Hearing Aids

My part-time work, outside of massage, is in admin working for an audiologist, someone who tests, analyses and advises on your hearing. Mostly we see folk who have concerns about their hearing, need hearing tests for work, or who already have a deterioration in their hearing and, for the most part, hearing aids are the answer.

Unfortunately no technology to date is going to match the natural precision and sensitivity of the human auditory system, however hearing aids can be of immense benefit to those with hearing loss and help improve quality of life.

It is important therefore that hearing aid users develop appropriate expectations in relation to what their aids can and cannot do for them and in this regard an audiologist is the best contact. However, here's some general information:

* Hearing aids cannot restore one's hearing to normal;

* New aids will most likely require a period of adjustment & acclimatisation before maximum benefit can be achieved - patience is required as this my take weeks or a couple of months;

* The annoyance of background noise is a perennial one, particularly for first time hearing aid users who probably haven't been hearing much background noise since the onset of their hearing loss. There is, however, new technology with digital signal processing that differentiates between speech and noise, reduces amplification of noise and improves speech intelligibility. This technology is usually included in aids with directional microphones, which reduces noise from the side/back. Being directional however means the aid wearer needs to face the talker so that the microphones are facing the correct direction - bending the head down or to the side effectively moves the mic from the most advantageous position.

Also some general servicing hints I've picked up during my time with the audiologist:

* Whistling in BTE (behind the ear) aids is commonly caused by a split in the tube that links the mould in the ear and the unit behind the ear. A quick "retube" by your aid supplier will fix this;

* Whistling can also be caused when the aid is not sat fully inside the ear. This can be caused by wax deep inside the ear and a trip to the GP to clear any wax may fix the problem;

* If you have had ear surgery or a significant infection in the ear your ear canal shape may have changed affecting the fit and a new mould may be required;

* The aids can be affected by moisture, so using drying crystals occassionally or letting them sit in a dry sunny spot can help alleviate this;

* Intermittent cutting out of volume can be the battery contact - check for dust or foreign objects in the battery well.

For pensioners in Australia, you may be eligible for free hearing assessment and, if required, aids through the Office of Hearing Services, part of the Department of Health (Federal). Visit: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-hear-applic.htm


Resources:
ListenUp Issue 22 from siemens.com.au/hearing

C Whitfeld at milliAmp Hearing (Newtown, also visiting Kogarah, Randwick, Taree & Armidale). Phone 02 9565 2521