Hearing Aids

How They Work

Hearing aids differ in how they look, what size they are, where they are placed in the ear, and how much they can amplify sounds.

Most hearing aids use digital technology. They are programmed for your needs using a computer. Very few hearing aids use analog technology.

The size of a hearing aid is not a good indicator of its sound quality.

There are different styles of external hearing aids. You can wear them behind your ear, in your outer ear, or in your ear canal. Hearing aids can also be completely implanted in the ear.

The kind of hearing aid you choose depends on many things, including how much hearing loss you have, your doctor or audiologist's advice, and what kind of hearing aid you want.

Special features can be added to your hearing aids to help you hear even better.

Bluetooth.

Bluetooth technology allows you to connect your hearing aids to other electronic devices, such as cell phones, computers, and GPS devices.

Directional microphone.

This feature can help you hear better in a noisy place. A directional microphone will make sound coming from one direction louder than other sounds. For example, a directional microphone will make a person's voice coming from in front of you louder than sounds coming from behind you. This can help you have a conversation in a noisy restaurant.

T-coil.

A t-coil lets you switch between normal hearing aid settings and a telephone setting. This will help you hear better on a regular telephone.

Direct audio input.

This feature lets you connect your hearing aid to a TV, radio, or cell phone. You plug it directly into your hearing aid.

Feedback suppression.

This feature will control the high-pitched sound some people get with hearing aids (feedback). Feedback happens most when a hearing aid gets close to a telephone or if your hearing aid is loose in your ear.

Styles of Hearing Aids

Getting Used to Them

Here are some general tips to help you adjust to your new hearing aids.

• Start by wearing your hearing aids when you are talking to only one person. These are the easiest conversations to understand. Slowly work up to conversations with more than one person.
• Continue to pay attention to people's gestures, facial expressions, posture, and tone of voice. Your hearing aids won't help you catch every word that is said, especially in a loud place.
• Wear your hearing aids. The more you wear them, especially at the beginning, the faster you will get used to them.

It may take from several weeks to months for you to get used to your hearing aids. You may find that:

• Sounds seem strange. It's good to remember that hearing aids will not make you hear like you used to. If noises are so loud and uncomfortable that they are keeping you from wearing your hearing aids, tell your hearing aid provider.
• You hear things you haven't heard in a long time. For example, you may hear background noises (rustling papers, clinking silverware) much more clearly.
• You are more aware of sounds close to you. Your footsteps, heartbeat, or car motor may be much more noticeable. With time, your brain will get better at ignoring these sounds.
• Your hearing aids can be uncomfortable. But they should not be painful. Before you leave the hearing aid provider's office with your new hearing aids, make sure they fit. Your hearing aid should not hurt your ear or be loose in your ear.
• Sometimes your hearing aids will make a buzzing noise when you use a cell phone. This noise can be annoying, and it can make it hard to hear the person on the phone. If you use a cell phone, make sure your hearing aid provider knows. Your provider can suggest hearing aids that work better with cell phones. And when you buy a new cell phone, buy one that is compatible with hearing aids.