Frequently Asked Questions
Technological advancements in the design of hearing instruments have given many hearing impaired individuals the opportunity to enjoy the possible benefits of amplification.
At one time, hearing instruments were bulky and uncomfortable to wear. Today, some hearing instruments are recessed entirely within the ear canal, and for the most part may go unnoticed.
For more than twenty-six million individuals who suffer hearing impairment there is an organization that cares.
That organization is NU-EAR Electronics. Because it CARES, it strives to produce individual solutions for each hearing impaired person it serves.
How do I know if I have Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss occurs to most people as they age. Hearing loss can be due to aging, exposure to loud noise, medications, infections, head of ear trauma, congenital or heredity factors, diseases and some other causes. The vast majority of hearing problems do not require medical or surgical intervention. Hearing instruments can correct 90 to 95 percent of all hearing loss cases.
You may be experiencing the effects of hearing loss if…
• You can hear people speaking but strain to understand their words.
• You frequently ask people to repeat what they just said.
• You don’t laugh at jokes because you missed the story or the punch line.
• You frequently find yourself find yourself complaining that people mumble.
• You ask others about details of a meeting you just attended.
• Loved ones have commented on the volume you may listen to the radio or TV
• You cannot hear the doorbell or phone.
• You find that when people look directly at you while speaking that it is easier to understand.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should visit Professional Hearing Aid Center for a FREE hearing test. It is not just a listening test, as you may have already completed at some time. This test allows the hearing instrument specialist to determine exactly how much hearing loss is present. They can determine how well you understand speech and how well you can hear it in both silent and noisy environments. The hearing instrument specialist. also learns about your case history and performs visual assessment of the ear canal and eardrums.
What kinds of hearing instrument styles are there?
There are many styles of hearing aids. The most common styles are listed below.
Over The Ear (OTE) The OTE hearing instrument conceals the batteries and microphone components in a slim and modest casing located behind your ear. The small receiver is hidden inside the ear and connected to the OTE component by a clear tube that is nearly invisible to the eye.
Completely In the Canal (CIC) The CIC is the smallest custom hearing instruments available. It fits deeply in the canal, nearly invisible to the eye. It has a small removable cord that remains attached to the instrument to assist you when removing it from the ear. This model is the most cosmetically appealing because it is nearly invisible.
In The Ear The ITE device is a custom fit instrument that fits entirely in the ear. ITE models are comfortable, easy to handle and operate, and are the largest sized custom fit products.
In The Canal (ITC)
This model is a custom for hearing instrument that fits primarily into the ear canal. It is custom fit to the ear, but is smaller than the ITE model – which makes it slightly harder to handle.
Behind the ear (BTE) The electronic components of a BTE hearing instrument are concealed in a slim casing that fits behind the ears. At the top of the instrument, several microphones are located to pick up sound. An ear mold is fit into the ear, and is attached to the hearing instrument by a thin and clear tube that holds the device in place. The BTE hearing instrument option is the largest in size.
What types of hearing instrument technology are available? Analog technology has been around for decades, but offers limited capability. Digital technology is the most sophisticated hearing instrument technology. With digital technology, a hearing instrument specialist can control the sound quality and characteristics of how the processes sound. Your hearing instrument needs are unique to you, and you should speak to a hearing aid specialist to decide what type of technology fits your needs.
What can I expect once I get a hearing instrument?
It takes time to get accustomed to your new hearing instrument. People learn and adept at different rates. Generally, most patients are adjusted to their new hearing instrument within the first 30 days.
A good plan for getting used to your new way of hearing…
• Wear your hearing instrument for a few hours on the first day and gradually increase the time you wear it over the next few days until you work up to a full day.
• Start out with one-on-one conversations. Do not test your new hearing instruments out in the beginning by submersing yourself in a loud environment. It will be difficult to adapt to the setting with only a few days of experience.
• Wear your hearing instruments around your home to begin.
• Wear them only as long as you feel comfortable.
• Do not feel frustrated if you do not catch every word in a conversation right away.
• Practice listening for where sounds are coming from.
• Gradually try new situations.
What are ear impressions?
All Custom made hearing instruments are made from a cast, or impression, of the ear. This ear impression can be made in the office in about 10 to 15 minutes. The hearing instrument specialist simply place a special cotton or foam dam in the ear canal to protect the eardrum, and then places a waxy material in the ear canal. When this wax hardens (5-10 minutes later) the wax impression and the dam are removed from the ear. Sometimes the ear canal will be oily after the impression is removed. This is entirely normal.
What are digital hearing instruments? Digital technology is the most sophisticated hearing instrument technology. With digital technology, the hearing specialist can control the sound quality and characteristics of how the instrument processes sound. The digital hearing instrument is like a tiny computer that receives, processes and stores sound information at an incredibly fast pace. Additionally, they minimize amplification of background sounds you don’t want to hear. Digital technology is undoubtedly the most advanced and effective type of hearing instrument, but your hearing needs are unique and you should consult a hearing instrument specialist before making your decision on a hearing instrument.
Why does my voice sound funny now that I use a hearing instrument? It is common among first time hearing instrument users to notice your voice sounds a little funny. The way you hear your voice may be described as feeling plugged up or hearing your voice echo. This is normal and will likely go away after a few days of getting accustomed to wearing the hearing instrument and learning how to adjust the volume controls. If you continue to be uncomfortable after several days, visit your hearing instrument specialist to discuss further how to relieve these symptoms.
Binaural Hearing Instruments? Do I really need two hearing instruments? You have two ears and your body uses them both to hear. When you experience hearing loss typically both ears are affected, and that’s why most patients need both ears fitted with hearing instruments. To determine what is best for you and your unique hearing needs, call 201-343-1980 for a FREE hearing test.
What is “background noise” and how can I learn to deal with it? All patient wearing hearing instruments often become annoyed by background noise. It can be hard to get used to when you begin wearing hearing instruments. There is no way to completely eliminate background noise, even without hearing instruments –background noise can become a nuisance. However, with advancing technology background noise can be greatly minimized. Many digital models have the capabilities to help reduce noise and help make it more tolerable. If background noise is bothering you, speak to your hearing instrument specialist to learn about what options are available and best to fit your hearing needs.
How should I care for and maintain my hearing instruments? More than 75 percent of hearing instrument repairs are due to moisture and earwax build up in the instrument. Careful and frequent cleaning of the hearing instrument can prevent most of these repairs. By wiping and brushing off the instrument each time you remove it, you can prevent the need for repair. If you remember to clean your hearing instruments each night, you could lengthen its life of use by years.
What are Assistive Listening Devices (ALD)?Assistive Listening Devices are alerting devices that help increase the volume of a desired sound. They can make the volume louder on a TV or radio, an alarm system, an alarm clock, or use a visual alert such as a strobe light. ALDS are excellent added help to using a hearing instrument.
How often do I need to change the batteries in my hearing instruments? The exact need for change really depends on your personal usage. Most newer digital hearing instruments will beep to inform you the battery is running low. Batteries are easy to change and take no more than a minute or so.
Are hearing instruments covered by insurance? Some insurers may cover hearing instruments. However, your situation and personal coverage is unique to you. You should contact your insurance company to speak with a representative to learn about your coverage.
How much do hearing instruments cost? Hearing instruments prices vary depending on your personal needs. To determine your final hearing instruments costs you should schedule a FREE hearing test and discuss your personal needs with one of our licensed hearing instruments specialists.
Do all hearing instruments work the same way? Not all hearing instruments work in the same way. They work differently to provide the needed features to each listener. The way your hearing instrument works is unique to your hearing needs.
How can hearing instruments help me? Hearing instruments can help you regain the hearing you once had. Hearing instruments can make speech and conversations clearer and allow you to be more relaxed in social situations. They allow you to listen to the TV. The radio, and speak to your loved ones with ease and at normal volumes. Hearing instruments help you feel at ease in your daily life, and make sure you don’t have to worry about missing out.
Are all hearing aids the same? All hearing instruments differ in their technology, price, application, and results. TO ensure you get the features that best fit you, talk to your hearing instrument specialist about your needs.
Disclaimer Please review the provided information or yourself or a loved one to learn more about the hearing loss and the options available to you. At Professional Hearing Aid Center hearing tests are conducted by an audiologist and/or licensed hearing instruments specialist.
