Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aids

Hearing aids use three main components to allow you to hear better. These components are:

1. A microphone
2. An amplifier
3. A receiver

First, the microphone detects the sound and converts it into a digital signal. This signal is passed on to the amplifier, which intensifies the strength of that signal, making it louder. The receiver takes this signal and converts it back into sound waves, which can then be processed by your brain. 

Hearing aids have come a long way since the invention of the ear trumpet in the 17th century. Since the first entirely digital hearing aids came on the market in the 1990s, hearing aids have become significantly more advanced, allowing the user to hear more clearly in noisy environments without considerable feedback. 

Do hearing aids do more than amplify sound? 

Though the primary purpose of hearing aids is to amplify sound, many hearing aids today come with additional special features. Some of the more popular features include:

• Bluetooth connectivity to phones and televisions
• Artificial intelligence
• Tinnitus masking

The tinnitus masking feature is especially useful for improving the quality of life of individuals who are experiencing both hearing loss and tinnitus. Although hearing aids often correct tinnitus symptoms simply by amplifying sound, your audiologist can also program your hearing aids to generate sounds that will cancel out the ringing in the ears caused by tinnitus. 

What hearing aid style is the best?

There is no one style of hearing aid that is better than the others. The best hearing aid style for you will depend on your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your budget. The five main styles of hearing aids include:

• In the ear (ITE): For those with all levels of hearing loss, this style sits partially in the canal of the ear. Though it is one of the largest styles and can pick up wind noise, it has a long battery life. 
• Behind the ear (BTE): With the same features and amplification level of the ITE design, this style is composed of a piece that sits in the bowl and canal of the ear, a connecting tube, and a hook that sits behind the ear. 
• In the canal (ITC): Providing enough amplification for those with moderate hearing loss, this style is fairly discrete and sits in the canal of the ear. It does not pick up much wind noise, but because of its small style, it can be difficult to manually program. 
• Completely in canal (CIC): With all the features of ITC styles, this hearing aid is even smaller and can barely be seen. 
• Invisible in canal (IIC): The smallest, most discrete style of hearing aid. 

How long will my hearing aids last?

In general, you can expect a new set of hearing aids to last between three and seven years. How long they last will depend on how well you care for them. Some factors that can impact longevity include:

• How often they are cleaned
• How hearing aids are stored
• The material of the device
• How quickly your hearing loss progresses

To ensure you pick the right hearing aids for your unique needs, schedule an appointment with your audiologist, who will provide you with recommendations based on your lifestyle and level of hearing loss.