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Feb.
7 - What’s That You Say? Today’s Hearing Aids
Improve Hearing with Less Hassle
An estimated one-fourth of Americans between the ages of
65 and 75 have some degree of hearing loss. Among those 75
and older, three out of four have difficulties hearing. The
most common treatment for age-related hearing problems is
a hearing aid.
Yet, many people with hearing loss hesitate to wear a hearing
aid because they are concerned about its effectiveness or
self-conscious about how it looks. But wearing a hearing aid
is much less noticeable than constantly asking people to repeat
themselves or, worse, responding to a question with an unrelated
answer. And today’s devices are so automated that they
require little, if any, adjustments.
Hearing aid technologies include:
Basic analog: This conventional technology amplifies soft
and loud sounds equally and works best for people who usually
communicate in quiet situations. The user may need to turn
down the hearing aid in loud situations. While basic analog
is the least expensive option available, this technology is
slowly being phased out because of newer, improved choices.
Programmable analog: This technology has more flexibility
than basic analog because an audiologist can adjust controls
so that soft sounds are amplified more and loud sounds less
or not at all. Some can be programmed with settings for different
situations. A programmable analog hearing aid costs around
$900 to $1,200.
Digital: In a digital hearing device, a computer chip converts
the incoming sound into digital code, then analyzes and adjusts
the sound based on the individual’s level of hearing
loss. The signals are converted back into sound waves and
delivered to the ears. Digital hearing aids also better control
squealing (feedback) and reduce noise. The cost can range
from $1,300 to $3,000 for a hearing aid.
Regardless of the technology, getting used to wearing a hearing
aid takes time. Any purchase should include a trial period
to ensure that the style and technology are effective. Beware
if a promotion for a hearing device sounds too good to be
true. Hearing aids improve hearing but they can’t restore
normal hearing or eliminate all background noise.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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