INFORMATION FROM THE FDA ABOUT HEARING LOSS AND HEARING AIDS

If you have trouble hearing, you're not alone. More than 25 million Americans have hearing loss, including one out of four people older than 65.

Hearing loss may come from infections, strokes, head injuries, some medicines, tumors, other medical problems, or even too much ear wax. It can also result from repeated exposure to very loud noise, such as music, power tools, or jet engines. Changes in the way the ear works as a person ages can also affect hearing.

Do You Have Trouble Hearing?

If you have trouble hearing, you're not alone. More than 25 million Americans have hearing loss, including one out of four people older than 65. Hearing loss may come from infections, strokes, head injuries, some medicines, tumors, other medical problems, or even too much ear wax. It can also result from repeated exposure to very loud noise, such as music, power tools, or jet engines. Changes in the way the ear works as a person ages can also affect hearing.

For Most People, There is Help

The good news is that, for most people who have a hearing loss, there are ways to fix the problem. So if you have trouble hearing, visit your doctor or hearing health care professional to find out if you have a hearing loss and, if so, how to treat it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rules to make sure that treatments for hearing loss--medicines, hearing aids, and other medical devices--are safe and really work.

You Might Need a Hearing Aid if:

		people say you're shouting when you talk to them
		you need the TV or radio turned up louder than other people do
		you often have to ask people to repeat what they say because you can't quite hear them, especially in groups or when there is background noise
		you can't hear a noise if you're not facing the direction it's coming from
		you seem to hear better out of one ear than the other
		you have to strain to hear
		you keep hearing a hissing or ringing background noise
		you can't hear a dripping faucet or the high notes of a violin.

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor or hearing health care professional so you can be tested for hearing loss.

Hearing Tests and Treatments

To find out what kind of hearing loss you have and whether all the parts of your ear are working OK, your doctor may want you to take a hearing test. These tests are often given by a health care professional that specializes in hearing, such as an audiologist. Audiologists are usually not medical doctors but are trained to give hearing tests and interpret the results. Hearing tests are painless.

If the hearing test shows that you have a hearing loss, there may be one or more ways to treat it. Possible treatments include medication, surgery or a hearing aid.

Hearing aids can usually help hearing loss that involves damage to the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is common in older people as part of the aging process. But younger people can also have it from infections or repeated exposure to loud noises.

Hearing Aids and Cell Phones

Cell phones and hearing aids don't work very well together, so you may not be able to use a cell phone while you're wearing a hearing aid. This is because electromagnetic interference between the phone and the hearing aid causes buzzing or static. Scientists are trying to find out more about this problem and what can be done about it.

Types of Hearing Aids

All hearing aids have these parts:

		a microphone, to pick up sound
		an amplifier, to make sound louder
		a speaker, to bring sound to the ear
		a battery.

Some people only need a hearing aid for one ear. Other people need one for each ear. If you need a hearing aid, your doctor will know whether you need one or two.

Here are some of the most common types of hearing aids:

		Behind-the-Ear: This kind of hearing aid fits behind the ear and carries sound to the ear through a custom ear mold. Hearing aids that are attached to eyeglasses are a type of behind-the-ear hearing aid. They are useful for mild to severe hearing loss.
		In-the-Ear: These are custom-made to fit in the outer ear. You can't see any wires because they are inside the aid. They are useful for mild to moderate hearing loss.
		In-the-Ear-Canal: This kind of hearing aid is custom-made to fit in the ear canal. There are no outside wires or tubes. These hearing aids are almost impossible to see. They help people with all but the worst hearing loss.
		On-the-Body: These are for very bad hearing loss. They include a case with a larger microphone, amplifier and battery. The case can be carried in pockets or attached to clothing. The case is connected by a wire to an ear receiver that is attached to an ear mold.

Cochlear Implants

You may have heard about a device to help hearing that is implanted behind the ear during surgery. This device is called a cochlear (pronounced COKE-lee-ur) implant. It is only used for very bad hearing loss. It gets its name from the medical term for the inner ear - the cochlea. A cochlear implant doesn't completely restore hearing, but it helps a person hear sounds and conversations better. The device has several parts:

		An electronic device placed in the bone of the skull, behind the outer ear.
		Wires and electrodes inserted into the inner ear, or cochlea.
		A microphone and transmitter that are worn outside the body.

If your hearing is very bad, your doctor could decide if a cochlear implant could help you.

Have Your Hearing Tested

Not everyone with a hearing problem can be helped by a hearing aid. Your doctor or hearing health care professional is the best person to know if a hearing aid might help you.

You should have your hearing tested by a specialist before you buy a hearing aid. It's best to get your hearing test from a licensed hearing health care professional.

If the hearing test shows that you need a hearing aid, you will get a note or prescription saying your hearing has been tested and you need a hearing aid. The note may also say what kind of hearing aid the hearing health care professional recommends.

Buyer Beware

You may see ads that say that you can buy a hearing aid without being examined. This is true -- it's up to you. But if you decide you don't want a medical exam to rule out a medical reason for the hearing loss, you will have to sign a written statement called a waiver. The waiver says that the company or person selling the hearing aid has told you that the FDA has determined that it is in your best health interest to have a medical examination by a licensed physician -- preferably one that specializes in ear diseases -- before buying a hearing aid, but that you decided not to have the medical exam.

Ads may also offer money-back guarantees if you're not satisfied with the hearing aid. Make sure you read and understand what the seller is promising.

Always buy a hearing aid from a licensed hearing aid dispenser, or seller.

To find out if the seller is licensed, call or write your local Better Business Bureau or your state's attorney general.

For More Information

American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery (703) 836-4444
www.entnet.org

American Academy of Audiology (703) 790-8466
www.audiology.org/consumer/

American Speech-Language Hearing Association, Action Center 1-800-638-8255
www.asha.org/index.cfm

Better Hearing Institute Hearing HelpLine 1-800-EAR-WELL (1-800-327-9355)
www.betterhearing.org

International Hearing Society Hearing Aid HelpLine 1-800-521-5247
www.ihs.info.org/Consumer Resources/

The Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that makes sure medicines and medical devices work and are safe.

Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane (HFI-40)
Rockville, MD 20857

Reprinted from:http://www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/hearaid.html. Copyright the respective owners.

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What are Hearing Aids

Assistive hearing devices are available in unique shapes, sizes and designs. Nonetheless, all hearing aids operate in an identical method. Nevertheless, just about all hearing aids operate in a similar method. There is a built-in microphone which accumulates sound that is processed digitally in the hearing aid. The resulting ‘signals’ are forwarded to the recipient – like a tiny speaker — where they are transformed back into even louder sounds that you can listen to.

Why do you have to wear hearing aids?

Hearing devices can help you listen to ordinary and usual sound like the phone ringing and make it quicker to follow conversations. So that your esteem in talking to people should be enhanced as well as daily or social occasions ought to less of a struggle. You will also appreciate listening to music, the television as well as radio once again.

In the event that you have tinnitus, you will find that aids disturb you less while wearing assistive hearing devices.

When your hearing problem is in both ears you can also use a pair of hearing aids. Lots of people find 2 hearing aids enable them to know where the sounds are coming from.

What are the functions of hearing devices perform?

Hearing aids can actually:

• Create sounds louder
• Help to make discussions simpler
• Help you hear on the phone
• A few can help eliminate particular noises.

There are people who think that hearing aids can make your own hearing ability ‘lazy’. This is unreal – assistive hearing devices will not build your hearing even worse. However, they will not necessarily make sounds completely clear and you may nevertheless find it hard to adhere to what people say in noisy areas.

What otherwise can help?

Whatever their level of listening, many people find it helpful to watch individuals facial expressions when in discussion. Most people read lips to some extent especially in places that are crowded and noisy. Gestures as well as words and phrases are also significant in terms of interacting. Even using hearing aids, understanding how to read lips can also be helpful.

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Different Kinds of Hearing Aids

In this part, we will provide you with a concept about the different selections that are available. Or for more in-depth info, you can see our assistive hearing devices factsheets as well as booklets.

Electronic or Analogue

Analogue and electronic hearing aids look very the same, however they manipulates sound in a different way.

On one hand, analogue augments electronic signals. On the other hand, digital aids make use of a small computer in order to produce sound. This implies that is it is workable to customize the aid to suit your hearing problems very specifically. Numerous digital hearing aids can be adjusted to different configurations for different sound conditions, for example, a cozy living room or perhaps a swarming restaurant. There are also settings that automatically change configurations to a specific environment.

Digital assistive hearing devices are created to decrease noise; making listening in loud places much more easily. They’re also not as likely to ‘whistle’, or even provide feedbacks.

Digital-designed hearing aids on the National Health Service are available because they are standard on the NHS. It was not always the case –and we performed a big part in making it occur (external hyperlink, opens brand new browser window). Our large-scale marketing campaign noticed people send fifty thousand letters to MPs as well as helped convince the National Health Service to increase financing for audiology services, especially the budget for the hearing devices.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

Behind the ear hearing aids uses an earmould that fits comfortably within the ear, while the remaining aid rests at the rear of your ear. A few models have double mics that allow you to change between all-round sounds along with a more directional setting that helps you concentrate on what you want to listen within loud places.

Behind the ear hearing devices along with ‘open ear fitting’ possesses a tiny, soft earpiece on the edge of the tubing rather than an earmould. This kind of fitting can be less seen than an earmould but is only possible when your hearing problem is not that serious. It can really give you a very organic sound.

Receiver the ear (RITE)

Receiver in-the-ear (RITE) (or speaker in-the-ear) are regularly smaller than the behind the ear aids simply because some pieces of the gadget rests inside the ears. Like open ear BTE hearing aids, they are comfortably put in than an earmould if you find fiddly duties uncomfortable.

In fact, there are different types of RITE hearing aids for different amounts of hearing problems. If your hearing problem is serious, you need a RITE that receiver rests in an earmould.

In the ear (ITE)

This kind of hearing aid matches completely to your ear. The working components are generally in a tiny compartment clipped to the earmould or even within the molded part itself. ITE helps tend to require repairing more often than BTE aids.

Completely in the canal (CIC)

This hearing aid is actually smaller compared to ITE, so that they are less noticeable. They’re unlikely to become appropriate for those who have serious hearing problems or frequent ear bacterial infections.

Body Worn

Body Worn hearing aids possess a small box that you can simply place it on your clothes or your pocket. This is linked by a lead to the earphone. There are people who find the regulator less tricky compared to those that are smaller. Several body-worn are very effective.

Bone Conduction

Bone conductions are for those who have conductive hearing loss or individuals who cannot put on traditional hearing devices. They provide sound to the skull by way of oscillations. Learn more about them in our factsheet Bone fragments hearing devices.

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Buying Hearing Aids Online

Purchasing Hearing Aids Through the Internet

Direct online hearing aid sales are mostly limited to open-ear hearing aids or one-size-fits-all Completely In Canal (CIC) hearing aids. This method of purchasing works best for hearing losses up to and including moderately severe. This is the least expensive option, but is not the best option for people with severe to profound hearing loss or for people who want or need optimum fine tuning and programming of their hearing aids.

Some direct online providers have you send them a copy of the results (audiogram) of a recent hearing test conducted by a professional. They then consult with you on the hearing aids that will work with your type and amount of hearing loss. Once you place an order, they will program the hearing aids to your hearing loss and send them to you. The amount of service after the sale varies.

Important Note

Be sure you know what you are buying! Some online dispensers sell second-tier hearing aids or refurbished hearing aids. Make sure that when doing your comparison shopping that you are comparing the same hearing aids! Also be sure you understand return policies and whether there is a restocking fee.

The Internet has changed how all business is done, even hearing aids. More and more people go to the Internet (just like you are doing right now) to gain product knowledge and check prices before or after going to local stores.

When hearing loss is ignored long enough and you are ready to do something about it, the Internet is a great tool. Most first-time hearing aid buyers are shocked when they get their hearing tested and find out how expensive hearing aids are. Next, they find out that their medical insurance probably does not cover any of the cost. Because hearing aids are rarely covered by medical insurance, it is important to check prices, especially since the money comes directly out of your pocket.

After doing an online search for the hearing aids just recommended to them by a local provider, most people are shocked to find them $1500 to $2000 cheaper per pair on the Internet.

Are hearing aids sold online the same as those sold by local providers?

Like any industry, there are reputable and non-reputable providers. Reputable providers sell hearing aids direct from the factory with full factory-supported warranties, whether they sell online or at a local, walk-in store.

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Cleaning your own Hearing Aids

Cleaning Your Own Hearing Devices

It is crucial that you look after your own hearing aids and thoroughly clean all of them habitually. This can extend its existence and ensure it is in good condition whenever you use it.

Cleaning Behind the Ear Hearing Devices

Preferably, you should cleanse the earmoulds and tubing at night using soap and water and rinse them carefully. Wash all of them at least once a week, at a minimum. Allow them to dry prior to fitting them back.

Wash only the earmould plus the tubing and never the hearing device itself. In order to detach the earmould and the tubes from the hearing aids, lightly draw the plastic tubing in the elbow (hooked component) from the hearing device. Do not take away the elbow – this is an area of the hearing aid and may end up damaged when cleaning it.

Clean your own hearing devices using a clean, soft and dry cloth or tissue. Don’t just use any cleaning material as they can possibly damage this. Make sure not to get the hearing aid wet.
If you have a pair of hearing devices, ensure that you know which earmould is associated with the hearing device so that you can place them back together accurately.

It is crucial that you take care of your hearing aids as well as clean them frequently. The tubes on your assistive hearing devices need to be replaced every 3 to 6 several months prior to it solidification, splits or causes issues. The hearing aid centre or dispenser can suggest you regarding how to change the tubing, or even get it done for you personally.

In the Ear Hearing Aids

This type of assistive hearing device has no earmould to be detached.
The entire aid ought to be cleaned using a dried out fabric. Ensure that it doesn’t touch any kind of fluid. Usually, the hearing aid comes with a wax pick, which is a little device for removing wax from the opening of the hearing aid.
The instruction manual that come together with the hearing aids will let you know in greater detail concerning how to thoroughly clean them.

Earmoulds

The earmould is a very important part of a BTE hearing aid. It regulates sound from the hearing aid right through your ear and can create impact on the quality of what a person hears.
Earmoulds should match comfortably as well as easily. An earmould that doesn’t match well or perhaps is hard to put in place can make your hearing device less function. In case you have problems with your earmould, go back to your audiologist or the dispenser that sold you your current aids.
There are times when earmoulds can be modified to help you hear better or made of special materials which are not created not to aggravate or inflame your ear.
You should practice putting your hearing aid as well as earmould correctly. Many people think it is useful to make use of a mirror.
Some people prefer to create a function of their hearing devices – you can in fact have earmoulds produced in daring colors or studded with glitter to really look best!

Batteries
It’s a wise decision to carry extra electric batteries with you. For example, if you are concerned that your electric batteries are running out halfway for an important meeting, make sure you alter the electric batteries in advance.

In the case that the sound of your hearing aids gets fainter, vanishes, or even becomes crackly, blurry or even distorted, alter the batteries right away. There are hearing aids that give a signal (bleeping or ‘fluttering’ sound) in the event that the electric battery is running out.

If you purchased you hearing devices independently you also need to purchase the batteries yourself. You can get alternate batteries from chemists or drug stores, your dispenser or even the shop.
Whenever you substitute batteries remember to do as instructed carefully.

There might be a label somewhere on the surface of the battery. You need to remove this before inserting the battery on the hearing device.

Be sure that the battery is the right way around: the + sign on the battery should complement the + on the battery compartment.

In closing the battery compartment, don’t force it. When the compartment doesn’t close, it might be that the battery is in the wrong position.

Make sure that the hearing aid is working appropriately right after have altered the battery.

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Do I need to wear two Hearing Aids?

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Choosing a Style of Hearing Aid

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Causes and Types of Hearing Loss

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How the Ear Works

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Do I need Hearing Aids?

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