Tips on Selecting and Using Hearing Aids
Function of Hearing Aids
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In simple terms, a hearing aid helps hearing impaired persons to hear better by amplifying the intensity of sound. The use of hearing aid is an important part of hearing rehabilitation which aims at helping hearing impaired persons use their residual hearing effectively and restitute their ability to communicate. Hearing aids are made up of a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker. Some hearing aids would require the use of ear molds which could help to fix the position of the hearing aid, prevent feedback and make the wearing of hearing aids more comfortable. In fact, ear molds improves the acoustics of the hearing aids to fit the needs of the persons wearing them. Accessories of hearing aids include batteries, dehumidifying agents and dehumidifier. |
Types of Hearing Aids
There are 6 types of hearing aids:
| Pocket aids | * easy to operate, suitable for old people whose manual dexterity is not so nimble * less expensive - large in size - create noise when rubbing against clothing |
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| Behind-the-Ear(BTE) | * more powerful in amplifying sound * suitable for hearing loss of different degrees - easy to have feedback |
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| Open Fit | * Occlusion problem is likely be reduced as custom-made earmold is not required * particularly suitable for persons with high frequency hearing loss - ear wax may directly block/damage the receive-in-the canal hearing aid - not suitable for severe to profound hearing impaired persons |
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| In-the-Ear(ITE) | * smaller and more good-looking * have a casing to fit the shape of the ear - more difficult to operate - easy to be damaged by sweat or ear wax - not suitable for severe hearing impaired persons |
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| In-the-Canal(ITC) | * small and good-looking * have a casing to fit the shape of the ear - more difficult to operate - easy to be damaged by sweat or ear wax - not suitable for severe hearing impaired persons |
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| Completely-in-Canal(CIC) | * the smallest in size * concealed in the ear canal, not easy to be detected * casing customised to fit the size and shape of the ear - more difficult to operate - easy to be damaged by sweat or ear wax - not suitable for moderately to severely hearing impaired persons and old people |
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According to the mode of operation, hearing aids could also be classified into 3 categories:
| Conventional | - amplifying the sound - adjust the frequencies and maximum output according to the degree of hearing loss - with only basic functions - less expensive |
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| Programmable | - a conventional hearing aid set and controlled by computer programmes - different programmes to fit the use in different environments, so that the resulting sound would retain higher fidelity |
| Digital | - the sound is processed by digital technology - multi-functions - use different programmes under different environments - more expensive |
Fitting of Hearing Aids: What You should Know
As in the case of acquiring eyeglasses, one should obtain a hearing aid at hearing centres which have engaged professional audiologist to advise on the prescription of the right instrument. Before prescribing the hearing aid, the audiologist should conduct a comprehensive hearing test for the hearing impaired person in order to ascertain the degree of the hearing loss and its nature. Each type of hearing aid would have its sphere of application. For example, the Behind-the-Ear type is applicable to a wider range of hearing loss. Therefore, this type of hearing aid is more suitable for those who suffer from serious or severe hearing loss.
In selecting hearing aid, one should also consider one's personal preference and the physique factors. For instance, finger dexterity and eyesight would have bearing on whether a hearing impaired person should use a small-sized hearing aid for which it is more difficulty to replace the batteries and to adjust the volume or hearing modes.
When a hearing impaired person has decided on the right hearing aid for himself, it would be necessary to get the impression of the ear canal for making the ear mold or the shell of the hearing aid. When the ear mold or shell is ready, the staff of the hearing centre should tune the hearing aid according to the hearing capacity of the hearing impaired person. This would ensure that the hearing aid shall fit his needs. As each hearing impaired person would have a different pattern of living, he should go back to the hearing centre several weeks after the initial fitting for follow-up adjustment.
Some Tips for Taking Care of Hearing Aids
- Don't crash the hearing aid in order to avoid wrecking the conduction cord or damaging the internal parts
- Keep away from moisture and heat. Do not wear the hearing aid during swimming or bathing. It should also be put down when washing face. Take precaution to protect the hearing aid when it is raining
- Weak battery level would affect the efficiency of hearing aids, so replace old batteries when necessary
- Do not adjust the programme of the digital hearing aid by oneself
- Do not rip open the shell of the hearing aid
- Keep the ear canal clean. Stop using the hearing aid when the ear suffers from inflammation
- Clean any dirt on the hearing aid daily before wearing
