What Are Hearing Aid Accessories?

To the average person, a hearing aid is a self-contained item. Essentially, most people think it consists of nothing more than the hearing aid itself and the battery that powers it. There is more than meets the eye though. Hearing aid accessories and add-ons can improve their performance and help them last longer.

Hearing aid accessories can contribute to the proper functioning of the hearing aid. A hearing aid is an expensive and important piece of equipment. To not purchase vital accessories that can help in its use would be quite irresponsible to both yourself and others. So, let us take a look at what is found in a common accessory package.

A Common Hearing Aid Accessories Package

Most people who own a hearing aid should consider buying a standard accessories package. This will include crucial items needed to maintain the proper functioning of the hearing device. The standard accessory package includes a battery tester, antiseptic spray, cleaning tools, etc. The cleaning accessories will maintain the life of the hearing aid, because bacteria may have a corrosive effect on it. In addition, the use of the cleaning agents reduces the chances of an infection occurring if the bacteria spread to the ear.

Another component, the battery tester, is a very useful item to have as part of your kit, since it is important to know exactly what the power and strength of the battery is all the time. If you don't know how your battery is performing, there can be a number of embarrassing situations that may result.

Moreover, you might want to consider buying a carrying case for your hearing aid accessories. A carrying case will keep the components from harm, and it will also keep them in one place. It wouldn't be good if the accessories became separated and lost. These items can be small, and they are easier to find when they are all kept together in a pouch or case.

Are Used Hearing Aid Accessories Worth It?

Some people might want to save money by buying used kits. This is a basically a judgment call on the part of the consumer. Some people might think that buying accessories used is too much of a risk, as the accessory package may not be functional or complete. Others feel perfectly fine buying things second hand. In the end, the choice is up to the consumer.

Hearing Aids - Styles and Features

Modern hearing aids are complex and custom-made digital electrolytically devices that can be computer programmed to amplify sounds at certain frequencies. While the technology used in digital hearing aids has dramatically increased in the last fifty years, all hearing instruments retain the same basic functions and pieces.

Basic Hearing Aid Functions:

In all hearing aids sound waves enter through the microphone, which converts acoustic signals into electrical signals or pulses. The amplifier then increases the strength of the electrical signal and cleans up any noise it detects. This electrical signal is then converted back into an acoustic signal so that the user can hear it. The receiver then channels the sound into the ear canal. A battery supplies the needed power for these conversion processes. Many digital hearing aids also have many features and controls like toggle switch, volume control wheels, push buttons, remote controls, and directional microphones that enable the wearer to hear better in different listening environments.

Hearing Aid Styles

All of theses styles differ in size and function. Some are so small that no one can even tell you are wearing a hearing aid; some are so powerful that even the most profound hearing loss can be helped. The right hearing aid for you depends on the technology level you need, your hearing loss, your hearing needs, your lifestyle, your budget, and personal preference. Larger hearing aids typically have larger batteries which can last longer than smaller hearing aids. They can also have more features such as directional microphones and telecoils (for telephone usage) and have a lower price tag. Smaller hearing aids have less features, but they are virtually invisible.

Hearing Aids are available in around seven different styles: Body, Eyeglass, Behind The Ear (BTE), In the Ear (ITE), In the Canal (ITC), Completely In Canal (CIC), Receiver in the Canal (RIC), and Open Ear (OE). While body and eyeglass aids comprised most of the hearing aid market 50 years ago, they are only a small percentage of hearing instrument sales today. This is because the other styles of hearing aids are smaller and more advanced.

BTE (Open Ear, Receiver in Canal, and Traditional)

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are extremely flexible for all types of hearing loss. The hearing device is housed within a curved shell that sits behind each ear and delivers sound through a tube. A traditional BTE delivers the sound via a small tube into a custom fit earmold. A more recent innovation is called open ear technology and receiver in canal technology. In these two styles the sound is delivered via a very thin tube into an earbud which is a small, flexible, and comfortable piece. This type of system provides enhanced natural sound quality for both outside sounds and your own voice.

ITE

In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are very easy to operate even if the user has poor dexterity. The hearing device is housed within a custom-made shell that fits comfortably inside each ear and delivers sound directly to the ear. This hearing aid typically fills the outer part of the ear.

ITC

In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aids can barely be seen and are very easy to operate, even if the user has poor dexterity. The hearing device is housed within a custom-made shell that fits comfortably inside each ear canal and delivers sound directly to the ear.

CIC

CIC hearing aids are virtually invisible to others. The hearing device is housed in a tiny shell that fits comfortably and completely into each ear canal. The device is removed from the ear canal by pulling a tiny cord. Where these miniature instruments are both powerful and cosmetically appealing, some features- like volume control, are not available simply because the devices are so small. This style is available with traditional small vents, or with larger vents that provide an open ear feeling.

The hearing aid style and technology level that is right for you depends on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget. Talk with your audiologist or hearing care professional about what is right for you.

Need Of Hearing Aid Battery?

For getting optimum level of performance of hearing aids, one part, which plays a vital role, is the use of battery. The best discount hearing aids batteries are available on particular market marts and shops. In regard to discount hearing aids batteries, attorney general advice is the helping guide to choose the best one battery.

Parameters For Getting Discount Hearing Aids Batteries:

For buying best discount hearing aids batteries many factors do effect. Among these warranty times of the battery, size of the battery and standard are important.

Warranty For Batteries

It is important to note that there must be a warranty time period for discount hearing aids battery. One should not buy it from shopkeeper, which does not offer any type of the warranty for those particular discount hearing aids batteries. In fact the things like warranty and receipt for such sensitive devices shows a confidence in purchasing these items from a shopkeeper.

Size Of The Battery

Among other parameters size of the discount hearing aids batteries has also its own role. It is not necessary that every person must have same battery size for hearing a device because different hearing devices are compatible with different size of the batteries. In this case at the time of purchasing discount hearing aids batteries one should have the knowledge about the size of the battery. So there should be some tactics and a methodology to keep in mind about the size of the discount hearing aid batteries.

Color-Coding Scheme

There are different standards and coding schemes to recognize the best quality of discount hearing aids battery among those, color-coding scheme is most popular. In this standard different sizes of the discount hearing aids batteries are given different colors for their recognition as trademark. So, red color carries number five size, yellow carries ten and so on.

Life Duration Of A Battery

Different discount hearings aid batteries with different sizes have different life period. Since every invention has a particular time period as far as its best working condition is questioned so the same case is with the sensitive batteries of discount hearing aids batteries. Normally best hearing aid batteries work efficiently from four days to one-month maximum time.

Precautions For Best Usage Of Hear Aid Battery

There are many important precautions, which can be adopted in order to get best efficiency from best discount hearing aids batteries. Some of them are as under:

Charging Storage Capacity

The battery should be charged properly so that the power storage becomes maximized; sometimes chargers do not work properly. One should have deep concern in selecting best chargers. Storage capacity may vary to different length of time for different chargers manufactured by different companies.

Usage Of Old And New Batteries

One should not use the combination of new and old batteries as the discharging ability of old ones can disturb the charging performance of new batteries.

Temperature Affect

Best discount hearing aid batteries are susceptible to the bad affect of hard temperature as it assists in deteriorating the movement of charging careers in the battery structure of which zinc is a main part.

How to Find Discount Hearing Aids

The American Hearing Aid Association estimates that 10% of the U.S. population experiences some form of hearing loss. Most of us know someone in our families who may be a little hard of hearing. Hearing loss is especially common in the elderly and in people who have worked many years in noise polluted environments. The elderly and those without the means to purchase expensive hearing aids will likely stick it out and simply deal with their hearing loss.

If you are considering purchasing a hearing aid, be sure to research all of your options to find the model and price range that suits your needs. You should expect to get a hearing aid for dirt cheap, but with careful planning you should be able to negotiate prices and find an excellent deal.

One way of finding discount hearing aids is to locate wholesale hearing aid dealers. A good source for wholesale products is Hearingpanet.com. This website offers accessories of hearing aids. Having a trial period is important, as this will likely be a large investment, and you need to ensure the hearing aid meets your needs.
You can also consult with your physician or audiologist to find wholesale hearing aids. It is often the case that specialists have inside information on the best places to purchase discount hearing aids. Identifying your specific type of hearing loss and the best model for you is a crucial first step. Doctors and audiologists can often refer you to a store or online market that specializes in discount or wholesale hearing aids and accessories.

If you do some research and price comparison you may be able to get great discounts on wholesale hearing aids. Pricing will vary on the make, model and features of the particular hearing aid. You need to be familiar with what features you need for your situation.

Cheap Hearing Aids

Hearingpanet.com is an excellent resource for information and hearing aid products. Through this website you can find great deals on wholesale and cheap hearing aids and accessories. This website offers micro-inner ear hearing aids . Other models are available depending upon your needs and this may be the best place to begin your search.

cheap hearing aids does not necessarily mean they will be of substandard or poor quality. It is important to be an informed and careful consumer when looking for cheap hearing aids.

As with any purchase of a substantial amount, comparing prices is essential. Depending upon your specific needs, various companies have great deals on multiple brands and styles. When buying online, make sure you understand the company's return policy.

Digital Hearing Aids Offer Better Hearing

Today's digital hearing aids are the most popular form of hearing amplification in use, due largely to the many advantages they have over older, analog hearing aids. Although digital models cost a bit more than analog, the improved control, clarity and reliability makes them well worth the investment.

Digital Hearing Aids Offer Better Hearing Than Analog

One of the most obvious advantages of digital hearing aids is the increased quality of your hearing. The computer chips in digital hearing aids are precisely programmed so they more accurately correct your hearing loss.

Digital hearing aids convert sound into discreet units that can be continually adjusted by the hearing aid's computer chip. This leads to improved sound quality. Each individual sound unit is precisely adjusted, and the sound components are put back together for instant listening.

The precision adjustment of digital hearing aids is a major part of their popularity. Your audiologist can precisely tune a digital hearing aid to match and work with your specific type and degree of hearing loss. They are customized and can be reprogrammed to accommodate changes in an individual's hearing.

Digital Hearing Aids Have More and Better Features

The computer chip in digital hearing aids makes it easier for the wearer to make his or her own adjustments and take advantage of a variety of options not available with most analog hearing aids. Feedback control eliminates the sharp whistle or squawk of a hearing aid when it is used too near a telephone or other device, or when you hug someone. Digital hearing aids have fewer unpleasant sound "side effects" that are common with analog devices.

Digital hearing aids also make listening more comfortable and more pleasurable. They tend to have a crisper, cleaner sound quality because of such features like multiple listening bands or channels with each band addressing a particular sound pitch. This reduces the background noise or chatter that was once common with analog hearing aids. The improved sound clarity makes users much more comfortable in situations where there are a variety of noises at varying volumes and pitches.

The latest innovation in digital hearing aids is specific voice recognition. The computer chip picks out and enhances the sound of the spoken voice while tempering background noise such as music, the wind or traffic. This digital speech enhancement is one of the most exciting advances in digital hearing aids and can add to the user's understanding of conversations in crowded or noisy situations.

Digital hearing aids also use directional microphones to improve the capture and enhancement of sounds, usually speech, in a particular direction. Most directional microphones pick up the sound directly in front of the user, in order to amplify conversational speech, and reduce the sound from behind so it doesn't interfere.

If you're considering hearing aids to help you better understand what's going on around you, be sure to consider digital hearing aids for the best sound quality, clarity and range of options.

Hearing Aid Batteries

Which battery do I need?

Hearing aid batteries and Cochlear Implant Batteries have been standardized across the board now, and as such are fairly easy to identify. There are four sizes available, size 10, size 312, size 13 and size 675.

They are color coded for ease of recognition. Size 10 batteries are coded with yellow labels and packaging, size 312 are coded brown, size 13 are orange and size 675 are blue.

Most of the smaller hearing devices from Phonak, Resound or Oticon will use a size 312 (brown) or a size 10 (yellow) battery. Some of the larger digital hearing instruments will use the size 13, and a few power aids such as the Oticon Sumo or the Phonak Naida will use the size 675.

As a rule, the larger the batteries, the more life you will get from it and the longer you will be able to listen to your hearing instruments without needing to change the battery. Newer hearing devices, do generally tend to be smaller which is clearly desirable from a cosmetics perspective. These smaller hearing instruments tend to use 10 or 312 batteries. Try to find a quality battery brand such as Rayon, which are specifically designed and manufactured for hearing aid wearers. These will most likely provide better performance with your hearing devices than other brands. You may find that some brands of hearing aid batteries will provide a recycling facility where you can send them back and these can be reused.

Types of Hearing Aids

Since hearing aids where first developed years and years ago we have seen so many different styles and advancements in their technology. We first sore hearing aids as these big chunky things that sit behind the ear, these day you can get hearing aids which sit deep in your ear and can't be seen. Below I have a list of some of the most common hearing aids and a description of them.

Behind-The-Ear (BTH)

Behind-The-Ear hearing aids are largest hearing aids where by the hearing sits behind the ear. To get the incoming sound from the hearing aid to your ear, incoming sounds come into the hearing aid and than pass through a plastic tube connected to your ear. These hearing aids are often the least expensive, most reliable and house the most features and power in controlling what the hearing aid can do.

In-The-Ear (ITE)

These hearing aids are not as big as the BTH hearing aids and sit just inside the ear. These hearing aids do not have a large section that sits behind the ear and do not have a tube that runs to the ear. The ITE hearing aids are very comfortable and are also not very expensive (more expensive than BTH) which makes them a great choice if you are looking for something relatively inexpensive and of a smallish nature.

In-The Canal (ITC)

These are smaller than the ITE hearing aids and sit a bit further in the ear so they are not as noticeable. Because they are small they require a lot of skill to control however if you can find it easy to control them they are a great choice. Once again because these are smaller and not as noticeable they are more expensive than the ITE hearing aids.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

Completely in canal units are the smallest hearing aids to ever be made, they are so small and site so far down your ear that they require a string to remove them. These hearing aids do not have manual controls since they are so small and can be difficult to remove if you have not been shown how. However the good thing about these hearing aids is that they are totally unnoticeable and have a good sound, they are also the most expensive because they are so small.

Mini-Canals (MC)

Mini canals are great if you want something small but can't quite afford CIC hearing aids, they are the size between ITC and CIC. They also come with a very small volume wheel and are easier to remove than the CIC hearing aids. These are cheaper than the CIC hearing aids since they are a bit larger.

Post-Auricular-Canal (PAC)

These types of hearing aids are new to the market and were created in a bid to separate the processor and the receiver from each other to make a smaller hearing aid without compromising quality and features. What happens is that the small processor sits just behind the ear and than the speaker and receiver sits deep down in the canal. These hearing aids are great since they offer a lot of comfort and feature options.

7 Tips On Buying Hearing Aids

Do you need a hearing aid but don't know where to start? With so many features, styles, brands and prices to choose from, it's no wonder why shopping for a hearing aid can be a daunting task for a new user.
Here are 7 tips to guide you on buying a hearing aid.

1. Hearing Test

The first step is to get tested by a hearing professional or audiologist. The type of hearing aid that is best suited for you will be determined in part by the type and level of hearing loss you have. The professional will be able to assess your hearing needs so you can choose the correct hearing aid.

2. Analog vs. Digital Hearing Aids

Years ago hearing aids were all analog. Today, most hearing aids are digital. Digital hearing aids provide high quality sound amplification, advanced features and fine-tuning that was not possible with analog aids. Some companies still make analog hearing aids, however, be sure to compare these with the digital ones before making your final decision.

3. Styles Of Hearing Aids

There are 4 main styles of hearing aids available. The style you are best suited for depends on the type of hearing loss you have as well as your comfort.

- Behind The Ear (BTE): Fits over the ear and rests behind it. Typically the least expensive style.

- In The Ear (ITE): The most common type, this sits in the ear

- In The Ear Canal (ITC): This type fits slightly lower into the ear and is not very noticeable.

- Completely In The Ear Canal (CIC): Fits down into the ear canal. This style requires the most fitting and is the least visible to others.

4. Features

Hearing aids today come with a myriad of features. These range from the necessary, such as noise canceling, to the more luxurious, such as remote control. Digital hearing aids offer state-of-the-art technology that helps to reduce feedback and allows for clearer hearing even in situations where there is background noise. Digital hearing aids offer more options for adjustments than analog hearing aids, making it easier to adapt to a new hearing aid.

5. Budget

Once you know the style of hearing aid that suits you best, compare prices across various brands as they vary greatly. The prices are most expensive for hearing aids with latest technology and advanced features. Even if you don't have a lot to spend you will still be able to find a quality hearing aid with enough features to fulfill your needs.

6. Warranties

When choosing a hearing aid it is important to ask about the warranty. Find out the warranty period and what is covered. Ask if any fitting problems are covered because this could get expensive if multiple trips are needed.

7. Choose One Or Two Hearing Aids

If you have hearing loss in only one ear, you will do well with only one hearing aid. However, as both ears tend to be affected by age and noise related hearing loss, wearing two hearing aids will actually help you to differentiate and determine where sounds are coming from. Most digital hearing aids require two to be worn to achieve maximum benefits.

Troubleshooting Guide For Common Hearing Aids Problems

Persons who use hearing aid devices, can sometimes find themselves stuck with progressively depreciating performance of these useful tools due to a variety of causes. This article offers useful guidelines for diagnosing/resolving hearing aids problems. It ends by offering download access to a one-page (Acrobat PDF) "Troubleshooting Chart For Common Hearing Aids Problems" that makes the process of finding your needed hearing aid solution more straightforward.

The following are common hearing aids problems that users encounter. I suggest possible causes and solutions to each of them using a bullet point approach.

1. If Hearing Aid makes "Whistling" sound, this could be caused by:

a. The earmold being wrongly inserted. Action: Check and re-insert the earmold if necessary.
b. Or it may not be a good fit. Action: In this case, you would need to have the mould replaced.
c. The tube may be cracked. Action: Check the tubing carefully, and if you find any cracks, replace it.
d. Volume setting may be too high. Action: Check volume setting and turn down if necessary.

2. If it makes "scratchy, hissing or frying" sound or keeps going on and off, that could be due to:

a. Dust collected in switch contact/controls. Action: Repeatedly move switch forward/backwards to remove any collected dust etc
b. Poor battery contact. Action: Check that battery contacts.
c. Exposure to humidity, or excessive perspiration causing moisture to clog hearing aid and distort sounds. Action: Use a drying container or hearing aid dehumidifier (e.g. kit using a desiccant like silica which absorbs moisture from the aid).

3. If the hearing aid produces weaker sound than normal, possible causes include:

a. Battery may be weak. Action: Replace battery and check sound again.
b. The earmold may be wrongly inserted. Action: Re-insert the earmold.
c. Wax may be built up in the ear canal; or partially clogging the earmold. Action: Go to doctor for ear check (with ear speculum). Have ear &/or ear mold cleaned if necessary.
d. Tubing may be cracked or with moisture. Action: Check for cracks or condensation. Have tubing cleaned of moisture if possible. If cracked, replace tubing.

4. If the aid produces no sound:

a. Maybe it is not turned ON. Action:Check switch and turn ON if necessary.
b. Battery not correctly inserted - or wrong size. Action:Check battery position/size. Adjust/replace if needed. If it does not go in readily, adjust entry approach or get correct size.
c. The ear mould may be clogged. Action: Have ear mold cleaned.
d. The battery may be dead or its contacts corroded. Action: Replace with new battery. Clean corroded contacts - a pencil eraser can be used. Replace contacts if worn.
e. The tubing may be blocked or bent. Action: Check tubing. Clean or replace if necessary.

5. And if it produces a buzzing, humming, or whining noise, that could be due to:

Mobile phone interference. This is because mobile phones/PCs emit radio frequency and electromagnetic radiation which can cause a "buzzing, humming, or whining" noise.

You will check that the phone is hearing aid compatible by looking for the icon imprinted on it.

In the USA, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) reportedly requires cell phones to be rated as to how much interference they are likely to cause to hearing aids.

The rating scale ranges from 1 to 4. The four possibilities are: M1 or T1 (poor), M2 or T2 (fair), M3 or T3 (good) and M4 or T4 (excellent). Only phones rated 3 or 4 are allowed to be sold as hearing aid compatible (HAC).

Phones that would have only been rated 1 or 2 are deemed unacceptable.

How to Get a Correct Hearing Aid

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles and designs and each has its own set of technological and structural benefits. The "correct" hearing aid for you depends both on your tastes and the severity of your hearing loss.

- Visit your regular physician if you think you have hearing loss. He will administer basic hearing tests and look in your ear for other explanations such as ear wax accumulation. If he suspects hearing loss, he will you refer you to a otolaryngologist (ENT doctor). She will diagnose the extent of your hearing loss. Not all hearing loss will benefit from hearing aids. Hearing aids are best for people who have experienced sensor neural hearing loss.

- Discuss the current available hearing aid options with your ENT. The right hearing aid is a combination of preference and the seriousness of your hearing loss. For instance, you may want a barely visibly "complete in-the-ear" hearing aid. Although the moldable in-the-ear options are great due to their lack of ambient noise feedback and their inconspicuous nature, they may not help as much with severe hearing loss.

- Consider some of the more noticeable hearing aids if your doctor notes more severe hearing loss. People with severe hearing loss may benefit from full shell and behind the ear models. While these types of hearing aids may provide better amplification for serious hearing loss, they are chunkier and clearly visible.

- Get any appropriate ear molds. A hearing specialist (known as an audiologist) will take an ear mold and fit you with your hearing aid. Follow your audiologist's instructions and note what you like or don't like about the hearing aid. If your aid doesn't improve your hearing, produces too much feedback or displeases you aesthetically, your audiologist will find a more suitable model.

Tips & Warnings

- If you have a lot of earwax but also have genuine hearing loss, consider an open fit "behind-the-ear" model. The open fit will prevent any damage that ear wax may cause to the devise. In addition, it's less visible than the traditional behind-the-ear model. Once you have a hearing aid you want to try, look into the details about the aid's trial periods. Since it's sometimes hard to get the perfect aid on the first try, most aids will have warranties and adjustment period pricing plans.

- Many health insurance companies do not cover the cost of hearing aids. Read through your plan before you make a financial commitment. Watch out for any audiologist that seems to represent a particular type or brand of hearing aid. Scams are always possible. Try to find referrals from a reputable source such as your ENT doctor.