For many deaf people, hearing aids are indispensable assistive devices. Not only can they improve the hearing level of deaf people, protect residual hearing, and prevent cognitive disorders, but they can also improve their quality of life and enhance their social skills. How many steps are involved in the fitting of hearing aids? What should be paid attention to after wearing hearing aids? Why do some people not want to wear hearing aids? Let’s answer the questions related to the fitting of hearing aids with Xiaota.
As for myopia glasses, everyone knows that you must have an eye examination to understand the visual acuity and get accurate data, and adjust repeatedly to ensure that all parameters are appropriate before wearing them. Similarly, hearing aids should not be purchased and worn casually. Everyone has a different degree of hearing loss, and a comprehensive understanding of the hearing condition is needed before wearing a hearing aid. During the fitting, it is also necessary to adjust repeatedly to make the hearing aid reach the best level as far as possible, so that the wearer can hear, understand, and enjoy good hearing, and the wearer should feel comfortable and natural when using it. For example, it is necessary to understand whether the high-frequency sound compensation is in place, whether the low-frequency sound compensation is too strong, whether the sound is too loud when used, and whether the hearing is good in a noisy environment, so as to choose a hearing aid with satisfactory power, performance, and style.
In short, if you do not go through the fitting and buy and wear hearing aids casually, the effect of hearing aids can hardly be guaranteed, and it may even lead to further decline in original hearing.
01 General steps for hearing aid fitting
A full-body and otological examination should be performed on the patient first, paying particular attention to the condition of the outer ear and eardrum, to rule out any contraindications for hearing aid use. Then, a comprehensive audiological examination should be completed to obtain as much information about hearing as possible, with the aim of determining the degree of hearing loss in each octave from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz.
It is to determine which ear to wear the hearing aid. Hearing aids are advocated to be worn in both ears. Because it is easier to hear in both ears in a noisy environment and it is beneficial for the localization of sound sources. If wearing a single hearing aid, the side without the hearing aid will experience a decline in hearing and speech recognition ability. If the patient is not allowed to wear a hearing aid in both ears due to various conditions, it is necessary to determine which ear to wear it.
It is to make an ear mold with acoustic effect. Patients with mild hearing loss can also try wearing an earplug first to get a general idea of the effect of the hearing aid, but patients with severe hearing loss must take an ear mold before trying to wear it, otherwise, the wearer may lose confidence in hearing compensation because the hearing aid cannot play its full effect.
It is to select the appropriate hearing aid for the patient based on the results of the audiological examination, the wearer’s wishes, the working environment, and the economic affordability, including power, performance, type, style, and shell color.
The doctor will connect the hearing aid selected by the patient to the matching software for programming, adjustment, and auxiliary function setting.
Let the patient try wearing the hearing aid in the clinic for a period of time, and then evaluate the effect of the hearing aid in different acoustic environments (such as quiet environment, two-person conversation environment, party meeting and other multi-person conversation environment, roadside vegetable market and other language noise environment). It should be pointed out in particular that when evaluating the effect of a hearing aid, not only the aided hearing threshold should be tested, but also the aided discomfort threshold should be tested. Many people refuse to wear hearing aids because of a bad wearing experience, which is related to the lack of emphasis on the test of the aided discomfort threshold or the failure to adjust the hearing aid in time according to the test prompts.
After children and adult patients have worn and adjusted the hearing aids, they should evaluate the practical effect of the hearing aids by means of speech testing after the adaptation period; for infants who have not yet developed language and cannot cooperate, they should also be evaluated frequently by the sound field method and adjust the parameters according to the evaluation results and usage feedback.
02 Unable to complete the adaptation training
Just like wearing glasses for myopia and dental prostheses, there are many things that are not used to wearing hearing AIDS for the first time, especially for those patients who have been hearing loss for a long time and have adapted to a quiet environment. After wearing hearing AIDS, they will feel that the surrounding noise is too loud and unbearable, and some patients will refuse to wear them because of this. In fact, as long as the adaptation training is completed step by step, it is not difficult to accept the hearing AIDS.
When wearing hearing AIDS for the first time, the volume should be turned down a little, and practice listening to some favorite sounds in a relatively quiet environment, such as the sound of clocks, the flow of tap water, and the sound of one’s own footsteps. Gradually transition to a sound environment where two or three people are talking. After a period of adaptation, go to a more noisy environment, such as a small discussion meeting, party, etc. Finally, go to public places such as shopping malls, theaters, and supermarkets. The time of wearing should also be gradually increased from less to more, and finally transition to full-time wearing. As for how long it takes to fully adapt to hearing AIDS, it varies from person to person. Some people can accept it in a few days, while others may need several weeks or even months to adapt.
In short, the key point of adaptation training is to gradually transition from quiet to noisy environment, and pay attention to the wearing time from short to long.
03 Regular follow-up is important
After hearing aid fitting, if the wearer’s hearing changes or the performance of the hearing aid changes the effect of hearing compensation cannot be guaranteed. Especially for young children who are wearing hearing aids for the first time, their ability to respond to sound will gradually improve, and the degree improvement varies from person to person, which requires close observation to master; the hearing of elderly patients is also prone to some changes, so after wearing hearing aids, it is necessary to review the patient’s hearing, the performance of the hearing aid and the hearing aid effect, and adjust problems found in time, so as to give full play to the best effect of the hearing aid.
04 How to maintain hearing aids
In addition to regular maintenance at the fitting institution, during daily use, the wearer or caregiver also needs to pay attention to the following points.
Moisture-proof. Keep the hearing aid dry, wipe the sweat on the surface of the hearing aid with a soft cotton cloth in time, and place the hearing aid in a dry box when not in use. Be sure to take off the hearing aid when washing your hair, bathing, or swimming. Hearing aids should not come into direct contact with rainwater. If the hearing aid gets damp by accident, it should be placed in a dry bottle to absorb moisture or left to dry naturally. Do not use fire or high temperature to dry it, and also avoid direct sunlight.
Anti-corrosion. To prevent the hearing aid from being corroded by battery fluid, the battery should be removed when it is not used for a long time. After taking off the hearing aid at night, open the battery compartment or remove the battery. Do not use corrosive solutions to clean the hearing aid.
Shock-proof. The important components inside the hearing aid, such as the microphone and receiver, are very easy to damage if they are subjected to strong vibrations. The wearer should take off and put on the hearing aid in a soft environment (such as a bed, sofa, etc.) to avoid the hearing aid falling and damaging on a hard surface. In addition, after taking off the hearing aid, it should be placed in a safe place to avoid damage from children or pets.
Cleaning. Keep the hearing aid clean, clean the hearing aid with a dry cotton ball at least 1 to 2 times a week, and use alcohol to wipe it if necessary. Liquids should be avoided from flowing into the hearing aid. Often clean the dirt and water accumulated in the ear plug or earmold channel, and check if there is any foreign matter blocking the microphone port. For in-ear hearing aids, pay attention to using a small brush to clean the earwax blocked at the sound outlet, and replace the earwax guard if necessary. If the hearing aid has an unknown fault, it should be repaired in time, and do not disassemble it without authorization, so as to avoid unnecessary loss.
The hearing aid dome is the “bridge” connecting the hearing aid to the user’s ear canal, and its functions cover three dimensions: acoustic optimization, physical fixation, and health protection. When choosing, it is necessary to consider the type of hearing loss, the anatomy of the ear canal, lifestyle, and the model of the hearing aid comprehensively, and to adjust under the guidance of a professional audiologist to maximize the hearing effect. The role of the hearing aid dome is not only about comfort but also directly affects the transmission effect of sound and the overall performance of the hearing aid. Below is a detailed guide to choosing a hearing aid dome, covering types, applicable scenarios, precautions, and maintenance suggestions to help you make the right choice based on your personal needs: 01 hearing aid dome types and characteristics 1 Standard hearing aid dome (universal type) 2 Custom ear mold 3 Open hearing aid dome (with ventilation hole) 4 Closed hearing aid dome 5 RIC/RITE dedicated hearing aid dome 02 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Ear Plugs 1 Degree of Hearing Loss 2 Comfort and Fit 3 Management of Plugged Ear Effect 4 Usage Scenarios 5 Special Needs 03 Notes for Trial and Adjustment 1 Professional Fitting: 2 Feedback Squealing Troubleshooting: 3 Comfort Test: 04 Maintenance and Replacement of Ear Plugs 1 Cleaning Methods: 2 Replacement Cycle: 3 Storage Recommendations:
Nowadays, Bluetooth technology has been widely used in various fields, and the hearing aid industry is no exception. For example, the Bluetooth technology we often use been well applied to hearing aid products, bringing more convenience and practicality to the user experience. Many functions that could not be realized in the past have now been realized through technology. The Bluetooth function of the hearing aid is the biggest change in the function of the hearing aid in recent years. The advantages of Bluetooth hearing aids Bluetooth hearing aids integrate Bluetooth functionality, allowing wireless connection to your mobile phone or television. This is a very convenient feature for hearing aids. With Bluetooth hearing aids, mobile phone or television signals are transmitted directly to the hearing aid via radio (Bluetooth), and the effect is very good, with no distortion and no loss of signal. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can be wirelessly programmed, connected to mobile phones to make calls and listen to music, connected to wireless microphones to achieve long-distance communication and communication, wirelessly connected to televisions, etc., watching TV will not affect others, making listening clearer. Moreover, Bluetooth hearing aids can also be wirelessly connected to debugging software, making it more convenient to debug hearing aids. Real-time APP connection Bluetooth functionality is not just about connecting hearing aids to your phone, it also works in conjunction with a Bluetooth hearing aid app, which allows you to control your hearing aids from your phone at any time and anywhere. However, some Bluetooth hearing aid models or brands have their own app applications, which can fully leverage the advantages of Bluetooth functionality. Solving the problem of making phone calls The problem of unclear and inconvenient phone calls has been solved. The hearing aid only needs to be paired and connected with the mobile phone’s Bluetooth. When there is an incoming call, the Bluetooth hearing aid becomes a wireless Bluetooth headset, avoiding the feedback phenomenon of the hearing aid. Solving the problem of watching TV The Bluetooth headset can effectively reduce the attenuation of sound. Some deaf users like to watch TV, but ordinary hearing aids are still not very effective. Now that there is a Bluetooth hearing aid, you can pair it with a TV box for watching TV. After matching, the sound in the TV is directly transmitted to the hearing aid, which improves the listening effect and does not affect the family watching TV. Realizing long-distance transmission Bluetooth hearing aids can achieve long-distance transmission, with no attenuation of sound transmission, good transmission stability, clearer and more comfortable sound, less signal interference, and can be connected with wireless accessories for use. It can be connected with a wireless microphone, and the microphone can directly receive the language signal, which can achieve long-distance conversation, such as conversation places such as meetings and classrooms. Connect your phone to listen to music and scroll through videos Bluetooth hearing aids can connect to your phone via wireless Bluetooth function, which can better answer calls, watch videos, listen to music, etc. For deaf people who love music and like to listen to songs and scroll through short videos, this function is extremely friendly to them, and there is no need to worry about it. Reduce interference from the surrounding environment Wireless Bluetooth technology can effectively reduce interference from the surrounding environment. We can connect the hearing aid to Bluetooth and choose to attenuate the microphone function, so we only hear the signal sound from Bluetooth, and block other interference sources. With the increasing demand for telephone communication, video chat, watching TV, browsing short videos and other behaviors deeply into everyone’s life, our demand for hearing AIDS will also change. Therefore, when the existing hearing AIDS can not meet the above behaviors, you can consider using a wireless hearing AIDS, through the wireless connection between hearing AIDS and devices, so that listening effects are better. However, no matter how convenient the wireless Bluetooth function of the hearing aid is, it is not perfect and still has shortcomings, such as high price, fast power consumption, model restrictions, unstable signals and so on. In fact, wireless Bluetooth hearing AIDS are not the needs of all hearing aid users, users can choose according to their own actual situation, believe that in the future, the wireless Bluetooth technology of hearing AIDS will be better and better.
Why do hearing aids vary so much in price? If you’re considering purchasing a hearing aid, you might be surprised to find that the price range in the market can be extremely wide—from cheap devices costing a few tens of dollars to high-end models that can go up to a few thousands. Why is there such a big price gap? Is an expensive hearing aid really better than a cheaper one? This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of the factors behind the price of hearing aids, helping you make a more informed decision when it comes to making a purchase. First and foremost, the price difference of hearing aids is closely related to their types. Currently, hearing aids on the market are mainly divided into the following categories: (1) Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids (2) Standard Digital Hearing Aids (3) High-end Custom Hearing Aids (4) Implanted hearing aids (such as cochlear implants) (1) Material The materials used in cheap and expensive hearing aids are different. Hearing aids made from low-cost materials have a shorter lifespan and the sound amplification and reproduction will have a significant distortion, affecting listening quality and satisfaction. Expensive hearing aids use better materials, which last longer and are less likely to break. The sound reproduction is more realistic and clear. (2) Technology Cheap hearing aids are more like a combination of speakers, amplifiers, and microphones. They simply amplify the sound without any processing, including amplifying the surrounding noise along with the sound into the ear canal. Expensive hearing aids have chips and algorithms. They process the collected sound, amplifying the speech sounds more and suppressing the noise. This makes the sound heard by the ear clearer and cleaner. (3) Function Cheap hearing aids can only simply amplify the sound, without noise reduction function, without strong sound interruption function, and are not friendly to the ears. Expensive hearing aids have an automatic noise reduction function, have an instantaneous loud sound interruption function, avoid too loud sound breaking the eardrum, and some expensive hearing aids have a Bluetooth direct connection function, which allows us to hear music and watch videos with a cleaner sound. (4) Service (5) Brand and market positioning (6) Appearance and customization (1) Advantages and Disadvantages of Cheap Hearing Aids (<$500) ✅Pros: ❌Cons: (2) Advantages and Disadvantages of Mid-Range to High-End Hearing Aids ($500-$5,000) ✅Pros: ❌Cons: 4.How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid for You? (1) Assess Your Hearing Needs (2) Set a Budget (3) Trial Period and After-Sales Service (4) Consult with a Hearing Expert As technology advances and market competition intensifies, the price of hearing aids may gradually decrease, especially with the growing popularity of OTC hearing aids that make it possible for more people to get help at a lower cost. However, high-end hearing aids will still maintain higher prices due to ongoing technological innovations. Conclusion: The most expensive is not always the best, but the cheapest may not be sufficient. The price difference in hearing aids reflects a combination of technology, service, and brand value. If you have mild hearing loss, OTC hearing aids can be a good choice; but if you need better sound quality and adaptability, investing in a mid to high-end hearing aid might be more worthwhile. Most importantly, make an informed choice based on your hearing needs, budget, and lifestyle, and consult a professional audiologist if necessary. We hope this article helps you understand the price differences in hearing aids and find the best solution for you! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and join the discussion. Your hearing health is worth the investment, choose the right hearing aid and let the world sound clearer! 🎧
