Audiology, Part 16

Question 1: Describe three special optional features available in hearing aids and their advantages.

Answer 1: One special feature that is an available option in hearing aids is directional microphones. Hearing aids normally pick up sounds at about the same level from all directions. With a directional microphone, the aid can be switched from the normal, omnidirectional setting to a unidirectional setting. For a user in a face-to-face conversation, the other speaker’s voice is amplified, while sounds behind the user are minimized. This helps with background interference. A second special feature is direct audio input. Some hearing aids can be connected to a remote wireless microphone, an FM assistive listening system, a TV, a computer, a CD or tape player, a radio, or another device. This helps users hear from a great variety of sources. A third special feature is a telephone switch. This turns off the aid’s microphone, eliminating both background noise and feedback (whistling) from the microphone. This facilitates telephone conversations, and can also be used in public places with FM or loop induction systems.

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Question 2: Discuss some considerations related to procuring hearing aids, special features relevant to lifestyle, and health plan coverage.

Answer 2: Some people are tempted to order hearing aids online or by mail to save money. This bypasses many important audiologist services. Even if an audiologist conducts an audiological and hearing aid evaluation, specifies the type and model needed, and the client orders it, s/he still misses out on fitting, hearing aid orientation and adjustment, aural rehabilitation services, and medical referral(s), if indicated. Even a rare conscientious client who had evaluation, ordered the aid, and returned to the audiologist to pursue these services could have less satisfactory results than if the certified audiologist dispensed the aid. The latter would avoid problems such as defective/damaged units, receiving the wrong model, etc. People who use the telephone a lot and people who attend many events in theaters, auditoriums, churches, etc. should get aids with telecoil/“T” switches. Medicaid must cover children’s hearing aids, and it often covers adults’. Medicare does not. Some health plans cover part or all of the aid’s cost, but many do not.

Question 3: Describe the process of adjustment to hearing aids, what can help, and what can be done in the event of failure to adjust.

Answer 3: New users of hearing aids, especially those whose hearing loss existed for a long time before getting aids, often find all the sounds they can hear distracting. This is because they have not heard them for so long and are not used to them. Some users even hear sounds they have never heard before. Depending on the type of aid, background noises can sound distractingly loud. Users also often find that the sound of their own voice seems too loud. It can take weeks or months to adjust to hearing aids. The audiologist helps by giving the user hearing aid orientation, and also by providing aural rehabilitation if needed, optimizing communication with hearing aids. In the event that the user cannot adjust, s/he may wish to try a different make/model. Most state laws require trial periods, and most audiologists offer these even if they are not legally required. Charges for fitting and custom earmolds may be nonrefundable.

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