What's That You Say? Today's Hearing Aids Improve Hearing with Less Hassle

Monday, February 04, 2008

ROCHESTER, Minn. — An estimated one-fourth of Americans between the ages of 65 and 75 have some degree of hearing loss. Among those 75 and older, three out of four have difficulties hearing. The most common treatment for age-related hearing problems is a hearing aid.

Yet, many people with hearing loss hesitate to wear a hearing aid because they are concerned about its effectiveness or self-conscious about how it looks. But wearing a hearing aid is much less noticeable than constantly asking people to repeat themselves or, worse, responding to a question with an unrelated answer. And today's devices are so automated that they require little, if any, adjustments.

A Special Report in the February issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter looks at many aspects of hearing loss and treatment, including hearing aid options.

Hearing aid technologies include:

Basic analog: This conventional technology amplifies soft and loud sounds equally and works best for people who usually communicate in quiet situations. The user may need to turn down the hearing aid in loud situations. While basic analog is the least expensive option available, this technology is slowly being phased out because of newer, improved choices.

Programmable analog: This technology has more flexibility than basic analog because an audiologist can adjust controls so that soft sounds are amplified more and loud sounds less or not at all. Some can be programmed with settings for different situations. The setting can be changed via a remote control or by pushing a small button on the hearing aid. A programmable analog hearing aid costs around $900 to $1,200. This technology also is being replaced by more flexible digital hearing aids.

Digital: In a digital hearing device, a computer chip converts the incoming sound into digital code, then analyzes and adjusts the sound based on the individual's level of hearing loss. The signals are converted back into sound waves and delivered to the ears. Digital hearing aids also better control squealing (feedback) and reduce noise. The cost can range from $1,300 to $3,000 for a hearing aid.

Regardless of the technology, getting used to wearing a hearing aid takes time. Any purchase should include a trial period to ensure that the style and technology are effective. Beware if a promotion for a hearing device sounds too good to be true. Hearing aids improve hearing but they can't restore normal hearing or eliminate all background noise.

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