Ask your audiologist...
Dr. Tia Flynn | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years AGO
I went shopping for a pair of hearing aids, and I am confused about the different levels of technology. How do I know which ones to purchase?
It can be difficult for a layman to try to figure out which level of technology to buy. I will try to make it simple to understand. Most manufacturers have three to five levels of technology, technology being the computer chip inside the hearing aid that processes the sound. If everyone could afford the best, I would get everyone the best, but there is a big difference in the cost of the three to five levels; typically, $1,000 to $2,500 per aid for good sound quality. I personally do not recommend aids that cost less than $1,000 per ear, because I have found the quality of sound to be lacking, and an aid in the drawer (because it doesn't sound right) doesn't help anyone. The more one spends on the sound processor, the better job the aid will do to help you hear in background noise.
One of the leading manufacturers has come out with a hearing aid loaner, which can be programmed at any of the levels of technology so one can hear the difference. I currently have four pairs of these adjustable loaners. Just call for a hearing aid consultation to try the adjustable loaners and you can hear for yourself why technology matters.
Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 14 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com for an online hearing test and watch helpful videos.
ARTICLES BY DR. TIA FLYNN
How long does it take to get hearing aids?
It depends on what style of hearing aid you are purchasing. If you are purchasing one of the new mini BTE’s (Behind the Ear) your hearing health care office may have some in stock that you may take home that day. There are generally two types of mini BTE’s. One is an open fit model, which has a selection of tubes, and tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. The other type is a receiver in the canal, which also has a selection of receivers, and dome tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. Some offices stock these types of aids but you usually have to special order the color that matches your hair.
About age-related hearing loss
Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. Causes of presbycusis include changes within the inner ear (damage to the tiny hair cells that pick up sound), changes in the middle ear (stiffening of the tympanic membrane and ossicles), complex changes along the nerve pathway leading to the brain, and cognitive changes in the brain.
Ask your audiologist: Free hearing help and repairs for the holidays!
Every holiday season I give back to the community by giving away a free pair of digital hearing aids to a deserving individual. I will also provide free in house repairs by appointment and bringing in a copy of this article. Everyone deserves to hear during the holidays! The holidays are usually the most important family gatherings of the year. Many people with hearing loss get left out of family conversations around the dinner table if they do not have hearing aids or if their hearing aid(s) are broken.