Choose a hearing aid
+earing loss affects more than 40 million Americans. People of all ages and backgrounds experience hearing impairment or loss. Many people seek out hearing aids to help relieve the serious consequences of this condition. As a result, they lead richer, fuller lives. These devices are highly technical and are customized to meet each individual’s needs. Types of hearing loss vary widely from person to person. Innovations in hearing aids include using digital processors to isolate and amplify the frequencies a patient needs most. Many of the latest hearing aids are so small that they are practically invisible. The good news is that you no longer need to purchase the bulky, obvious hearing aids of yesteryear. The most popular hearing aids on the market fit completely within the ear canal. While they are attractive and barely noticeable, their small size means they are typically more expensive. Other styles include half-shell, full-shell, behind-the-ear and open-fit hearing aids. Because these hearing aids come in a range of sizes and prices, consult with a specialist to help you choose the right style to fit your needs. “Nearly all modern hearing aids are digital and require professional fitting and programming by a hearing-care practitioner,” said Barry Hudspeth, owner of Arkansas Professional Hearing in Bryant. “These hearing aids offer far greater flexibility than previous hearing-aid generations because the programmer can set [the devices] to amplify precisely the frequencies needed for each individual.” The design of a hearing aid makes a large difference in cost and performance. Two devices may look similar but produce dramatically different results. The difference is in the internal electronics. Nearly all hearing aids available today are digital. They filter out background noise, enabling the wearer to hear a conversation clearly. This technology is particularly effective in crowded settings. This technology can be tailored to help with your particular kind of hearing loss. If you have an outdated hearing aid, consider upgrading to a more modern device that will help your hearing be as close to natural as possible. When searching for a hearing aid, look for special features that will enhance your hearing and your life. Some examples include the following: BLUETOOTH CONNECTION: You could connect wirelessly to Bluetooth electronic devices, such as smartphones. This device allows you to hear phone conversations directly through your hearing aid. Modern hearing aids can connect to smartphones, televisions and computers to allow the user to hear their devices with clarity. “Many of the hearing aids produced today use wireless technology,” he said. “This allows two hearing aids to operate together as one complete system, instead of acting as two independent devices. TELEPHONE ADAPTER: This feature senses when you are talking on the phone and adjusts the setting during your conversation to make it clearer. DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE: You can adjust your device to pick up sound that is directly in front of you. For example, when you are having a one-on-one conversations with a person, it is useful to turn the microphone to improve your hearing. You may also change the setting to a more general setting that would be useful at public performances or concerts. REMOTE CONTROL: Some devices allow you to adjust the settings without touching the device. A remote control can change the directional microphone or amplification.