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BENEFIT OF
HEARING AID
A hearing aid is the first and most important thing to
help you hear better.
Millions of Indians with hearing
loss could benefit from hearing aids but have not obtained
them.
Consumers are sometimes concerned about the
appearance of a hearing aid, but a hearing loss is much more
conspicuous than a hearing aid.
There is no Consumer
Reports type of matrix comparing specific brands or models of
hearing aids. That is because it is not like buying a washing
machine. Everyone's hearing loss is different.
Do not
rush into buying a hearing aid. Spend time researching this
major purchase, just as you would a car.
First get a
thorough evaluation of your hearing by a qualified hearing
health professional.
Audiologists can advise you on
which hearing aid is best suited for your lifestyle and
listening needs. Another consideration will be what you can
afford.
Most hearing aids are programmed, so the skill
of your provider is an essential factor in determining your
satisfaction.
Therefore, ask, which speech processing
strategy is best for me, rather than which hearing aid is
best.
Hearing aids with digital circuitry are the
newest type. They may be a good choice for your particular
hearing loss. However, they are the most expensive.
Programmable aids can be customized to fit your needs
and there are a wide range of features to consider, such as
directional microphones, telecoil, direct audio input and
remote control.
There are two ways of acquiring
information about hearing aids the method of reason and the
method of personal experience. It is good to read articles and
speak with savvy consumers and professional educators.
However, eventually you will want to try out a hearing aid on
your own.
Know your rights about a trial period as you
adjust to an aid.
There will be provider return
policies but there may be state laws to protect you as
well.
Ask the audiologist about the possibility of trying
one hearing aid for a while and then trying another one out
for a while to compare.
Be aware that it may take a
while for the brain to adjust to a hearing aid, so you can't
always determine right away if you will like it.
Bring
appropriate expectations: hearing aids may help you cope more
effectively in communication, but they will not restore normal
hearing.
Be aware that hearing aids do not work well
in all situations.
Assistive listening devices, such
as FM, infrared and loop systems, used in conjunction with
hearing aids, improve hearing aid effectiveness in difficult
listening situations, such as noisy restaurants.
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