Joseph R. Anticaglia MD
Medical Advisory Board
Individuals at times complain: “People mumble all the time. They don’t speak up.” Or they might say, “I can hear you, but I can’t get a grip on the words.” Adults can voice their disappointments but small children are dependent on alert parents and physicians to recognize their loss of hearing.
Hearing aids (H.A.) are devices that amplify sound designed to help people with loss of hearing.
The physician has the responsibility to make an accurate diagnosis of hearing loss, understand the types and function of hearing aids and establish a good working relationship with audiologists and speech pathologists.
HEARING AIDS IN CHILDREN
Audiologists and Speech Pathologists (as well as parents & physicians) are key players in the team approach to children with hearing loss. The diagnosis of loss of hearing can be made shortly after birth, while the child is still in the hospital. Undetected loss of hearing in infants and young children affects their speech and language development. The needs of children vary significantly depending on the severity of hearing loss, the type of loss and other factors.
Children with a mild hearing loss (can’t hear soft speech) — the first decision is to determine whether or not the child can benefit from a H.A? Children with moderate to severe hearing loss can benefit from the use of hearing aids, but psychological consultation and tutoring are aspects to consider depending on the degree of hearing loss. Efforts should be made for such children to learn in a regular classroom where they are socially accepted. The parents of a child with a profound hearing loss, (complete loss of hearing), should be informed about cochlear implants and educational programs in their communities. In short — the earlier the diagnosis — the earlier the intervention — the better the outcomes.
THREE BASIC HEARING AID STYLES
- Behind- the-ear (BTE) hearing aid
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid
- In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid
Less frequently adopted are bone conduction H.A., used when a patient has an actively draining ear; A ‘CROS’ aid, i.e. a contralateral routing of signals, has been used in patients who have one sided, severe loss of hearing. In years gone by, the body worn H.A. was commonly used.
TYPES OF HEARING AIDS
An analog hearing aid is “somewhat” like a miniature loudspeaker which amplifies sound entering the ear. This type of hearing aid converts sound waves into electrical signals and consists essentially of 4 components:
- A Microphone to receive and convert sound waves into electrical impulses.
- An Amplifying system to magnify the electrical impulses.
- A Receiver which converts the electrical impulses back into louder sound waves. This amplified sound is transmitted through the ear mold to the eardrum.
- A small battery to supply the power for the hearing aid.
Digital aids use computer-like numerical codes which can be programmed to target and amplify certain frequencies (pitches), where patients can benefit the most. This allows the audiologist flexibility to custom fit your aid to suit your needs. They’re designed to reduce background noise, amplify speech and cut down on feedback. Digital aids are usually more expensive than analog aids and a trial period of using either the analog or digital aid is essential before purchasing the aid.
ROLE OF AUDIOLOGISTS
The audiologist, besides testing one’s hearing, can assist in selecting the type of aid to be worn, evaluate its performance and counsel you on how to get the best use out of the hearing aid. You’ll also gain information on the limitations of the hearing aid, its care and maintenance and advise you about assistive listening devices.
Audiologists are essential to children and adults who have undergone cochlear implants. The cost of hearing aids varies from hundreds to thousands of dollars and they’ll encourage you to “try it, before you buy it.” If you’re not completely satisfied with the hearing aid after the trial period, do not hesitate to return it.
HEARING AIDS IN ADULTS
Let us not forget adults with similar degrees of hearing loss as noted in children; they also need education, support and understanding. We tend to forget that a hearing aid does not make one’s hearing normal. The adult with a hearing aid has to adjust to a different quality of sound, his environment and improve his listening skills. They may take advantage of assistive listening devices and lip reading to enhance their ability to understand and communicate well. We should do our part to make their world sound better.