Hearing aids are small electronic devices that can be customized to address different types of hearing loss. All digital hearing aids have at least one microphone to pick up sound, a computer chip that amplifies and processes the sound, a speaker that sends the signal to the ear, and a battery for power.
How Do Hearing Aids Help With Hearing Loss?
A hearing aid amplifies sounds. They are often prescribed to people who have sensorineural hearing loss, which indicates that some of the hair cells of the inner ear have been damaged. The healthy hair cells pick up the sound delivered by the hearing aid and send them as neural signals to the brain.
Hearing Aid Fitting
A number of things will be considered when selecting and fitting a pair of hearing aids. The best choice for you will depend not only on the severity and type of hearing loss but also your budget, cosmetic preferences, career demands, and other concerns.
Because hearing aids are customized, not every brand, style, or technology of hearing aid is suitable for everyone. Even two people with the same type of hearing loss may end up with different hearing aids based on other preferences and selection criteria.
Will I Hear Better Right Away?
Yes, however, your new hearing aids will take some getting used to. Healthcare professionals will perform an initial fitting, after which they will fine-tune the features and adjust levels to ensure you are benefiting from the device. It is essential to note there is an adjustment period when wearing new devices. It takes some time to get used to new hearing aids, even if you’ve worn a particular type of hearing aid for many years.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?
Hearing aids are considered tiny computers for your ears. Because of their sophisticated technology and miniature size, hearing aid prices range from less than $1,000 to as much as $4,000+ per ear for the best technology. Features, size, and levels of customization can all account for differences in cost.
Hearing Aid Upkeep And Care
Many healthcare professionals offer hearing aid cleaning at zero cost. However, it is a good habit to learn daily maintenance and clean it regularly to protect your investment.
Many hearing aid problems are easy to troubleshoot at home or with the help of your hearing care provider.