What are the Differences between digital and programmable?
Q. My husband wears programmable hearing aids, but cannot hear clearly while out at a restaurant or at other social functions. He would like to try the new digital hearing aids. What is the difference between the two technologies?
A. There are many. Primarily, the difference is in the sound clarity. Digital sound is much clearer, often described as that of a CD as compared to a 331/3 LP record. Another difference: digital hearing aids are completely automatic. For instance, a person wearing digital may not have to make any adjustments while sitting in a noisy restaurant whereas programmables would have to be adjusted for that particular environment. Digitals also come with directional microphones to capture incoming sounds more accurately, and in some cases, provide better feedback cancellation and noise reduction than programmable hearing aids.
Audiologists recommend hearing checks.
Q. How often should I have my hearing checked? I've read that just because a person wears hearing aids does not necessarily mean that their hearing will not continue to change?
A. Whether you wear hearing aids or not, it is a good policy to have your hearing checked at least once a year. Everyone loses their hearing as they age, especially those of us who work in high-risk areas. We also live in noisy environments including traffic or other background noises that affect our hearing. If you wear hearing aids and you experience a change in your usual hearing ability, then see your audiologist for a screening. You could very well need an upgrade to your current hearing aids or simply need an adjustment.
Does Insurance cover hearing aids?
Q. I have been wearing the same hearing aids for several years. I am very interested in upgrading my current analog system to the new popular digital hearing aids everyone is talking about. Will my health insurance cover the cost of these instruments?
A. Many health insurance companies do cover all types of hearing aids, however, some have certain restrictions on the type and amount of cost covered. Generally, the type of hearing aid that is most suitable to your hearing loss need is a decision made between you and your audiologist. We are proud to serve many insurance plans' membership. We also conduct educational luncheon seminars, for FREE, where insurance plan members can ask questions about the many choices in hearing aid technology. Even if your plan doesn't cover digital, that doesn't mean that you can't have a suitable technology that your plan may cover. Call us to find out what is available!
Why are digital hearing aids so popular?
Q. Why have 100 percent digital hearing aids become so popular? Do these
instruments last any longer? If I wait to buy will the cost become less? Please set the record straight.
A. Today we have more choices in selecting the best hearing aid for the most appropriate hearing benefit. Since the introduction of digital technology, many hearing aid manufacturers have come out with a 100% digital instrument. The technology is expected to last longer because microchips are more durable and resilient than before. Manufacturers have listened and responded to the needs of audiologists and their patients by developing hearing aids that have a number of improved features. Those features include smaller microchips, increased power, optional volume controls or completely automatic hearing aids, cosmetically appealing hearing aids for certain lifestyle needs, and a wide price range from top-of-the-line to those instruments with moderate features.
3rd generation hearing aids.
Q. My wife wears one hearing aid she bought at a retail store. She often complains about the sound, and I notice that she turns her head to one side to hear, especially when we're out at the restaurant or riding in the car. Should I buy her another hearing aid?
A. If your wife is experiencing these problems, chances are she requires two hearing aids. Although not everyone requires two hearing aids, we find that most people receive greater improvement to their hearing. This is referred to as binaural (two) versus monaural (one) hearing. There are several reasons why you should perhaps buy another hearing aid for your wife:
1. The ability to locate the source of the sound is greatly improved with two hearing aids,
2. Receiving sound in both ears reduces the need to turn the "good" ear towards the source,
3. In order for the central nervous system to "sort out" speech from noise effectively, input from both sides of the head is needed,
4. Better reception means better understanding of quiet or soft spoken sounds, and
5. Better quality of sound means better quality of life. A licensed and certified audiologist will work with you in finding the most appropriate hearing aids. Today, there are several generations of digital technology, all of which offer many choices at many different prices. Hearing aid companies have developed this technology so it is available to almost everyone. You'll hear the difference with digital!
"That thing behind the ear."
Q. I once saw a nightly news story which cited a report by the National Council on Aging on the health concerns facing the middle-aged and senior populations. One of those was hearing loss. My husband just turned fifty. The past few years I've noticed him asking people to repeat themselves. He says "What?" or "Excuse me, what did you say?" He denies having a hearing problem and, as he puts it, refuses to wear "that thing behind the ear." What are our options?
A. It is not unusual for people with hearing loss to deny a hearing problem exists. In fact, just the other day a man in his forties came into my office complaining that he had trouble hearing in certain situations and wanted his ears cleaned. "Nothing more than a cleaning," he said. "It's probably just ear wax.? We performed a video otoscopy exam looking inside the ear canal and found no obstructive wax. A subsequent hearing exam revealed that this gentleman had a mild hearing loss. In about an hour we fit him with a hearing device designed specifically for mild, high frequency hearing loss. We want people to recognize that if they or a loved one suspects a hearing problem, there are numerous choices in hearing aid technology to improve their ability to hear better. There is no question that technology has changed the way we live. Technology also has changed the way we think about hearing loss.
Buying Internet hearing aids.
Q. I recently got a computer and began "surfing the Net" to learn more about hearing aids. I came across your web site and was very impressed with it. I also came across a web site where I could actually order hearing aids. Should I buy hearing aids off the Internet?
A. There is no question that selling products over the Internet, known as "e-commerce," is growing by leaps and bounds. It's not surprising that hearing aids have been added to those "cyber-shelves." They may be advertised as discount hearing aids, but many web sites require you to go to a hearing aid office anyway to have an ear mold made of your ear. This surely is not covered in the cost of the Internet hearing aid, and you will also incur costs for fitting and programming. You should be asking just how important is service and follow-up care. When I recommend and provide you with a hearing aid in my office, I am committed to managing your hearing needs for life. Internet hearing aids are often limited to one style or one technology. I offer a complete line of hearing aid technology from the traditional analog to fully digital in a wide price range to fit both your lifestyle as well as your budgetary needs. The Internet is a tremendous resource for learning about new hearing aid technology. Many sites have wonderful web stores where you can buy batteries, TV amplifiers, telephones, and other accessories at rock-bottom prices. I believe this is how the Internet operates in the best interest and best service to you, the consumer.
What are the consequences of untreated hearing loss?
Q. Lately I've noticed my father becoming increasingly quiet and not wanting to participate in family functions and get-togethers like he used to. My mom says it's his hearing. Is there anything that can be done about this?
A. Yes. The first thing has already been done and that is someone, himself, a family member or loved one, has recognized that a hearing problem exists. A study, released by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), cited hearing loss as "one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the Untied States." It stated that hearing loss affects more than nine million Americans over age 65 and 10 million between the ages of 45 to 64, many of whom do not use hearing aids but should. The consequences of hearing loss include emotional withdrawal, social isolation, distressed relationships, limitation of activity, reduced productivity or even job loss, and a general lack of interest and participation in everyday life. This is exactly what you are describing about your dad. He is fortunate to have those around who love him enough to recognize that a problem exists. The second is to get him in to see an audiologist for a hearing assessment. It costs very little and may be covered by insurance. The hearing evaluation usually takes less than 45 minutes. More importantly, if he needs amplification for his hearing loss, you can assure him that there are many different styles and levels of technology to choose from. That leads us to the third thing; going over all of the choices he has in improving his hearing. The beauty of today's more advanced technology is that there are now hearing aids for every level of hearing loss priced from $595 and up. And should his hearing change in years to come, we can make adjustments right here in our office. That is our commitment to helping him maintain the highest level of better hearing throughout his life.
