Understanding All About Hearing Aids and Services for Seniors

As we age, hearing loss can often become a hard reality for many seniors. In such times, many turn to hearing aids and accompanying services to bring sound back into their lives. However, understanding these devices, their functions, and the several types can be a challenge, especially when there is minimal knowledge on the topic. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of hearing aids – what they are, the mechanisms, the variety to choose from, and additional services you can avail and benefit from as a senior.

All About Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that you wear in or behind your ear. They make some sounds louder, helping people with hearing loss to listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities. A hearing aid can help people hear more in both quiet and noisy environments.

These devices have three parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. The hearing aid receives sound via the microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear via the speaker.

Different Types of Hearing Aids

The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the kind and severity of your hearing loss. If you have a hearing loss in both ears, two hearing aids are generally recommended because two aids provide a more natural signal to the brain. Hearing in both ears also will help you understand speech and locate where the sound is coming from more easily.

Outlined below are some of the most common types of hearing aids available:

1. Behind the ear (BTE): These hearing aids house all the components in a small plastic case that rests behind the ear. A clear plastic tube then directs amplified sound into an earmold inside the ear canal.
2. In the ear (ITE): All parts are contained in a shell that fills in the outer part of the ear. These are larger than some other types and can be easier to handle, but are also more visible.
3. In the canal (ITC) and completely in the canal (CIC): These are contained in tiny cases that fit partly or completely into the ear canal. They are the smallest and least visible types and usually have limited additional features.
4. Receiver in canal (RIC) or receiver in the ear (RITE): Similar to BTE style, but the speaker is inside the ear canal and thin electrical wires replace the clear tube. This can offer a more natural sound.

Hearing Aid Features

Most hearing aids share several similar electronic features. These include a microphone that picks up sound, amplifier circuitry that makes the sound louder, a miniature loudspeaker (receiver) that delivers the amplified sound into the ear canal, and batteries that power the electronic parts.

Beyond those, hearing aids can offer several features, including:

• Dual microphones: These allow you to switch between all-around sound and more directed sound, helping you focus on conversations in noisy environments.
• Telecoils: These are small magnetic coils that allow the user to pick up sound through the circuitry of the hearing aid, rather than through its microphone.
• Rechargeable batteries: A great feature for those who have trouble handling small hearing aid batteries, these come with docking stations for easy use.
• Wireless connectivity: Nowadays, many hearing aids can be connected wirelessly to devices such as televisions, cell phones, and FM systems to stream audio directly into the hearing aid.

Getting Used to Your Hearing Aid

Adjusting to a hearing aid takes time. You'll likely notice your listening skills improve gradually as you become accustomed to amplification. Even your own voice sounds different when you wear a hearing aid. It's good to keep in mind that wearing a hearing aid is not a remedy for complete restoration of hearing, but a tool to aid in better hearing and communication.

Caring For Your Hearing Aids

Proper maintenance and care will extend the life of your hearing aid. Make it a habit to:

• Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
• Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage a hearing aid.
• Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids.
• Turn off hearing aids when they're not in use.
• Replace dead batteries immediately.

Seek Professional Help – Hearing services

Making the decision to use a hearing aid is significant and can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are professionals and hearing services available to assist you throughout this journey. Audiologists are trained to help test your hearing, select suitable hearing aids, and provide fitting and adjusting services to ensure absolute comfort. They can also guide you in learning how to use the hearing aid effectively, offer sound counseling, and provide after-sales services to maintain the longevity of the device. In addition, audiologists can also conduct regular hearing assessments to monitor changes in your hearing ability.

Conclusion

Embracing the use of hearing aids and services as a senior can greatly enhance the quality of life through improved communication and relationships. It broadens avenues of connection and social interaction, bringing color back into your world. With the professional help available, adapting to hearing aids can become a smooth and supportive process. The ability to hear clearly is a gift – make the most of it with hearing aids and services that understand and cater to your specific needs.