing Aid Style

The four main styles of hearing aids are Completely Into the Canal (CIC), In-The-Canal (ITC), In-The-Ear (ITE), Behind-The-Ear (BTE). The style choice depends on many factors. The final decision will be made based on the degree of your hearing loss, your listening needs and your personal preference.

Technical Considerations

The technical characteristics of hearing aids are very important. These characteristics include the amount of gain or amplification provided at each frequency, the loudest sound that the hearing aid can produce, and specialized signal processing technology. Selection is based on the individual needs of the patient.

Some hearing aids come with adjustable controls, raised volume control wheels, tamper-resistant battery compartments and options that make them easy to use with other listening devices.

Testing Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can be evaluated in several ways. For example, the hearing aid itself can be tested with special equipment to insure that it is operating properly. It is also important to evaluate the performance of the hearing aids while they are being worn, and this can be done in two ways. One way to check a hearing aid's performance while it is being worn is to evaluate a person's ability to hear tones and speech through the hearing aids. These responses are then compared to responses without hearing aids. This procedure is called functional gain testing.

In another technique, known as probe-microphone testing, a small tube is placed into the ear canal along with the hearing aid or earmold. Then, sound amplified by the hearing aid can be measured in the ear canal. This technique is a precise way of predicting how the hearing aid will improve listening to speech. It also allows measurement of the loudest sound level the hearing aid produces in the ear canal.

Follow-up Appointments