Hearing Aids: Commonly Asked Questions

The rate of satisfaction among hearing aid users is over 70 percent. Even though they provide people with a better overall quality of life, there is still a stigma around wearing them and misconceptions about how they function. Millions of Americans currently wear them, but there are about 25 million more who can benefit from the technology but choose not to wear them.

There are many reasons for this. Some believe that it makes them look old, while others deny their hearing problems or don’t think hearing aids will help. 

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that may be worn behind your ears or inside your ear canals. Hearing aids have three main parts: the amplifier, microphone, and speaker. Sound travels through the microphone and is transformed into electrical signals which are then transferred to the amplifier. The amplifier boosts the signals’ power and sends them to the ear via the speaker. 

Modern hearing aids are significantly smaller and have more power than older hearing aid models. With the latest advancements in digital hearing aid technology, speech sounds are easier to distinguish in noisy environments. The majority of modern hearing aids are  Bluetooth®-enabled, which means they can connect to your smartphone and other devices that feature Bluetooth®.

Are hearing aids helpful for my hearing?

This answer depends on the type of hearing loss that you experience. There are two main types:

• Sensorineural hearing loss - this form of hearing loss occurs when the sensory hair cells located in the inner ear become impaired. The cause of damage can be due to exposure to intense noise, illness, certain medications, a head injury, or age. A hearing healthcare provider will need to determine whether you have sensorineural hearing loss and whether hearing aids would be beneficial to you. 

         Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is a subdivision
         of sensorineural hearing loss. It happens gradually as people
         age. This is a very common form of hearing loss, and can usually
         be treated with hearing aids.  

• Conductive hearing loss - this form of hearing loss is normally caused by a blockage in the ear canal, for instance, swelling that occurs due to a benign tumor or an ear infection. If your hearing healthcare provider concludes that you have conductive hearing loss, your hearing health may go back to normal after the blockage is cleared out. If your ability to hear does not go back to normal, hearing aids may help.

What are the important things to look for when selecting a hearing aid?   

This will be based on your personal lifestyle, degree of hearing loss, and budget. Someone who is very active with travel or athletic activities will probably need a different model of hearing aids than someone who has a more sedentary lifestyle. 

Your hearing healthcare provider will ask you some questions, which will help you choose the strength of amplification that is needed for you to hear. They will then patiently work with you to ensure that your hearing aids are functioning correctly. 

What is the length of the adjustment period?

Adjusting to hearing aids may take a long time. Based on the severity and how long you waited to get treatment for your hearing loss, the adjustment period is different for everyone. Even though it’s our ears that harness sounds in whatever setting you are in, your brain converts the sounds into something that is discernible. Hearing loss that goes untreated can lead to the auditory section of your brain to atrophy. As a result, it will take much longer for your hearing to improve. Hearing aids need to be worn each day or as recommended, in order to get the most benefits from them. 

What is the lifespan of a hearing aid?

Hearing aids can last for up to three to five years, with proper usage and maintenance. It’s important to not only keep them clean and free of moisture, but it’s a good idea to get a deep cleaning from a professional every now and then.

Can hearing aids be returned?

Most hearing aid providers, like Pure Sound Hearing, offer a trial period so that you can make sure that you are satisfied with your devices. Talk to your hearing healthcare provider about their policies prior to purchasing.

How do I know if I need a hearing aid?

It is recommended that you get your hearing tested regularly in order to determine whether you need hearing aids. A comprehensive hearing test will include a hearing assessment, and a general discussion about your lifestyle in order to determine the best treatment and expectations for your hearing health. After completing the hearing test, your hearing healthcare provider will discuss the results and whether hearing aids would be beneficial to you. 

If you or a loved one, notices changes in the ability to hear or if there is suspected hearing loss, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a free hearing test and consultation. 

Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. If you need a hearing aid repair, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag. We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any issues with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.     

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