The Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) has mandated that cell phones should be rated depending on how much interference they are likely to cause to hearing aids. The need for hearing aid compatible cell phones has increased due to the demand of people experiencing interferences. Several digital devices like cell phones and computers give off different kinds of radio frequency and electromagnetic radiation. This often results in hearing annoying interference when holding a cell phone or any other wireless device near to your hearing aid or cochlear implant.

“Presidential hearing aid history includes President Ronald Reagan and President Bill Clinton, two presidents of very different ages who both wore hearing aids.”

The interference is typically in the form of buzzing or humming, which can make it hard for you to comprehend speech. There are also known cases where the severity of the interference can render your cell phone completely useless when you are wearing hearing aids.

The hearing aid compatible cell phones are rated through radio frequency emissions ( RF ). Additionally, the RF rating can be measured through the microphone ( M ) rating and the telecoil coupling ( T or t – coil ) rating. The scale for hearing aid compatibility ranges from one to four providing four possibilities: shaky ( M1 or T1 ), fair ( M2 or T2 ), good ( M3 or T3 ), and excellent ( M4 or T4 ).

“Considering advances in technology, and the ability of science to shrink useful items, the hearing aid of the future is likely to be an implantable device or even a surgical procedure”

The hearing aid compatible cell phones should only have three or four rating and those having one or two ratings are deemed unacceptable.

The Federal Communications Commission also ordered cell phone manufacturers to provide an icon on their products indicating that the products are hearing aid compatible cell phones. There is also an indication showing the level of compatibility for both the microphone and t – coil rating.

“There are at least two hearing aid manufacturers claiming to make the smallest hearing aid in the world”

The hearing aids must also be designed to be resistant from radio frequency interference. The scale rating of RF interference resistance for hearing aids is similar to cell phone ratings. There are currently a number of hearing aids that have a rating of M2 and T2.

Manufacturers of Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones

There are several manufacturers of hearing aid compatible cell phones for hearing – impaired customers. AT&T carries Motorola cell phones models that are hearing aid compatible including: the Motorola RAZR V3xx, Motorola RAZR V3, Motorola KRZR K11, and the Motorola RAZR2 V9.

“However amazing the world’s smallest hearing aids are, they still might be the wrong hearing aids for you. Since you will be working with these devices every day, you need to be comfortable handling them, putting them on and taking them off”

In any event, AT&T also carries hearing aid compatible cell phones from other manufacturers such as LG and Samsung. The LG Shine, LG CU515, LG Trax CU575, LG CE110, Samsung A727 and Moto Q9h Global are some of the few hearing aid compatible cell phones available in the market.

There are other cell phone carriers that provide communication lines for several hearing aid compatible cell phones. Such carries are Nextel, Sprint, T – Mobile and Verizon.

If you suffer from problems with your hearing then deciding to wear a hearing aid can be a decision which changes your life for the better. Being able to hear again will benefit everything from your relationships at home and work, to your overall health and safety.

What’s in a hearing device?

Most hearing aids feature four main components which allow you to hear more clearly. The first two components are a microphone which is used to pick up nearby noise and an amplifier which makes these noises louder. This noise is then fed through to a speaker which allows you to hear it. Most types of hearing devices are battery powered which is the forth component and is needed to power the device.

What types of hearing devices are available?

The type of hearing assistance you choose will largely depend on your personal preference and aesthetics will play a big part in your choice. You’re likely to need to use the device everyday so it’s important to carefully consider which style is right for you. If you suffer from moderate hearing loss then tiny aids can be deeply fitted into your ear canal and be virtually invisible to other people. Another option for moderate hearing loss is an aid which is not fitted as deeply into the ear canal but is still not obvious to other people. A more familiar option is the in-the-ear style which fills most of the ear opening and these are usually flesh coloured to make them less noticeable. Similar in appearance to the in-the-ear style is the behind-the-ear model which also has a separate component which fits behind the ear and this style is suitable for all levels of hearing loss.

What extras are available?

There are plenty of accessories available which will help to improve and maintain your device. You can also ask for specific features to be customised to suit your requirements. Earmoulds for example can be made with other materials to minimise irritation and splash proof covers are available which will make recreational activities such as swimming much easier. Professional cleaning sets will help to maintain the hygiene and performance levels of your device. Features such as telephone adapters can make phone conversations clearer as they help you to pick up sounds that come only from the telephone rather than background noise as well. These devices are usually used with the hearing aid set to a ‘T’ position. Some styles are available with manual volume control while others adjust volume automatically so consider which one you prefer before making an investment.

When you make a purchase

If you are buying an aid for yourself then make sure you find out what warrantees are included and also what aftercare is available. As these aids can take a while to get used to it’s wise to opt for a company which offers an aftercare service so you know you’ll have help on-hand should you need advice.

Investing in a device which can help you to hear more clearly is a big decision so make sure you ask for expert advice and consider all your options before you make a purchase.

Sound makes our life beautiful and fulfilling. For those unfortunate ones, cheap digital hearing aids are worth a look. Imagine, a world that is silent, where birds do not sing, where the sound of the running stream, the falling waterfalls is not heard; the musical instruments have no existence and you cannot hear what others are saying to you. It is unfortunate that around 10 percent of Americans are suffering from hearing loss, according to a survey by American Hearing Aid Association.

Though most common causes of hearing loss is due to aging, there are also several reasons which might lead to hearing loss such as excessive exposure to noise pollution as in a factory environment, birth related due to complications during pregnancy, or due to an injury leading to the bursting of the eardrum. In any of the mentioned cases, hearing aids are the ultimate source of hope to bring sound back into their lives.

There are different kinds of hearing aids which are advised by the physician based on your problem, budget, lifestyle and most importantly, on the one that is best suited to treat you. Of the three kinds of hearing aids – analogue, the conventional system, and digital, which is comparatively the new introduction, the basic difference between all is in their method of conversion.

Digital hearing aid converts sound waves using exact mathematical calculations that are processed by a computer, programmed in the hearing aid. There are several cheap digital hearing aids available in the market. You can purchase them either from over-the-counter stores or from online stores.

The only thing you need to decide before purchasing these life-enhancing products is to judge the authenticity of the product, as well as the reputation which you can find out by doing a search in google; and review the credibility of the online store or the dealer from where you are buying the product.

Before you make up your mind to buy them, make sure that you check out a few points which will determine if you are buying the right product. If you don’t you may live to regret it. The main functions of a digital hearing aid is that it translates sound to digital code, changes it and re-transmit it back by using mathematical calculations. More precisely to say, they duplicate sound transmission and produce high quality sound that is extremely accurate.

However, as the debate for cheap digital hearing aids continues, there is still a section of users of hearing aids who say they prefer the programmable analogue system of hearing loss aid over the automatic features of the digital hearing aid.

ored hearing aids are hearing aids that carry sound through the bone of the skull. Conventional hearing aids amplify sound so the user can hear better. With this type of hearing aid, sound is vibrated through the skull, skipping the outer and middle ear. Just imagine hearing your voice loudly even when wearing earplugs – this is how bone conduction works. These types of hearing aids are prescribed to people with unilateral hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and other hearing losses that cannot be fixed with conventional hearing aids.

Getting Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

Getting this type of hearing aid starts with a surgical procedure that imbeds a titanium implant with an external abutment onto the skull. A sound processor is located in the abutment. This processor works as the transmitter of sound, from external sources, to the abutment and then into the titanium implant. The implant then causes the inner ear and the skull to vibrate. This vibration activates the nerves of the inner ear, and causes it to hear.

The process of imbedding the titanium implant is called osseointegration. Bone anchored hearing aids can only be used two to six months after the osseointegration procedure. This is typically an easy one-stage procedure, using only a small amount of anesthesia. Patients can leave after a few hours of rest. The intake of pain relievers may be required for a couple of days.

Osseointegration is a generally safe procedure, with a success rate of above 95%. Failure can be caused by infection – but then, doctors can try the procedure again after curing infections and other side effects. In many of these procedures, the surgeon will put in a second idle receptacle. This idle receptacle will not be used until first one is damaged or fails.

Unlike adults, babies and toddlers go through two stages for the osseointegration procedure. In the first surgical stage, doctors peel back a one centimeter by one centimeter section behind the child’s ears, and then drill holes for the receptors. After six to eight months, the second surgery is done to attach the titanium implant.

For both children and adults, the wounds are allowed to heal for a couple of months before bone anchored hearing aids can be attached and used.

Who Can Get Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

In general, bone anchored hearing aids are for patients who cannot use the conventional hearing aids. They may have inflammation or infection in their ear canal. They may also suffer from malformed ear canals or outer ears. This type of hearing aid is also prescribed for people with deafness only in one ear. Likewise, this type of hearing aid is for people who suffer from bilateral conductive hearing loss because of ossicular diseases.

Risks in Getting Bone Anchored Hearing Aids

Since surgery is involved in getting this type of hearing aid, the patient risks contracting infection while the wound is still unhealed. The wound needs to be cleaned daily. A topical antibiotic should be applied in the affected area as the wound heals. Likewise, care should be taken with the titanium imbed. This should be cleaned daily with a soft brush. Its surrounding areas should also me disinfected regularly.

Care should be taken in handling the hearing aids. Even when these are designed to come off their posts, a slight impact may damage them. Cochlear Limited is the only manufacturer of this type of hearing aid for now. They offer warranty and repair within a period of time.

How Much Will It Cost

In terms of the hearing aid unit alone, cost can reach up to US$5,000. however, with the additional cost of hospitalization and surgery, expenses can add up to $35,000, on the average.

Hearing Aid Models

Since Cochlear Limited is the only current provider of this type of hearing aid, there are limited models to choose from:

1. BAHA Classic and BAHA Compact – These models have been discontinued because of developments in BAHA technology. They remain in use but with limited repair options.

2. BAHA Cordelle – This model is for those with severe hearing loss. Sound is amplified more. The Cordelle model is made up of a transducer and an additional attached unit that is worn around the body.

3. BAHA Divino – This model is digital BAHA model with built-in directional microphone.

4. BAHA Intenso – This model is supposedly the more powerful and clearer model. Feedback issues have also been reduced.

Bone anchored hearing aids are clearly the choice hearing aid for those suffering from severe hearing loss, and outer ear and ear canal defects and diseases. Advancements have made the surgical procedures that go with this type of hearing aid relatively safe.

Before buying a hearing aid, ask your audiologist these questions:

Which features would be most valuable to me?

What constitutes the total price of the hearing aid? Do the benefits of the latest technical advancements outweigh the larger prices?

What is the duration of the warranty? Is it conceivable to extend it? Does the guarantee include upcoming maintenance and repairs?

What is the test period to trial the hearing aids? (Just about all makers provide a 30 – 60-days trial period that hearing aids may be taken back for a refund.) What fees will not be refunded if the hearing aid is brought back after the trial time period?

Can the audiologist provide adjustments and supply servicing and do small repairs? Will lender aids be supplied while repairs are being carried out?

What education does the audiologist give?

New kinds of hearing aids

Though they work differently than hearing aids fitted externally, implantable hearing aid design serves to increase the transmission of sound vibrations going in the inner ear. Middle ear implants (MEI) are very small devices connected to bones within the middle ear. Rather than magnifying the sound running to the eardrum, the MEI moves the bones themselves. Both of these methods present the equivalent effect of fortifying audio vibrations entering the inner ear so they can be sensed by individuals suffering from nerve deafness.

Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are small devices that attach to bone located behind the ear. These devices transmit sound vibrations straight into the inner ear via the skull, without going in to the middle ear. Generally BAHAs are used by persons with middle ear troubles or hearing loss in one ear. Since a surgical procedure is needed to implant either one of these devices, a lot of hearing specialists are of the opinion that the benefits might not be enough to outweigh the risks.

Current research on hearing aids

Methods are being well thought out by researchers to implement new signal processing strategies to hearing aid design. Signal processing represents the technique in use to alter normal audio waves to amplify sounds to best match the remaining hearing of a someone using a hearing aid. NIDCD funded researchers are also studying how to make hearing aids intensify language signals to help to improve understanding.

In addition, research is checking into the use of computer aided technology in planning and constructing more efficient hearing aids. Investigators continue to look for ways to improve sound transferring to cut back on feedback, noise interference and the blockage effect. Additional fields of study centre on the most advantageous methods to select and fit hearing aids to children and other groups whose hearing ability is hard to analyse.

Some other promising research centres on using lessons acquired from animal examples to aim for improved microphones to be used in hearing aids. NIDCD backed scientists are analysing the midget fly Ormia ochracea since they have an ear structure that lets the fly ascertain the origin sounds very easily. The fly has an ear structure that is being used by scientists as a framework for designing tiny directional microphones for use in hearing aids. The microphones exaggerate the sound originating from a specific focus (commonly the direction an individual is facing), without the sounds that come from a different direction. Directional microphones hold extraordinary promise in making it far easier to hear an individual conversation, even whilst enclosed by other voices and noises.

(c) 2008 Jay Ta

A hearing aid needs to be maintained and looked after to ensure it is working at its best potential. Not only will this ensure you are getting the best out of your hearing aid but it will prolong its life.

There are behind-the-ear and in-the-ear hearing aids both need to be looked after and maintained.

Behind-the-ear hearing aid should be cleaned every night if not at least once a week. Remove the ear mould and tubing which needs to washed in warm soapy water and rinsed. Do not dry them, leave them to dry themselves. Once cleaned and dried then fit them back to your hearing aid.

The hearing aid itself shouldd be cleaned with a soft dry cloth only as any solutions may damage the hearing aid.

The tube will need to be replaced every three to six months; this will prevent cracks and hardening of the tube. You should be shown how to replace the tube by your dispenser. If you have two hearing aids ensure you keep each mould and tube with the right hearing aid to put it all back correctly.

In-the-ear hearing aids have no tubes to detach and clean, you should clean the aid with a dry soft cloth or tissue. Do not use any liquid on the hearing aid as it may damage it, only use the cloth.

Some in-the-ear hearing aids come with a wax pick and instructions how to clean.

Not only do you need to ensure that your hearing aid has been cleaned regularly but change the battery often. If the sounds become quieter, distorted, crackling then change the battery. It is a good idea to carry your spare battery with you just in case. Some hearing aids may have a slight beeping noise when the battery needs to be changed.

With NHS hearing aids the batteries should be supplied free of charge which you should be able to collect form any local hearing centre with your record book. Privately bought hearing aids you will have to buy batteries which you can normally get from local chemists.

Hearing aids should be kept away from water, heat, hair products and body sprays as they may damage it. Try and take your hearing aid out when you go to sleep and turn it off to save the battery. Turning the hearing aid off whenever you are not using the hearing aid can help maintain the battery.

There are many common problems which occur with hearing aids but to establish which problem you should go through a checklist. It may sound simple but always check the hearing aid is on, the volume is up, not on setting ‘T’, the battery is in correctly and change battery if needed.

All these points may sound like common sense but they are easily done.

Remember to look after your hearing aid and it will last longer.

Throughout the world the people more or less are facing with hearing problem. The problem is noticed at the time of miss hearing when talking personally or receiving calls through telephone or other sources. You can also experience it at the time of watching television or movies. If someone feels hearing problem the best remedy available is to consult audiologist at the earliest for proper treatment

In the beginning hearing aid devices were not so useful as today. Now the latest technology is available in the market & a person having hearing problem can hear precisely well by using Digital hearing aids. Digital hearing aids are an up-to-date technology. It is capable to analyze sounds as it has computer-processing power. After analyzing the sounds these are properly and automatically adjusted according to the suitability of the need of a person. It is the best latest device that has proved to be very useful for persons facing hearing problem.

On Market, Availability

For the last more than a period of few decades it has been experienced that innumerable qualities of digital hearing aids have appeared in the market being manufactured by number of companies which run in more than a digit of twenty. The digital hearing aids marketed fewer than 40 by different model names have proved very useful for hearing problems. It has further been observed that this solitary number is continuously flourishing which will go on with the passage of time.

Digital hearing aids, An Invention:

The invention of digital hearing aids was considered to be revolutionary one with regard to the related subject. The digital hearing aids were available on the market in the year, 1987. Irrespectively of its usefulness it could not achieve considerable recognition as its size was large size and high battery-drain was provided in the digital hearing aids. Due to such deficiencies in their formation these were at last deserted.

How Was Digital Hearing Aids Improved?

After that the digital hearing aids were modified with the improvement in technology and their formation. These were introduced after about ten years to the previous one. These hearing aids proved to be more useful and considerable recognition was given to such revised technology by audiologists, practitioners and users. These were liked far and wide although it had high price.

Technological Advent

With the passage of time the technology of digital hearing aids improved day by day. New techniques were introduced and efforts were made to make it more useful and responsive. Audiologists and users liked the digital hearing aids as compared to other hearing devices. The improved quality of digital hearing aids was well appreciated by beneficiaries.

Digital Hearing Aids: Striking Features

Digital hearing aids are designed considering the users’ requirements especially. These are provided with extra durability, high-tech operations and versatility. Digital hearing aids come with different functions by and by, which users can be served with. Some of these enlist as: Digital Speech Enhancement (DSE) the foremost one, Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), Digital Feedback Reduction (DFR), Signal Generation, Directional Microphone and Digital Static Protection (DSP). These operations make digital hearing aids very much adaptable and dynamical.

Change In Technology?

Now a days, dew to advancement in science and technology, great revolutionary outcomes can also be seen in the development of hearing aids. The present technology of digital hearing aids is, of course, tremendous. But the horizon of this front is becoming bright and bright. It cannot be foretold that what will be new achievements in this regard in future. Presently, digital technology is subsiding the analog technology, and same is the trend in hearing aids technology. It is preempted that the analog digital hearing aids will soon be superseded. This will be the outcome digital revolution. Above all, it is recommended that you should consult with an audiologist for the proper diagnosis, before the purchase of a hearing aid. With his consent, you will be able to buy the most appropriate hearing aid, which will be very specific to your ailment.

Phone Hearing Aid Compatibility

If you have family members or patients who use hearing aids, you may know that they often have trouble using cell phones. Some cell phones cause radiofrequency interference with hearing aids, so the user hears high-pitched whistling sounds through the hearing aid, or static, or thumping sounds.  But all cell phones aren’t alike in this respect.

Some phones have lower radiofrequency emissions or different technology that can reduce the unwanted effects on hearing aids. So you should advise hearing aid wearers shopping for a hearing aid compatible cell phone to try several brands and models before they decide.  The more immune your hearing aid is to radiofrequency interference, the less likely you are to experience interference noise from wireless devices.

Hearing aid wearers should always ask cell phone carriers what the emissions ratings are for any new phone being considered for purchase, and cell phone providers should have this information available. Additionally, nothing takes the place of an actual field test of the cell phone.

Hearing Aid Compatibility Rating Scales

Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) compliant device packages are marked with “M” or “T” ratings. The M-rating refers to the microphone mode. The T-rating refers to the telecoil mode.

M-Ratings: Wireless devices rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to generate less interference to hearing devices than wireless devices that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.  The higher the M-rating the handset has the lower the Radio Frequency emissions level and higher signal quality the handset will have.



M3-rating indicates the handset has satisfied the ANSI standard

M4-rating indicates the handset has exceeded the ANSI standard



T-Ratings: Wireless devices rated T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to be more usable with a hearing device’s telecoil (”T Switch” or “Telephone Switch”) than unrated wireless devices. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.  The telecoil rating is in reference to telecoils in some hearing aids, the telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. Not all hearing aids have telecoils. To use the telecoil, generally, either the hearing aid is switched to the “T” position or a button on the hearing aid is pushed to select the telecoil setting.



T3-rating indicates the handset has satisfied the ANSI standard

T4-rating indicates the handset has exceeded the ANSI standard



When the consumer is attempting to discern the best performance between a hearing aid and cell phone, the numbers from the m-ratings of both the cell phone and hearing aid should be added together (summed up). Of course, if telephone coil compatibility/performance is to be assessed, the t-ratings of each device should be summed. T-ratings should not be summed with m-ratings; the two ratings should always be kept separate.

Possible Ratings for Rated Phones

There are only 6 possible ratings allowed by the FCC for cell phones rated as being hearing aid compatible (HAC). The phone could be rated (from worst to best):



M3

M4

M3/T3

M4/T3 (or M3/T4)

M4/T4



A good hearing aid user goal would be a hearing aid with an M-3 immunity rating, added to a cell phone with an M-3 emissions rating, summating to a total of 6 would be an excellent hearing aid/cell phone communication ability result.  Phones rated M4/T4 have the best chance of being interference-free whether used with your hearing aids in microphone or t-coil mode.

See http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/hacphones.htm for more information on hearing aid compatibility.

AIDS is a common fad among people that they can contract AIDS by any of the ways they are aware of, but the fact is that one can never get affected by AIDS directly. Usually, it is the HIV virus that reduces and kills the body immune system, and it is a gradual process through which one can acquire AIDS.

This disease is not caused due to any deficiency in the body like other diseases. It can only be ‘contracted’ through external agents. Usually, it is contracted if there is direct contact of body fluid with the affected person. The body fluid can include blood or sex fluid. Tears and saliva exchange might not be as harmful.

The disease is already very dreadful and ultimately will lead to death, then why should AIDS patients be left to die such deaths everyday in isolation? The society condemns such people by thinking that they are a threat to the society, but if we think logically, then the society is a much bigger threat to them. They can contract many diseases by talking to normal people and those diseases might lead to their death!

Causes

The most common cause of AIDS is considered to be the unprotected sex. Sex without taking proper precaution like condom is very much responsible for AIDS. AIDS is generally transmitted through the semen. It is estimated that more than three million people round the globe had died through AIDS. During the prenatal stage also it is found that the mother will transmit the disease to the fetus before it is born. AIDS is transferred to the blood through the means of transfusion of blood into another’s body cell. Besides these, AIDS can also be caused through the use of injections which are not properly sterilized in the process of taking drugs or blood into the veins.

Symptoms of AIDS

symptoms will only occur if HIV is developed into AIDS and the symptoms of AIDS are a result of series of infections called opportunistic infections that do not normally develop in humans with healthy immune. Why they are called opportunistic infections? Because they do not happen to people with healthy immune. But since AIDS destroys the immune system, they will occur in infected people. What are common symptoms with AIDS infected people? They are fevers, sweats, weakness, weight loss, and a series of “rare” infections and cancers.

AIDS Preventions

Mothers can share AIDS with their infants during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and there is no way to stop it short of not becoming pregnant. But here is the list of preventable HIV/AIDS transmissions:

- Penetrative oral, vaginal, or anal sex (Unprotected)

- Blood transfusion

- In health care settings

- Drug injection

Types of AIDS

1. Conventional hearing aids – These hearing aids were the behind the ear original ones released for sale. You can adjust the volume up or down but if the individuals hearing loss level changes, the manufacturer must adjust this, which is inconvenient.

2. Digital hearing aids – It is not only the most convenient; it can help specific hearing problems. A health care professional will help with the decision on the most beneficial hearing aid and then adjust them to the user.

Why choose open fit hearing aids?

There have been several momentous changes in the production and manufacture of hearing aids, but none so dramatic as the introduction of open ear hearing aids.

Firstly, there was the traditional ear trumpet. Then, the first proper hearing aids were introduced, in the form of the little box, which would sit around the neck or in a breast pocket. That was known as the ‘body worn’ hearing aid.Then the first behind the ear hearing aids were made, which were large and cumbersome, but sat behind the ear, and had the microphone pointing in the direction that the ear pointed, which in itself was a big advance.

 Then anaologue ‘in the ear’ hearing aids were produced, which were the first hearing aids to pay heed to cosmetic requirements.Hearing aids that were analogue but programmable came next, and then soon after that was the advent of digital hearing aids. These revolutionised the hearing profession, giving extra clarity, noise filters, dual microphones and an accurate programming ability. When we look at original digital hearing aids now, they seem as antiquated as an analogue aids would have done when digital first became available, but at the time they were groundbreaking.

 Technology in the hearing profession has moved at an astonishing pace in the last five years or so.The biggest breakthrough for the hearing aid wearer is the open fit hearing aid. The first of these was the Resound Hearing Aid called the Contact Air. This comprised of a small pod behind the ear using size 10 hearing aid batteries, a very thin tube to carry the sound into the ear, where it connected to a soft dome, which fitted snugly in the ear canal. These were amazingly popular and successful, and were responsible for a revolution in hearing aid technology. The Delta was the first Oticon hearing aid to incorporate an open fit and the Savia Art and Audeo are some of the early open fit Phonak Hearing Aids. The Delta from Oticon (which has now been superceded by the Dual Mini) introduced RITE (receiver in the ear) technology, which removed the acoustic vagaries of thin tubing, as the tubing itself was replaced by a wire which carried the sound electronically to the speaker, which was housed underneath the soft rubbery dome.

 But what makes open ear hearing aids so special?

  There are several reasons why an open fitting hearing aid will always be preferable.

Comfort. Because there is no mould to seal the ear, the rubber dome sits snugly in the ear canal, preventing unnecessary perspiration and allowing the ear to ‘breathe’ as it would if no hearing aid was worn. I have often heard people say ‘I don’t know I’m wearing them’ as they are so light and comfortable. Quality of hearing. The basis of an open ear fitting is that it allows the wearer to use the percentage of hearing he or she still has remaining, but is given a boost (usually in mid and high pitch sound) to aid clarity with the hearing of speech. This effect has given us the nearest we can achieve to normal hearing via hearing aids. Cost. Open ear hearing aids are factory made and do not cost as much to manufacture as a custom-made in the ear hearing aid. Therefore, higher technology specifications are available at lower price ranges. The fact that they are factory manufactured also means the instruments are more reliable than in the ear hearing aids. Discretion. Due to the very thin wire and small ‘pod’ sitting behind the ear, open fit hearing aids tend to be very discrete and largely invisible.

 

OK, so how do I get an open ear hearing aid?

 If you are interested in finding out more about open ear hearing aids, the first step is to contact your local hearing aid retailer. It is advisable to mention Phonak, Resound and Oticon hearing aids, as these are the market leaders in regards to technology.

Once you have ascertained that your retailer will deal with the above mentioned brands, the next step is to ask for a free hearing test and a possible demonstration of open ear hearing aids. When you have had your free hearing test, the hearing-aid audiologist will give you a demonstration of the hearing aids recommended and discuss hearing aid prices. You may also like to ask about the aftercare offered by the retailer, and the cost of hearing aid batteries. Some retailers offer free hearing aid batteries as part of their general aftercare package. This is a nice bonus!

The rest is up to you, but you have NOTHING to lose by trying to find out if open ear hearing aids are suitable for you, and if you have hearing loss that can be helped by these little marvels, then you will be very glad you looked into it!