Can the same hearing aid fit all?

No.  Since there are many types and degrees of hearing losses, hearing aids have to be individually fitted.  The audiologists will discuss with the patient and select the hearing aid that is suitable for the individual’s hearing loss and personal needs.

What types of hearing aids are available?

There are three types of hearing aids, based on the sound processing strategy:

 (i) Analogue hearing aids amplify the sounds according to their waveforms but  usually offer less flexibility in adjustment to meet the individual’s hearing loss.

 (ii) Programmable hearing aids are actually analogue aids but they can be adjusted  by a computer and hence are more flexible.

 (iii) Digital hearing aids convert the analogue signals into digital signals, which  can be modified by a computer to suppress certain background noise and improve  speech clarity.

What are the styles of hearing aids?

 Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) is the smallest, least-visible hearing aid but it is  usually unsuitable for severe hearing losses.

 In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is larger than CIC but is cosmetically appealing.

 In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid is often in the form of a custom ear shell, which fits  securely in the outer ear.

 Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid is worn hanging on the ear with a custom ear  mould. The BTE fits a wide range of hearing loss and is usually more powerful.

Will those small hearing aids fall off or drop into the ear?

The shape of one’s ear will usually be cast into the mould and custom made into an ear shell so that the hearing aid will fit snugly in the ear.  If the ear shell is properly made and placed in the ear, it should not fall off or drop into the ear when one engages in non-vigorous activities such as walking and eating.  In addition, the ear shell also prevents the sound from ‘leaking’ out of the ear and hence improves the quality of sound.  Therefore, one does not usually get a hearing aid instantly but has to wait for the ear shell to be made.

How much does a hearing aid cost?

In general, analogue hearing aids are the cheapest type, followed by programmable hearing aids, while digital hearing aids are the most expensive.

An estimation of the costs:

• Analogue: from a few hundred dollars onwards
• Programmable: from several hundred dollars onwards
• Digital: from one thousand dollars onwards

As a general guide, the smaller the aid, the higher the price will be.

Why are hearing aids so expensive?

Hearing aids are specialised devices and a lot of research has been put into developing ways to improve the sound quality of hearing aids. Therefore, the overheads of hearing aids are quite high.

After paying so much money, is there any guarantee that I will benefit from the hearing aid?

There are some people who will not benefit from hearing aids. The aid makes it easier for the patient to hear sounds.  However, it does not guarantee better speech clarity.  Based on individual profiles, we can make certain predictions about the benefits, which mostly depends on each user's attitude.  Nevertheless, every individual is different and the outcome varies.

What if I really can’t afford a hearing aid but I need one?

Those who are in financial difficulty will be referred to the Medical Social Services for assistance.

Is it better to wear one or two hearing aids?

Wearing two hearing aids does not make you twice as deaf! Wearing hearing aids in both ears may afford some advantages, such as being able to hear better in noise, an improved ability to localise sounds and overall clarity.

How long does it take to get used to wearing a hearing aid?

The period to get used to a hearing aid varies from person to person.  In most cases, the hearing loss takes place gradually over many years.  Therefore, it takes time to get used to listening to all the different sounds, where one would probably have forgotten what they are or had been listening to distorted versions of the sounds.  Analogue hearing aids not only make speech louder but also background noises.  Hence, following a conversation in a noisy environment can be difficult.  Better digital hearing aids can make speech in some noisy situations clearer, but it is not equivalent to normal hearing.  However, with patience, perseverance and practice, listening can become an enjoyable experience again.

How do I maintain the hearing aid?

Your hearing aid comes with an instruction manual.  Please read it carefully for tips on hearing aid care. The audiologists will also instruct you in detail once you obtain your hearing aid.  Your hearing aid is generally not waterproof and only the ear mould of the BTE can be washed.  One of the most common problems is having earwax trapped in the soundbore. Therefore, make sure you clean your hearing aid regularly, as instructed in the manual, to prevent wax blockage.

The manufacturer usually gives a warranty period of one year. After this period, it depends on how well you maintain it. But the lifespan of the hearing aid is usually 4 to 5 years.

Will there be any side effect from hearing aid use?

Although a battery is being used in the hearing aid, the voltage (1.4V) is too low to emit any harmful radiation. Sudden loud sounds such as thunder would not cause any trauma as most hearing aids have a filter to block out sounds, which are too loud.

Will my hearing change after wearing the hearing aid?

There is no concrete evidence to show that one’s hearing will change with hearing aid use. A correctly fitted hearing aid will only help you to hear better. It will not damage your hearing. Changes in hearing tend to be caused by other factors such as age, diseases, medications, etc.