Researchers and clinicians are developing more accurate techniques for selecting and fitting hearing aids for infants and young children.

About Hearing Aids - Choosing Hearing Aids: What You Should Know

Hearing loss has many causes. It may be present at birth, caused by injury, infection or exposure to very loud noise. Some hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process.

Hearing aids can often reduce the effects of hearing loss. Hearing aids can make soft sounds louder and can make listening easier.

Although hearing aids can benefit many people, it's important to keep in mind that no hearing aid can restore normal hearing. The expected benefits depend on many factors, including the degree of hearing loss.

There are many decisions to be made when selecting hearing aids. Making this important choice should be a team effort involving you and a hearing specialist. The Audiology Department at Boys Town National Research Hospital provides a comprehensive approach that will help you make the best decision.

Initial Evaluations

First, a hearing evaluation should be completed by a certified audiologist. This evaluation is performed in a sound booth using specialized equipment, and will show the amount and type of hearing loss. The audiologist will also check how well you hear and understand speech.

An examination by a physician should be completed to rule out certain medical conditions, such as ear infections, which might be correctable. Unless a waiver is signed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that a physician perform an ear examination within six months before purchase of hearing aids. Your family physician may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) or an otologist for this evaluatiion.

After these two evaluations are completed, impressions of your ears will be made, a simple process that takes about 15 minutes. A hearing aid evaluation then can be performed to help determine which of the many types of hearing aid circuitry will be best for you.

Considerations About Hearing Aids

Your listening needs, abilities and concerns are the most important considerations when choosing hearing aids. Some other choices for you to consider are:

• One versus Two Hearing Aids - Two hearing aids are usually recommended. There are some exceptions to this, and your audiologist will discuss the advantages of using two hearing aids versus one.
• Style - The three main styles of hearing aids are behind-the-ear, in-the-ear and in-the-canal. The style choice depends on many factors. The final decision will be made based on the degree of your hearing loss, your listening needs and your personal preference.
• Technical Considerations - The technical characteristics of hearing aids are very important. The amount of gain or amplification provided at each frequency, the loudest sound that the hearing aid can produce, and specialized signal processing technology must be selected on an individual basis.

Some hearing aids come with adjustable controls, raised volume control wheels, tamper-resistant battery compartments and options that make them easy to use with other listening devices.

Testing Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can be evaluated in several ways. For example, the hearing aid itself can be tested with special equipment to ensure that it is operating properly. It is also important to evaluate the performance of the hearing aids as they are worn.

Using a technique known as probe-microphone testing, a small tube is placed into the ear canal along with the hearing aid or earmold. Then, the amount of sound amplified by the hearing aid can be measured in the user's ear. This technique is a precise way of predicting how the hearing aid will improve listening to speech. It also allows measurement of the loudest sound level the hearing aid produces in the ear canal.

Follow-up Appointments

A thirty-day trial period with new hearing aids is recommended by the FDA. During this time the hearing aid should be used in every-day situations to determine if any adjustments or changes are necessary. Your audiologist or hearing aid dispenser should be consulted if you have any concerns or problems.

After you have been fitted with your hearing aids, it is important to have your hearing reevaluted on a regular basis. Your hearing aids' performance should be tested as well. These evaluations should be done annually or more often if recommended by the audiologist or doctor.

Boys Town National Research Hospital does not endorse specific products or manufacturers. Contact a local certified audiologist or your state's speech and hearing association for services and products available in your area.