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Purchasing Hearing Aids? Read This First
by Paula Rosenthal, J.D.
Are you thinking about getting hearing aids? Interested in upgrading the
ones you have? While advances in technology have improved the performance
and variety of hearing aids, they have also significantly increased their
cost. Determining what type or brand of hearing aids to buy can be an
overwhelming decision. Use the resources below to learn more about hearing
aids before you buy them.
FREE BROCHURES
Hearing Aids & Audiology Services: A Sound Solution to Improved
Communication
This free brochure answers questions about the signs of hearing loss in
both children and adults, how an audiologist can evaluate an individual's
hearing and recommend an appropriate course of action. It also discusses
what individuals can expect from wearing a hearing aid. The different
types of hearing aids and hearing assistive devices, cost and health
insurance coverage of hearing aids, and where you can purchase a hearing
aid are also included. To order this brochure, call ASHA's toll-free
HELPLINE at 1-800-638-8255.
The Three Hearing Aid Technologies
This brochure discusses analog, programmable and digital hearing aids with
their advantages and disadvantages. Send a self-addressed, stamped,
business-sized envelope to: Mid East Tennessee Regional Speech and Hearing
Center, PO Box 258, 391 Main Street, Dayton, TN. 37321
ONLINE READING
There are many places to find information on hearing aids on the Internet.
The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) offers several consumer-oriented
articles at this page: http://www.audiology.org/consumer/.
For further reading, visit these well-written articles by the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) below.
Hearing Aids -
http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/hearing_aids.cfm
Hearing Aid Myth and Fact -
http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/aid_myth_fact.cfm
Hearing Aids for Adults -
http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/adult_aid.cfm
Children and Hearing Aids -
http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/child_aids.cfm
Digital Hearing Aids: Current "State of the Art" -
http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/digital_aid.cfm
FINDING AN AUDIOLOGIST
In addition to abiding by a strict Code of Ethics, audiologists have
graduate degrees and specialized training in assessing hearing loss and
fitting hearing aids. Learn more about why you should buy your hearing
aids from an audiologist in this article, "How to Purchase Hearing Aids."
http://www.audiology.org/consumer/guides/howtopurchase.php
The AAA also provides a worldwide, accredited audiologist locator at this
page: http://www.audiology.org/consumer/faa.php
UNDERSTANDING YOUR AUDIOGRAM
When you have your hearing tested by an audiologist, the results will be
charted on an audiogram. At first glance, this confusing paper with a
graph, numbers and x's and o's appears to be undecipherable for the
average person. As part of your visit, your audiologist should explain how
to read your audiogram. However, you may be more comfortable if you
already know how to read an audiogram and understand its significance
prior to your hearing test. Visit these easy-to-read web pages to learn
what the markings on your audiogram means:
How to Read Your Hearing Test -
http://www.earinfo.com/howread1.html
Understanding Your Audiogram -
http://www.audiology.org/consumer/guides/uya.php
Today, choices abound in hearing aid technology. Review these resources
before you make your selection. Learn about the various types of
technology and understand your audiogram before your visit to the
audiologist. By being a diligent and educated consumer, you can purchase
hearing aids with confidence and prevent costly mistakes.
Paula Rosenthal, J.D. is married and has three children. She,
her husband and daughter are all hearing impaired. Her sons have normal
hearing. A law school graduate, Paula is the publisher of
http://www.HearingExchange.com,
an online community for people with hearing loss, parents of deaf and hard
of hearing children and professionals. She is also a writer and speaker on
hearing loss and related issues. To contact her, send an email to
mailto:info@hearingexchange.com. |
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© 2000-2007 Paula Rosenthal and Taylor Rose,
Inc. All rights reserved. For reprint permission, send an email with
your request to
mailto:info@hearingexchange.com.
This article is one
of many in the
Paula’s Pearls group of syndicated content from HearingExchange. It
may be reproduced under certain conditions. Email Paula at
info@hearingexchange.com
for further information.
Click here
for the full list of Paula’s Pearls articles available for syndication.
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