Learn More About Hearing & Hearing Aids

Back To Top

Audiogram

A graph or chart that displays the results of a pure-tone hearing test. The results are plotted based on pitch and loudness levels of the quietest sounds you can hear for each ear. A hearing test will provide information on the type, degree, and configuration of the hearing loss. In addition, other tests which show the listener's ability to hear and understand speech may be performed.

Back To Top

Ear Anatomy

The human ear consists of four major parts. The outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the auditory nervous system are these parts. Each part has a complex function in the reception, transmission, and processing of sound.

Outer ear: The outer ear is the part of your ear that you can see on the outside of your head. It includes the earlobe and the curved, fleshy part that surrounds the opening of your ear. The main job of the outer ear is to collect sound waves from the environment and funnel them into the ear canal, which leads to the middle ear. This helps us hear sounds from the world around us.

Middle ear: The middle ear is a small part of your ear located between the outer ear (the part that you can see) and the inner ear (deep inside your head). It includes the eardrum and three tiny bones called ossicles. These parts work together to transmit sound from the outer ear to the inner ear, allowing you to hear and understand sounds. So, the middle ear plays a crucial role in the process of hearing.

Inner ear: The inner ear is a small and important part of our ear that helps us hear and maintain our balance. It's located deep inside the ear and consists of a complex system of tiny structures and fluid-filled canals. The inner ear converts sound vibrations into electrical signals that our brain can understand, allowing us to hear. It also helps us keep our balance by sending information to the brain about the position and movement of our head. So, in simple terms, the inner ear is like our body's natural "sound converter" and "balance keeper."

Auditory nervous system: The auditory nervous system is like the body’s “hearing network.” It includes all the parts in the body and brain that help you hear and understand sounds. When you listen to music, someone talking, or even a bird singing, your auditory nervous system is at work, helping you process and make sense of these sounds. It’s a crucial part of how we communicate and enjoy the world of sound around us.

Back To Top

How We Hear

Hearing is one of our primary senses and is the process by which our ears detect and interpret sound waves in the surround environment. When you hear a sound, like a friend’s voice or music, it’s because of your ears. Sound is actually vibrations in the air. These vibrations travel to your ear, and your ear turns them into something your brain can understand. So, in simple terms, hearing is a process where your ears catch sound waves, your ear parts work together to transform these waves into signals for your brain, and your brain makes sense of these signals to let you understand and identify different sounds.

Back To Top

Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss: A sensorineural hearing loss happens when there's a problem with your inner ear or the nerves that carry sound to your brain. It can happen because of things like getting older, loud noises, certain medications, or health issues. With this kind of hearing loss, you might have trouble hearing soft sounds, understanding speech clearly, or catching high-pitched noises. It often sticks around and may need hearing aids or other devices to help you hear better.

Conductive hearing loss: A conductive hearing loss happens when something in your ear, like earwax or an infection, makes it hard for sound to get through to your inner ear. It's like having a blockage in the way of sound, which can make things sound quieter or muffled. The good news is that this type of hearing loss can often be fixed with medical help, like cleaning your ears or treating infections.

Mixed hearing loss: A mixed hearing loss happens when someone has two kinds of hearing problems at the same time. One problem is called sensorineural, which is about the inner ear or nerves that carry sound to the brain. The other problem is called conductive, which is when something in the outer or middle ear blocks the sound. So, in mixed hearing loss, someone might find it hard to hear sounds that are both soft and clear. They could have issues with the inside of the ear and also things in the ear canal like earwax or infections that make it even more difficult to hear. Treating this kind of hearing loss might involve using hearing aids or other devices, and sometimes, medical treatments like surgery or medicine.

Central auditory processing disorder: A central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) means your brain has a bit of trouble understanding sounds, even when your ears are working okay. It's like the brain has a hard time sorting out and making sense of the things you hear. People with CAPD might find it tricky to follow instructions, especially in places with lots of noise, and they might get words mixed up that sound similar. It can make learning and talking a bit more challenging. Specialists like audiologists and speech pathologists can help a person with a central auditory processing disorder.

Back To Top

Clarity vs. Volume

Clarity and volume are two different aspects of sound.

Volume: Volume refers to how loud or soft a sound is. When something is very loud, it's at a high volume, and when it's quiet, it's at a low volume. For example, a rock concert is very high in volume, and a whisper is very low in volume.

Clarity: Clarity, on the other hand, is how clear and easy to understand a sound is. It doesn't necessarily have to do with how loud or soft the sound is. When something is clear, it means you can hear and understand it well, with no muffled or fuzzy parts. For instance, a clear phone call is one where the words are easy to understand, even if the volume is not very high.

In simple terms, volume is about how loud or quiet a sound is, while clarity is about how well you can hear and understand the details of that sound.

Back To Top

Bundled vs. Unbundled Hearing Aid Pricing

Bundled hearing aid pricing: Includes the cost of the device and follow-up services. The length of time that service is covered may vary among hearing care providers, so it is important to know what is included in the bundled price. This type of plan is good for those people who may need higher levels of support or who do not like to pay as they go for assistance.

Unbundled hearing aid pricing: The cost of the hearing aid is separate from any payments for ongoing care and maintenance service of the device. The user determines what follow up services are wanted and pays for them separately as needed. This type of plan may be more cost effective for those people who need minimal follow-up care.

Back To Top

Over-the-counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids are made to treat self-perceived mild to moderate hearing loss for adults 18 years and older. These products are made for those people who want a self-care option to manage their hearing problem. Information is provided to help the user fit the hearing aid by themselves. A hearing test or prescription is not required. An OTC hearing aid can be purchased online, at a retail store or pharmacy. There are no state requirements for the return policy which may vary depending on where you purchased the hearing aid

Back To Top

Prescription Hearing Aids

Hearing aids that are designed to treat all degrees of hearing problems from mild to profound losses in infants to adults. A prescription is programmed into the hearing aids. This is based on the person’s hearing loss, ear canal size and communication needs. These are customized solutions. The devices and care are obtained from a licensed hearing care provider who reviews how the hearing aid works and provides ongoing care and maintenance to support hearing aid use. The return policy is mandated by the state.

Back To Top

Types and Styles of Hearing Devices

Choosing the right hearing aids depends on the kind of hearing problem, what you need to hear, your way of life and budget. Hearing aids come in lots of different looks and colors. There are different styles of hearing aids, and they have short names (abbreviations).

Back To Top

Hearing Aid Earmolds and Domes

Hearing aid earmolds and domes are necessary to deliver sound from the hearing aid to the ear. They connect to the end of the tubing or receiver whether it is a Behind-the-Ear, Receiver-in-Canal or In-the-Ear hearing aid. Their job is to make sure the hearing aid stays where it should and to make you more comfortable while helping you hear better. These pieces can either be standard for everyone or specially made just for you. They come in different sizes and shapes to match how your ears are and what you need to hear well. If you get a custom-made earmold, a hearing healthcare professional will make a special mold of your ear to get the perfect fit. Although you may not initially be used to the hearing aid earmold in your ear, it should be comfortable. Do not expect an uncomfortable earmold to improve and get comfortable over time.

Back To Top

Hearing Aid Wax Guard

A hearing aid wax guard is a small device or filter for the internal components of a hearing aid to protect it from earwax or debris. It is placed near the sound outlet of a hearing aid. The wax guard captures and prevents earwax and other particles from entering and clogging the sensitive parts of the device, which can affect its performance. The wax guards will need to be replaced, from time to time, so that the hearing aid continues to work effectively and maintain good sound quality.

Back To Top

Disposable Battery Hearing Aids

It can be dangerous if a person or pet swallows a battery. Seek medical help immediately or call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 800-498-8666 for guidance if someone swallows a battery.

A disposable battery hearing aid is a small device that helps people with hearing problems hear better. It works using a regular, replaceable battery, similar to the ones you might use in a TV remote. When the battery runs out of power, you need to remove the old one and put in a new one. These hearing aids are usually easy to use and don't require charging. They make sounds louder so that people who have trouble hearing can understand conversations and other noises more clearly.

Hearing aid batteries come in different sizes, and they are marked with numbers and colors to help you identify them. Here's a breakdown of the common sizes:

The choice of battery size depends on the specific hearing aid model and its power needs. It's crucial to use the right size to ensure your hearing aid functions correctly. Keep in mind that battery life can vary depending on factors such as the battery size, the hearing aid's power consumption, and usage. Regularly changing the batteries is important to avoid unexpected disruptions in your hearing aid's performance. Hearing aid batteries, made from zinc-air, are made to be recycled.

Back To Top

Rechargeable Hearing Aids

If a person or pet swallows a rechargeable hearing aid which has a lithium-ion battery inside, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room or veterinary office if it is an animal. The chemical components of the battery can cause serious internal injuries to a person or pet if swallowed. Do not try to induce vomiting since that can be dangerous. Call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 800-498-8666 for guidance if someone swallows a rechargeable hearing aid that has a lithium-ion battery.

A rechargeable hearing aid is a small device that helps people hear better when they have difficulty with their hearing. Unlike regular hearing aids that use disposable batteries, rechargeable hearing aids can be charged repeatedly, just like a smartphone. This means you don't need to buy new batteries all the time. To use a rechargeable hearing aid, you simply plug it into a special charger, and it stores energy for when you need it. Then, when you put it in your ear, it helps amplify sounds, making it easier for you to hear and understand what's being said around you. This can be very helpful for people who have trouble hearing well.

Back To Top

Direct-to-Consumer Hearing Aids

A Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) hearing device is like a hearing aid that makes it easier to hear and listen. You can buy these online or at stores without a doctor’s suggestion. They’re easier to get, but they might not be made just for your hearing like the ones a healthcare expert would recommend. The CLEARdashboard provides information about DTC products you can buy directly for your hearing needs. Over-the-Counter (OTC), Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP) and Hearables are types of Direct-to-Consumer products.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid: An Over-the-Counter hearing aid is a special device that helps people hear better. You can get one without a doctor's note or help from a healthcare expert. These hearing aids are sold in stores or on the internet without needing a doctor's permission. They're easier to get, but it's important to know they might not be as personalized for your own hearing needs as hearing aids suggested by a healthcare professional.

Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP): A Personal Sound Amplification Product, or PSAP, is a small device you can wear to turn up the volume of sounds in specific places. It's not a hearing aid you get from a doctor, but it helps you hear better in some situations, such as when you're watching TV, bird watching, or having a conversation with someone. Think of it as a tiny speaker for your ear that increases the sound in your surroundings.

Hearables: A Hearable product is like a high-tech ear accessory that you wear. It is not as sophisticated as a hearing aid but may provide hearing assistance and can do more than just help you hear better; it might also connect to your smartphone and play music, take calls, or track your fitness. Think of it as a smart earpiece that combines listening and other cool features.

Back To Top

Types of Hearing and Signal Processing

Signal processing in hearing aids means the technology that works on sounds before they reach your ear. It can do things like making soft sounds louder, taking away noisy background sounds, and adjusting the sound for different pitches or tones. The main goal is to help people with hearing issues hear better and feel more comfortable.

Back To Top

Analog Hearing Aids

An analog hearing aid is a simple type of hearing device that changes sound waves to electrical signals. It uses basic technology to make things louder and more audible for those who struggle to hear well. These amplified signals can be adjusted and programmed to meet the hearing needs of the user.

Back To Top

Digital Hearing Aids

A digital hearing aid changes the sound waves to digital signals. These signals are more precise, than an analog hearing aid, in duplicating the sound. These high-tech devices can be adjusted and programmed to make sound clearer and more comfortable to meet the hearing needs of the user.

Back To Top

Water and Dust Protection Rating (IP Rating)

Hearing aid dust and water resistance is measured using an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. There is a two-digit code. The first number (up of 6) refers to how well the hearing aid blocks dust. An X instead of a number means that the hearing aid was not tested for protection against solid particles like dust. The second number (up to 9) indicates how well the hearing aid resists water. Even hearing aids with the highest number (IP68) does not mean that the hearing aid is totally waterproof.

Back To Top

Using a Hearing Aid with Different Types of Telephones

A landline or cell phone can always be used with a hearing aid by holding the phone close to the hearing aid's microphone. The microphone is usually on or near the ear where the hearing aid is placed. Keeping the phone near the hearing aid helps the hearing aid pick up the sound from the phone's receiver (speaker), making it easier for you to hear the conversation. It is sometimes better to hold the phone’s receiver closer to the microphone of the hearing aid than up against your ear as you typically do. This way, you can have a clear and comfortable phone call.

The methods listed below are the more common ways to use your hearing aid with a phone:

Bluetooth (BT): Bluetooth allows things like your phone, headphones, and speakers connect with each other without any wires. They do this by sending signals with invisible radio waves, just like the signals from a radio station. This makes it super easy to link up devices without all those messy wires.

Streaming: Streaming means you are sending an audio signal into a hearing aid. The audio signal can be a phone call, music, or a phone alert. For example, when you’re talking on the phone, the sound from the call goes directly into your hearing aid. It’s like having the phone call play in your ear, making it easier to hear and understand the conversation without needing to hold the phone close to your ear. This helps people with hearing difficulties to have a clearer phone conversation. For streaming to take place, both your cell phone or tablet and your hearing aid must have Bluetooth capability.

Smartphone: A smartphone is a type of cell phone that allows a user to do more than make a phone call and send a text message. Additional features may include running programs on the phone like a computer, taking digital pictures, etc. controlled with a touchscreen.

Smartphone app: An app, which is just another name for an application, is a small computer program that you can download on your smartphone or tablet. After you download it, you can use the app to do a variety of tasks on your mobile device, such as playing games or checking the weather.

Hearing aid smartphone app: A hearing aid smartphone app allows the user to control certain features of the hearing aid for ease of use such as volume, multiple programs, other adjustments, etc. by using the touchscreen of the smartphone.

Telecoil: A telecoil or t-coil is a special feature in a hearing aid. It is sometimes known as a T-switch. The telecoil allows the wearer’s hearing aid to connect to certain phones or assistive listening devices to improve the sound or signal that is delivered to the hearing aid especially in nosier places. Since a telecoil requires an induction coil or wire in the hearing aid it can influence the size of the hearing aid. Using a telecoil and streaming are two different features and not the same thing.

Back To Top

Hearing Assistive Technology

Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT): Is a term that is used to describe many types of products that help a person with a hearing loss. Some of these products may be closed captioning on your TV, a vibrating alarm clock, or a flashing doorbell. It may also include assistive listening devices which is a type of hearing assistive technology.

Back To Top

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Device (ALD): Is a device that helps a person hear better especially in a place that has a lot of noise or if a speaker’s voice is not loud enough. These products can be headphones or other devices that amplify and clarify sounds. They can work by themselves or sometimes with a hearing aid. The product helps a person communicate more effectively when they need additional hearing assistance.

Back To Top

Audio Induction Hearing Loops

An Audio Induction Hearing Loop is sometimes called a Hearing Loop or Audio Induction Loop. A hearing loop is a special system you can find in places like theaters, churches, auditoriums, or other big rooms. It has a wire loop or cable that's linked to a microphone or a sound system. This wire creates a kind of magnetic field. If you have a hearing aid or a cochlear implant with a T-coil, it can catch this magnetic field. When you turn on the T-coil in your hearing aid or implant, it brings the sound straight into your device. This makes the sound clearer and blocks out other noises, so it's easier for people with hearing problems to hear better. A venue typically advertises or places a sign within the facility that they have a hearing loop. If you do not see any sign, inquire at the ticket box office or with the management of the venue to see if they have a hearing loop at their facility.

Back To Top

Auracast

Auracast: A new Bluetooth technology that lets a device like a smartphone, computer, tablet, etc. send sound to lots of other devices like hearing aids, earbuds, or headphones all at the same time. The usefulness is comparable to a Wi-Fi hotspot, and you can create a password to prevent others from gaining access. This technology will allow an expanded broadcast range which will be helpful in hearing the audio signal in public spaces (e.g. airports, theaters, auditoriums, etc.). The transmitters and receivers will need to support Bluetooth 5.2 or later (many wireless headphones from the past years do) and the Public Broadcast Profile (PBP) specification within the new Low Energy (LE) Audio (not as widely supported from a hardware perspective at this time).  

Back To Top

Healthcare Professionals

A hearing healthcare professional is someone who knows a lot about helping people with their ears and hearing. They help check your ears, recommend hearing aids if needed, and make sure your hearing is as good as possible. They can be ear doctors, audiologists, hearing aid specialists or pharmacists.

Otologist: Otologists are experts at finding and treating ear problems, like hearing loss and inner ear issues. They get a lot of training to provide special care to people with ear-related conditions.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT): An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist is a doctor who focuses on issues with the ears, nose, and throat. They are trained at finding and treating many conditions, such as ear infections, hearing problems, allergies, sinus troubles, and throat issues. These specialists are important for keeping people healthy by taking care of problems in these areas of the body.

Audiologist: An audiologist is an expert who knows a lot about fixing hearing and balance problems. They help people who can't hear well or have issues with their inner ear or balance. Audiologists do hearing tests, fit hearing aids, and give treatments to make hearing and balance easier. They are very important in making people, young and old, hear better.

Hearing Aid Specialists: A hearing aid specialist is a person who focuses on aiding people with hearing problems. They know how to check hearing issues, suggest the right hearing aids, and give ongoing help.

Pharmacist: A pharmacist is a medicine expert. They work in places like pharmacies, where they give out medicines and help people use them safely. They also explain what might happen if you take different medicines together. Pharmacists make sure the folks gets the right medicines for their health and help them take the medicines correctly. They can also answer questions and sell Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids.

Back To Top

What to expect when you have a hearing aid fit with an audiologist

Your hearing will be examined by an audiologist to determine the degree and type of your hearing problem. Then, they can recommend the right care for you. If your hearing problem can be corrected medically, they will send you to an Ear, Nose and Throat physician. If there is a not a medical problem and the issue is a permanent hearing loss, the audiologist will help you find solutions to your hearing problem. These solutions may include hearing aids. The programming of the hearing aids and other services are important to successful hearing aid use. The audiologist provides this personalized care. Fitting a hearing aid requires:

1. Accurate Hearing data.
2. In-depth knowledge of the individual’s lifestyle, communication needs, hobbies, etc. so the audiologist can match the technology to the individual.
3. Customized physical fit of the device (this is the coupling of the hearing aid to the ear which needs to be comfortable and also appropriate to the demands of the hearing loss).
4. Customized acoustic fit (measuring the sound in the person’s ear canal to set the hearing aid).

People who get hearing aids usually have hearing loss for several years before they seek help. This means that the person has been listening through a filter and the person’s brain is tuned to the hearing loss. The person with hearing loss perceives listening through the hearing loss as “normal.” The treatment for hearing loss is returning an audible signal to the auditory pathway. To make sure the person can hear well with their hearing aids, it's essential to ensure they can hear quiet, moderate, and loud sounds at different pitches without any discomfort. The audiologist can't just ask the person with hearing loss if they like how the hearing aids sound, because they may not know what's right due to having hearing loss over the years. To set up a hearing aid properly, the audiologist puts a tiny microphone in the person's ear and checks how the hearing aid works with quiet, moderate, and loud sounds. This helps the audiologist adjust the hearing aid so that it makes sounds easy to hear at different pitches and volumes.

People who have gradually lost their hearing, which is common as people get older, need to wear their hearing aids all the time when they're awake for about 2-3 weeks to adjust to the new sounds. People who wear their hearing aids full time (when they are awake) get the most benefit. When they first start using the hearing aids, it's normal not to like them during the first week. That's because the brain isn't used to all the sounds they can hear now. They might feel like everything is too loud and noisy. But if they use the hearing aids all the time when they are awake, their brain gets used to these new sounds over a few weeks, and the annoying sounds become less noticeable. This adjustment won't happen if they only use the hearing aids sometimes. When people only use the hearing aids part-time, their brain doesn't fully adapt to the new sounds, and they might say that things are too loud and noisy, and it bothers them.

It's important that a person gets used to their hearing aids before deciding to keep them. That's why each state in the U.S. has a law that allows a person at least 30 days to decide whether prescription hearing aids are helping them and whether they want to keep or return them. If they return them, they should expect to receive a refund for the majority of what they have paid with a small amount being kept by the practice to cover the time dedicated to this process. The date your hearing aid may be returned by for a refund and the refund amount should be noted on your hearing aid purchase agreement.