An estimated 28 million Americans suffer from hearing loss. Yet just one in five of them wears a hearing aid. Because of misinformation and social stigma, people who could benefit from hearing aids may be missing out on a better quality of life. Hearing aids may not be best for everyone, but before you make a decision, learn about all the issues involved.

The challenges

There are many advantages to having a hearing aid, but there are some hurdles as well. Many of these can be overcome. They include:

Cost. Hearing aids can range in price from $1,500 to $5,000. On top of the price of the device, you may have to pay for battery replacement, audiologist fees and hearing aid adjustments. Hearing aids are often not covered by health insurance and are not covered by Medicare.
Embarrassment. Many people don't want to admit that they need a hearing aid. If they do decide to use one, they don't want anyone to know. If this is an issue, one of the smaller in-the-ear or in-the-canal models may be a better choice.
It can take weeks or months for a person to get used to a hearing aid. With some patience, though, most people are able to adjust.
Some hearing aids amplify undesirable sounds. Voices may seem too loud and noises like clinking silverware and ringing telephones may be bothersome. Users need to learn to "filter out" unwanted background noise. New digital technologies are available that can compensate for some of these sounds, but they may be more costly.
Some hearing aids can be uncomfortable at first. They may cause discomfort in the ear canal. A trained audiologist should be able to help ensure a good fit.
Cognitive problems. People with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia may pull the aids out of their ears. Others break them by forgetting to take them out of their ears before they shower.
The benefits

Many people agree that the advantages of using a hearing aid outweigh any drawbacks. The benefits include:

Telephone conversations are more rewarding and less frustrating.
Tinnitus or "ringing in the ears" can be reduced by making adjustments to the device.
People may be more comfortable talking with you because you won't have to keep asking them to repeat what they say.
Your quality of life is likely to improve as you start to join in conversations and become more socially active.
Increased safety. You will become more aware of your surroundings.
Types of hearing aids

Each type of hearing aid has its pros and cons:

Behind-the-ear (BTE). Worn behind your ear and attached to an earmold that sits inside the ear. Another style of BTE is made with a narrow tube that goes into your ear canal.
Advantages: The narrow tube on some models keeps the canal open and can help make your voice sound more natural to you. All BTE models are powerful enough to help with severe and profound hearing loss.
Disadvantages: The earmold must fit snugly into the ear canal to eliminate feedback. For some people, it may be hard to hold in place.

In-the-ear (ITE). A small, hard plastic case that is placed inside of the outer ear.
Advantages: Cosmetically appealing; has enhanced amplification at high frequencies; easy to insert.
Disadvantages: May have feedback problems.

In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC). A tiny case that fits partially or completely inside the ear canal.
ITC advantages: Cosmetically appealing; has enhanced amplification at high frequencies.
ITC disadvantages: Not good for more than moderate hearing loss; user needs good dexterity to insert aid.
CIC advantages: Most appealing cosmetically; not visible to others.
CIC disadvantages: Not good for severe or profound hearing loss; good dexterity needed for insertion and changing of batteries.
If you think you need a hearing aid, ask your doctor to refer you to an audiologist. Make sure he or she is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Your audiologist will do testing to measure your hearing loss. He or she will also help you find the hearing aid that is best for you.

SOURCES:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Treatment and rehabilitation.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Hearing aids.
National Institutes of Health. Fact sheet: Hearing aids.

(by kivitv.com)

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