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One in Seven Middle-Aged Adults Has Hearing Loss
03-21-2011Researchers in Madison, Wisconsin have discovered that 14% of middle-aged Americans have some sort of hearing loss. For those aged 48 to 59, that percentage jumps to around 20%, and for those 80 years old and older, the percentage skyrockets to 90%. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health research study included 3,285 subjects from 21 to 84 years of age.
Siemens Motion 501
04-13-2010I've had three different hearing aids in my life, and the Motion 501 ITE is the best and most comfortable out of all of them. It isn't very hidden on my ear, but it is quite stylish. My hearing loss isn't severe, so I wasn't in need of something too strong. If you have severe hearing loss this many not be the one for you. I have it on the second to highest setting and it is perfect for me. If you are looking for an everyday hearing aid I would recommend this one.
Hearing Aid Types: Advantages and Disadvantages
01-24-2011
Hearing Aids are now available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors! It is very important to understand their design in order to decide which one will best fit you and your lifestyle. A hearing aid specialist will definitely assist you on your decision and provide it for you, but here is a summary of each hearing aid type:
There are two main categories of hearing aids: in-the-ear hearing instruments (ITE) and behind-the-ear hearing instruments (BTE).
In-the-ear hearing instruments (ITE)
In-the-ear hearing instruments are all the ones that are custom fitted within the ear. They are less noticed, since they are somewhat camouflaged by the ear, and can be used by patients with mild to moderate hearing loss. There is less possibility of “feedback” and whistling, which is picking up sounds from the receiver (speaker) down in the ear canal, plus they are easier to use when speaking on the phone. The downside to wearing them is primarily the occlusion effect (the sensation of a blocked ear), and the fact that they are difficult to adjust or remove. Finally, their small batteries only last about 5 days or so depending on use. This family of hearing instruments may also cause common medical problems, such as otitis externa and pressure ulcers in the external auditory canal.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) is part of the “family” of the ITE instruments. They fit inside your auditory canal where the hearing aid cannot be seen easily. This is the smallest available model on the market. The positive side is that they are very discreet; impressions of the ear canal are taken in order to craft the aids. However, it is very difficult to handle. The hearing aid is so deep that it comes with a plastic thread to pull it out which can be seen if one looks closely. They cannot be used on patients with severe hearing loss and the shorter life of the tiny battery is a disadvantage. Its location deep in the ear canal exposes the hearing aid to the severe human environment, limiting the lifespan of CIC to about 4 years. But to those who do not wish others to know they have a hearing loss, the appeal of this type of a hearing aid is obvious.
In-the-canal (ITC) models fit the size and shape of an ear canal. They are moderately visible, but still very small. This model is very popular for their reasonable price, and because it can be used for mild to moderate hearing impairment. Some disadvantages are that it has fewer features than other hearing instruments, and is be difficult to handle.
In-the-ear (ITE) models were made to fit within the external ear. The have many features and are easy to handle. This model is recommended for mild to severe impairment. This hearing aid can be disguised, and it looks natural. It is a one-piece model that fits the contour of the ear (pinna) and has no other parts (the miniature microphone is located inside). Its batteries are larger, therefore last longer. On the other hand, this device is prone to picking up wind sounds more easily because of the microphone location.
Behind-the-ear hearing instruments (BTE)
Behind-the-ear hearing instruments (BTE) are the other main group of hearing aids. These instruments differentiate from the in-the-ear instruments because they rest behind the ear and are connected to a custom ear mold or tip by a thin tube. This model is used in mild to profound hearing loss. Its larger size permits the use of larger mechanisms, which provide more power and features. It is more versatile, and provides greater amplification than any other device. The only negative aspect is that it can easily be seen. This is no problem to most women (or men) with long hair who can easily hide it.
The “Open Fit” model is another behind-the-ear instrument, with ultra-thin tubing which is practically invisible. The electronics are sub-miniature so they are smaller, with the simple tube to bring the sounds into the ear canal. They are very similar to the Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC). The only 
difference between these two models is that the receiver (speaker) for the RIC hearing aid is placed inside the ear canal, which makes the hearing instrument a little smaller, gives the instrument more power, less distortion and a more natural and comfortable fit. The downside is that the receiver is exposed to cerumen (ear wax) and to the human environment deep in the ear canal.
Other models are the OTE (on-the ear), were the size of the instrument is reduced to fit the crescent of the ear as closely as possible making it very sleek, but otherwise like a BTE but with far less visibility.
As you can see, there is a large variety of hearing aids and solutions that can adapt specifically to you, your lifestyle and personal requirements. If you believe you have hearing problems, our best advice is to visit a hearing center to learn about your options. Ignoring your hearing problems will just deprive you from an important part of your life.
There are many other positive technology aspects such as a stereophonic equipment, that restore the three-dimensional grasp of sound, the digital sound, which reproduce sound with outstanding clarity and more recently with Bluetooth incorporated. There are also designs which considerably reduce background noise, plus automatic adaptation of amplification to surrounding sound level, and directional microphone technology which differentiates sounds behind and in front of you.
Finally, hearing instrument designers are anxiously awaiting “nanotechnology” which operates at the molecular and atomic level and therefore significantly increases the power of computing available and will solve many design issues. This technology is probably in the province of the military, but if and when it comes, it should revolutionize hearing instrument design.
Hearing Loss and Dementia
03-30-2011Researchers are calling for “critically needed” “rehabilitative strategies” for confronting a newly discovered association between hearing loss and the progression of dementia.
How to be a smart hearing aid buyer
03-18-2011
Many people have a misconceptions about hearing aids and believe there is no solution to their hearing problem. Consumerrespots.org conducted a national survey of 1,100 people who bought hearing aids in the past three years, and lab-tested the features of 44 hearing aids to learn more about the following challenges.
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