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Getting
the most out of your hearing aids
Hearing aids today offer such a wide variety
of choices in style, circuit types and features that
settling on the best one for you can often be a rather
confusing process. Your audiologist/dispenser will assess
your own individual communication needs and provide
you with information on what is available to help you.
However you must be actively involved in the choice.
You will need to decide which aspect of using hearing
aids is most important to you: hearing benefit, appearance,
or cost.
Among the choices you’ll have are
the following:
| STYLES
OF HEARING AIDS |
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| Behind-The-Ear
(BTE) from RM 600.00 and above |
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| In-the-ear
(ITE) from RM 1400.00 and above |
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| In-The-Canal
(ITC) from RM 1500.00 and above |
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Completely-in-canal
(CIC) from RM 2000.00 and above |
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ONE OR TWO
AIDS
Unless you have one ear that is either normal or profoundly
impaired, you’ll be much happier with two hearing
aids.
- Listening with both ears is a more natural way
to listen. Sounds will have a greater depth and definition,
and a better quality.
- Less power is needed when using two hearing aids.
- Sound localization will be greatly improved over
monaural listening.
- Most importantly, you’ll be better able to
sort sounds. This means significantly better understanding
for speech in noise.
PROGRAMMABLE OR NON-PROGRAMMABLE
- Computer programmable hearing aids are far more
flexible than non-programmable. Your aids can be "tuned"
more precisely to meet your specific, individual amplification
needs.
- Programmable aids are available with two or more
channels, allowing individual settings for different
parts of the frequency range.
- Programmable aids are available with two or more
programs, giving you the opportunity to change your
hearing aid to adapt to changing communication needs
in changing listening environments.
ANALOG OR DIGITAL
- Digital aids utilize a technology that produces
crisper and cleaner sound. There is an increased flexibility
and speed of sound processing over analog aids.
FEATURES
A myriad of features are available to further individualize
and personalize hearing aids. These include several
different circuit types, compression of many different
configurations, dispenser and user-operated controls,
features to allow connection to group amplifying systems,
and telephone amplifiers.
Confused? Remember, any hearing aid is just
what its name implies: an aid to help you hear better.
Whatever your choice, your hearing will still be less
than perfect. How much improved it is will depend to
a great extent on the appropriateness of your choice
in selecting hearing aids. We’re here to help
you make the very best decision, and to be your support
system for the lifetime of your hearing aids.
Things You Should Learn
First After Buying A Hearing Aid:
1. How To Turn Your Hearing Aids On and Off
Turn you hearing aid off before inserting it and then
on again after it is in place.
2. Setting The Volume
If you hear a high pitched feedback sound, this indicates
that the volume is too high. On the other hand, if your
hearing aid is set at the highest possible volume and
your hearing is still not adequate, speak with your
dispenser about having it adjusted.
3. Inserting The Battery
The type of battery you use and its lifespan will vary
with each type of hearing aid. Use the type of battery
specified in your user brochure. Carry spare batteries
with you and keep them protected. Don't drop them in
a change purse or a pocket with change. The metal coins
could drain their life. When not wearing your hearing
aid, it is a good habit to remove the battery.
4. Check Your Hearing Aids Daily
Remove accumulated wax as described by your dispenser.
Always store your hearing aids safely in a protective
case. Be sure to keep your hearing aids and batteries
away from small and batteries away from small children
and pets. Turn off your hearing aids when around loud
or hazardous noises to protect your ears from further
damage.
ACCESSORIES
There are other equipments that can be used by hearing
impaired people. These equipment will either assist
them to hear better or will protect their hearing from
further damage. They are:
- Hearing protection devices
- Assistive Listening Device
- FM system
- Vibrating alarm clock / watch
- Telephone amplifier
Communication techniques
Even with your hearing aids you will need to rely on
other listening methods. First of all, don't be afraid
to let people know you have a hearing loss.
Some Listening Tips:
- Anticipate background noise and
arrange important meetings or conversations in quiet
areas.
- Practice reading lips and look
for other visual cues.
- Ask the person you are speaking
with to face you.
- Ask people to repeat or clarify
what they said or to speak slowly and deliberately.
If you still don't get it, ask them to spell the word.
For further information, please contact the nearest
dispenser/ audiometrist
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