F.A.Q.s

Why does music from a CD sound more crisp, clear, and distortion-free than music from a record or tape? The answer, at least in part, is the difference between analog and digital sound processing.

Digital hearing aids have one or more microchip processors inside them that convert analog sound waves into the zeros and ones of computer language. Sound in this format can be processed more quickly and efficiently; in fact, incoming sounds are sampled at a rate of a million times per second. Digital circuitry analyzes these sound levels and frequencies, manipulating them to provide a more efficient match to your hearing profile.

For example, a person with a hearing loss may have trouble hearing soft sounds, but when some sounds are amplified even a small amount, they become uncomfortably loud. Digital hearing aids stratify incoming sounds, detect those that need amplification from those that don't, and process the sounds accordingly.

The right hearing instrument style and size for you depends on several factors, including:

* Degree Of Hearing Loss
* Listening Requirements
* Ear Shape & Size
* Ability To Handle Instrument & Controls
* Lifestyle Needs

Factors to Consider

What should you think about when buying hearing aids? All other things aside, your hearing aid must be a good match for your lifestyle and hearing loss characteristics, fit comfortably and be adjustable, either manually or automatically.

Lifestyle

Consider your life, work, free-time activities. What are the things you do that are most affected by hearing loss? What are the things, if any, that you're not able to do because of a hearing loss? Define your needs and set priorities. Your job may also be a factor. If you work outdoors in the elements or travel frequently, and are concerned about a hearing aid's durability, you may want to consider a back- up instrument.

Hearing Loss Characteristics

The nature and severity of your hearing loss will play a large role in determining which hearing aids are ultimately recommended to you. Your hearing professional can help you understand your unique hearing loss characteristics, and explain the models that would best suit your lifestyle needs.

MYTH: My type of hearing loss cannot be helped.
FACT: In virtually all cases, nerve deafness can be helped through amplification. Other types of impairment may be medically treatable. Under any circumstance, regular examinations and hearing tests will provide a certain answer. Some people discover their problem is just too much earwax!

MYTH: Hearing aids will restore my hearing to normal.
FACT: Just as their name suggests, these devices can only aid your hearing, whatever its condition. They can't restore hearing nor retard the progression of nerve deafness.

Myth: My hearing problem isn't bad enough to need two aids.
FACT: Like our vision, our hearing mechanism relies on input from both ears to locate sound sources, and focus on specific sounds and conversations. Studies show that those wearing two aids understand more clearly and enjoy better sound quality.

MYTH: The fancy new digital hearing aids can automatically eliminate unwanted background noise.
FACT: No instruments, no matter how sophisticated, can do what only the human brain does: selectively cancel out noise that you perceive as undesirable. Better understanding with amplification in noisy environments will vary due to the type and degree of hearing loss, accuracy of the instrument fitting, and most importantly, your ability and patience as you relearn to hear with amplified sound hearing loss, accuracy of the instrument fitting, and most importantly, your ability and patience as you relearn to hear with amplified sound.

MYTH: Hearing aids are too expensive.
FACT: Cost is relative to the perceived value you get from your hearing aids. The most important 'investment' is your attitude and willingness to adapt to a new world of sound. For many, the improved quality of life and relationships make it one of the best investments they've made.

MYTH: Bargain hearing aids work just as well as the expensive ones.
FACT: Mail-order hearing aids, or those purchased online lack one critical ingredient: The expertise and care of a licensed hearing professional. You're not likely to trust other aspects of your health care to a mail-order solution, so why do it with something as essential as your hearing?

MYTH: I'm too old to benefit from hearing aids.
FACT: Chances are, no matter what your age, you rely on your hearing to maintain connection with the world, and communicate with those close to you. How would it make others feel if you're not willing to try improving this vital activity?

MYTH: Wearing a hearing aid is a sign of old age.
FACT: Actually, your hearing loss is probably more noticeable. Always saying "what?," turning the TV up, or avoiding phone conversations and social gatherings is more apparent than having small, possibly invisible devices in your ears. Left unresolved, your problem could seriously affect the quality of relationships and friendships.