Hearing Direct Blog, News and In The Media

Will Long Hair Diminish a Hearing Aid’s Performance?

Written by Gary on April 16, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Hearing loss affects many people from all ages and walks of life. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of models as possible in order to meet the taste of the different wearers. That is why hearing aids come in different shapes and colours – they can be subtle enough that only a close observer notices them or colourful and fun for those who do not feel apprehensive of other people’s reactions and treat the hearing aid as a fashion statement and not only as a device.

Many hard of hearing, though, still feel unsure about concealing a hearing aid. There are a few ways, which can be used to lessen the visibility of a hearing aid. Choosing a model that is very small such as in the ear or in the canal hearing aid or a tiny behind the ear model in a skin tone colour is one way to do it. Another option, very popular among women, is to cover the hearing aid with their hair. This is not strange at all, as long hair is quite easy to wear down and effortlessly covers the ears so that the hearing device is completely hidden.

Some may argue that long hear interferes with the sound that comes to the hearing aid and reduces its performance. However, it is highly unlikely that sound waves and vibrations could be affected by long hair over the hearing aid. Many people wear their long hair deliberately over their hearing aid to conceal it without complaining of diminished performance.

In some cases, though, hair around the hearing aid is not recommended. For instance, when the wearer uses bone anchored hearing aid, the hair and the hair follicles around the external body need to be removed in order for the hearing aid to be attached to the skull and to avoid skin irritations and inflammations afterwards.

There are also a few cases, when you should be careful with wearing long hair over hearing aids. On occasions hair can brush up against the microphone ports and become an amplified sound. Sometimes it is easy for the hair to entangle around the hearing aid, especially when worn by children. Another situation for considering pulling your hear back when wearing hearing aids is in hot weather or when exercising. Longer hair allows for more perspiration around the ears and that moisture may enter the hearing aid. Humidity can be detrimental to the device so it is highly recommended that you avoid putting your hearing aid in conditions where it can get wet. If that happens, you should immediately absorb the moisture with a soft dry tissue, take out the batteries and leave it to dry. You can use a dehumidifier for hearing aids or turn to your audiologist for advice. However, you should never put your hearing aid in heat such as in an oven or under a hot stream of air, e.g. use a hair dryer. The hearing aid may discolour, harden or melt and be damaged irreversibly.

Posted in Hearing Aids

Recommended Hearing Aid Styles For Glasses Wearers

Written by Ran on April 13, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Some people feel apprehensive of the idea of wearing a hearing aid with their glasses, as they are afraid it would be uncomfortable or may cause disruption for the use of either. Wearing hearing aids and glasses, however, is a popular combination especially for the elderly, as they often need both to cope with normally daily activities. Making the right choice of spectacle frames and hearing aid type and being careful when putting both on will guarantee that you will not experience any problems.

Hearing aids come in a variety of models and shapes. The most popular types are behind the ear, in the ear, in the canal and completely in the canal. The last three pose no problem with wearing glasses as their whole bodies go in the ear (outer part or ear canal). Behind the ear hearing aids may cause some discomfort if not sited correctly but that in no way means that they are not a good choice for glasses wearers.

Many people who suffer from both hearing and visual problems would like to hide one of them and feel uneasy when their aid is visible. That is why some opt for very small and discreet hearing aids or choose contact lenses instead of spectacles. While this may be convenient for certain people, it is not a universal solution. There are different options for comfortably wearing both glasses and hearing aids depending on preference, type of hearing loss and hearing aid and glasses frames.

ITE, ITC and CIC hearing aids

These types of hearing aids are positioned either in the ear bowl (in the ear hearing aids) or in the ear canal. Except for completely in the canal hearing aids, in the ear and in the canal hearing aids can be slightly visible from the side. These hearing aids are very appropriate for people who look for the smallest possible device that will be invisible to others. They cause no problems with spectacles but may not be a good choice if you have severe hearing loss, as they are suitable mainly for mild and moderate hearing impairment.

Behind the ear hearing aids

Some people may find it strange to combine behind the ear hearing aids with glasses as it clear that this may result in problems. However, with the recent development of behind the ear hearing aids, their smaller size and models such as open fit, they have become a favourite choice for the vast majority. Moreover, behind the ear hearing aids are suitable for all ages, all degrees of hearing impairment and due to their larger sized batteries endure much longer.

Wearing glasses with behind the ear hearing aids is not problematic if you are cautious when putting them on. First, you need to put your glasses on and then the hearing aid, you can use a mirror to adjust them if necessary. When you need to take off your spectacles, it is better to do so by pulling them forward rather than to the side to avoid dislodging the hearing aid.

You can also use special clips and straps such as SafeNSound to connect the frames and the hearing aid so they are secured together. That option is especially suitable for children and the elderly.

Posted in Hearing Aids

Which Are More Comfortable BTE or ITE hearing Aids?

Written by Stuart on April 11, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Behind the ear and in the ear hearing aids are two of the most popular types of hearing aids on the market. There are various models available in terms of colour, design and features for both. Making a choice is not always easy as when it comes to these types of hearing aids personal taste and preference can be a deciding factor.

A Behind the ear hearing aid is preferred by a large number of hard of hearing people, especially by the elderly. The device is just the right size – it is not too obvious for others as it has a very discreet look and at the same time, it is easy and quick to manipulate. Its electronic parts are safely hidden behind the ear and are delicately connected with an almost invisible thin tube to the ear canal. Many people prefer behind the ear hearing aids due to some of the following facts:

easy to control and adjust
easy to clean
bigger and more durable batteries
protected from ear moisture
suitable for people of all ages

Other reasons for considering behind the ear hearing aids are that they leave the ear canal open and allow for a more natural sound. In addition, the distance between the ear canal and the microphone leads to less feedback in comparison to the in the ear hearing aids where all the electronic parts are in one place inside the outer ear.

Behind the ear hearing aids are also suitable for mild to severe hearing loss which makes them a good choice for those who demand very powerful amplification.

Some people, however, prefer in the ear hearing aids. They can be smaller and less visible than some behind the ear hearing aids and can be more convenient for spectacle wearers. In the ear hearing aids are positioned at the bowl of the outer ear creating a more cosmetically appealing look. Nevertheless, they have a few disadvantages, which might make them not so comfortable for a certain people:

not suitable for children due to growth of the ear
not suitable for people with excessive earwax buildup and drainage
may create a feeling of “blocking up”
may produce more feedback due to the compact nature of the electronics
have smaller batteries and require more frequent battery changes
can be difficult to adjust due to their small size

When making your choice, you should remember that the leading factor should be the recommendation of your audiologist and the condition of your hearing loss. In the end, though, the choice between in the ear or behind the ear hearing aids may come down to personal preference. There are many types of hearing aids available; comfortable to some and not so much to others. The best way to find the perfect match is to look at the features and style of the hearing aid and weigh the pros and cons for your individual case and taste. Then insist on a period during which you can evaluate whether the hearing aid is right for you.

Posted in Hearing Aids

Is It Possible To Buy Hearing Aids For Someone Else?

Written by Gary on April 9, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Hearing loss is a widespread problem and affects not only the individuals suffering from hearing impairment but also their families and friends. Not being able to hear has an effect on simple daily actions such as watching TV, listening to the radio, hearing the phone ringing and having a normal conversation. Realising that the problem exists for someone around you is the first step to helping them help themselves.

Hearing aids, similarly to glasses, need to fit the individual condition. Not all hearing aids work in the same way and are suitable for different types and degrees of hearing loss. While you can buy hearing aids for someone else, in order for the person who will wear them to benefit as much as possible you need to be aware of the exact hearing problem and the most appropriate hearing aid.

Hearing aids are a wonderful present for those who need them. Nonetheless, they are not an accessory but electronic devices with a specific function. Before buying a hearing aid for someone else, first you might wish to consider certain issues:

The wearer should have ideally undergone a medical examination conducted by an audiologist or ENT specialist to determine the exact hearing condition and treatment or hearing aid.
You should be fully aware of the suitable hearing aid, the level and type of hearing loss so when buying the hearing aid to know that it is the right one.
If the wearer has excessive earwax buildup or drainage you may refrain from buying an in the ear hearing aid as it could be easily damaged and choose a behind the ear hearing aid, where the electronic parts are away from the ear canal.
If you buy a hearing aid for an elderly person, consider the size of the device. Very small devices are more difficult to manipulate, which may be frustrating for the wearer.
Find out, if possible, the preferences about colour and design of the person who will use the hearing aid so they will be happy with the look once they put it on.

When buying a hearing aid for someone else make sure that the retailer offers a sufficient trial period, so, if needed, you can return the hearing aid. Every person is different and every hearing impairment condition is unique so the hearing aid of your choice may not be the most ideal for the person for whom it is intended. The usual trial period is around 30 days to let you test the device.

In addition, check the warranty period so if a problem occurs later on the wearer can turn to the supplier for support or refund. If you buy the device for a disabled person or for someone with a chronic illness, you can also check if they are eligible for a relief from VAT.

Posted in Hearing Aids

How To Persuade a Parent To Use Hearing Aids?

Written by Ran on April 6, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Hearing loss is part of many people’s lives. However, only when we feel its presence in our family can we really understand its gravity in normal every day actions such as watching TV, listening to music, communicating over the phone or in person, etc. For anyone who is affected by hearing loss, accepting that they have a problem and the need to take measures is sometimes very difficult. The elderly particularly need help from their relatives to overcome the fear of change and avoid isolation in situations where they suffer from some degree of hearing impairment.

Often, however, it is challenging to persuade a parent to use hearing aids. You should remember, though, that the benefits of a hearing aid and the improved quality of life of your parent will experience definitely outweigh the time spent in persuasion. You may well have to be patient and understanding during the process.

The first thing to do when you find that their hearing may be showing signs of diminishment is to convince them to visit a specialist and have their ears and hearing checked. It is good if you go with them and show your support. It is common that after a certain age parents need more care and attention especially if hearing problems are accompanied by other health conditions.

Before purchasing hearing aids, however, you have to be sure that the condition demands it, e.g. it is not earwax build up or infection that can be treated with medicines, and then discuss with the audiologist the most suitable hearing aid type. Many elderly people feel scared and threatened by hearing aids, as they may seem complicated. Take the time to inform yourself about the different hearing aid models and their features. Then explain to your parent the benefits of the device without going into detail of the electronics or features that they may not understand or care about.

Make them see the hearing aid as the help they need to hear better and live better, point out that they will be able to watch TV without everyone leaving the room or complaining about the volume level, to have normal conversations over the phone or at family gatherings, to hear the doorbell ringing or the fire alarm.

Your parents may be apprehensive about wearing hearing aids because they may connect them to old age, disability or admittance that they are incapable of doing some of the things they did before. You may re-assure them that today’s hearing aids mean that it can often be more obvious that they have a hearing loss without them than when they are using them.

In addition, they may picture the devices as big, not appealing or very visible to the others. You can help them understand that hearing aids have gone a long way and modern technology allows them to be almost invisible coming in different sizes, models and colours.

Another issue to explain to them is that although some hearing aids are very expensive there are ways to get an affordable hearing aid that will not put a strain on their budget. You can look around at online shops such as hearingdirect.com, find the best option in price and features, and present them with a few choices. That way they will have a say in the decision and will perceive the hearing aid not as an unwelcome obligation but as a precious acquisition.

Posted in Hearing Aids, Hearing Information

Can Hearing Loss Be Improved Naturally?

Written by Gary on April 4, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Millions of people are affected by hearing loss. While the condition is mainly related to the natural aging process, a diminished ability to hear should be treated carefully and approached with diligence. It is true that in the majority of cases hearing impairment is connected to age and the deterioration of the auditory nerves. However, that does not mean that treatment is not possible, on the contrary, it should be sought.

Depending on the type of hearing loss – conductive or sensorineural, it may be reversible. Conductive hearing loss may result from an earwax build-up, ear infections and inflammations, medicines, injuries or malformations. If hearing impairment is caused by some of these conditions, there are various medical treatments available that can restore hearing such as antibiotics, surgery, earwax removal, etc.

If you suffer from sensorineural hearing loss, that means that the tiny hairs in your inner ear are irreversibly damaged and as they cannot regenerate the condition will remain permanent. Most often, this type of hearing impairment occurs with age progression and the detrimental effects of the free radicals in the body formed when burning carbohydrates. By definition, a free radical is a molecule that due to its instability often damages any cell it interacts with. It also changes DNA and thus “errors” in the body functions occur. These may include problems with blood circulation and supply to various organs, including the inner ear, which in turn may lead to hearing problems. For such conditions, hearing aids are recommended along with other types of assistive hearing devices. While hearing aids do not cure or restore normal hearing, they amplify sounds so that the wearer can communicate more easily and independently.

Natural restoration of hearing loss that has already been incurred is highly unlikely, especially in the case of sensorineural hearing loss. There are a number of popular home remedies whose properties are believed to have a healing or at least aiding effect on different organs or health conditions. Some of the most common include Ginkgo biloba, garlic, marjoram (all known to improve blood circulation), apple vinegar (supplies the needed zinc, magnesium, potassium and manganese) and olive oil (used for ear infections).

However, many natural treatments are primarily connected to preserving existing hearing rather than curing hearing loss. Popular methods for maintaining or improving hearing are:

Avoid noise – Noise is one of the main reasons for acquired hearing impairment. Extensive listening to loud music or machinery may be detrimental to the auditory pathway. That is why you should be careful with loud sounds and always use hearing protection in noisy environments.
Remove earwax – Earwax accumulation may harden and cause temporary hearing loss. It should be carefully removed and if needed, with the assistance of a specialist.
Enrich your diet – It is important that the daily diet comprises all the needed vitamins, antioxidants and supplements that help blood circulation and fight free radicals.
Do hearing exercises – Sound source location and noise filtering are two of the main problems when hearing loss occurs. You should train your ears in multiple sound source and noise situations so they accommodate faster and focus on the sounds that you want to hear.

Ultimately, however, a hearing aid is one of the most successful approaches to improving and managing a hearing loss. And they are much less expensive and obtrusive than many people think!

Posted in Hearing Information

Financial Help When Buying Hearing Aids

Written by Stuart on April 2, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Hearing aids can be an expensive investment. Depending on the type of hearing loss and personal taste, some models can be as much as a small family car. It is crucial to know which type of hearing aid is the most appropriate for your individual condition. Once you know your options, it is wise to shop around as prices can vary considerably even for the same model you can try funding or finding support for buying a hearing aid. While not directly offering financial assistance, the NHS may supply you with hearing aids free of charge. You should consider, though, that they are lent to you and you are liable for any damages. In addition, the models offered are a little more limited than if you decide to buy a hearing aid privately.

There are highs street hearing aid retailers that have special monthly instalment packages. You will usually have to pay part of the sum at the time of purchase and the rest will be split in equal amounts for a specific number of months. Such packages may seem convenient and affordable but you should take note of the interest rate as very few offer interest free options. In many cases, the final amount charged for a hearing aid could be a few times more than the initial price. Paying a small sum every month may seem more affordable in the short term but can be very expensive in the end.

Some people think that their health insurance policy includes costs for a hearing aid. However, very few insurance companies offer some kind of financial coverage for hearing aids and you should check whether your expenses would be covered completely or at all.

Nevertheless, there are some more recent alternatives, namely in the form of home delivery. Fortunately, many online retailers offer a great variety of hearing aid models at reasonable prices. You can choose and buy your hearing aid online with a single click and have it delivered to your door, often with free delivery. Prices of hearing aids offered online are considerably lower than those in most high street shops. For instance at Hearing Direct you can find digital hearing aids ranging from £99 to £599, which makes them relatively affordable in comparison to their High Street equivalents

In addition, a number of other hearing devices at hearingdirect.com are free from VAT. They are zero-rated products and you can recognize them by the special seal they have. If you are eligible to claim relief from VAT, i.e. you have a chronic medical condition or you are disabled, you only need to fill in the VAT Relief From and send it to us after your purchase. After we receive the form, we will refund you the VAT in full, which currently amounts to 20%. In case you are unsure about the products that are zero-rated you can call 0800 032 1301.

Furthermore, some websites also offer support and additional benefits. At hearingdirect.com, you can check your hearing online for free and turn to a qualified audiologist in case you have questions concerning hearing advice and products.

Posted in Hearing Aids, Hearing Information

How to Donate Hearing Aids

Written by Ran on March 30, 2012 — Leave a Comment

The invention of hearing aids is and was a life changing technological breakthrough that has helped millions of people improve their quality of life and gain more independence in daily activities including work, communication and entertainment. With the further advancement of technology, new and improved models and designs of hearing aids appear often making the current devices obsolete and eventually left unused. Those fortunate enough to be able to upgrade their hearing equipment often do not know what to do with the old devices.

Instead of putting your old hearing aid in a drawer and forgetting about it or throwing it away, there are different ways you can dispose of it while at the same time giving a chance to someone else to improve their hearing. Unfortunately, hearing aids are not widely accessible, mainly due to financial limitations, to many people living in developing countries although problems with hearing impairment are just as common as in the rest of the world.

One way to help others with hearing difficulties is by donating your old or used hearing aids. A donation will not only prolong the life and the usability of a good hearing aid but also be beneficial for someone who cannot have it in any other way. It is calculated that manufacturers meet about 10% of global need for hearing aids and many people around the world cannot afford either hearing loss prevention or hearing devices.

A number of organizations and charities are involved in collecting old or broken hearing aids and then donating the devices to various countries that needs hearing assistance and help. These activities change the lives of the wearers and allow them to have better work opportunities.

Some of the most famous world organizations are the Rotary Club and Lions International. The latter is coordinated in the UK and Ireland by Hastings Lions Club. You can contact them directly and donate your hearing aid even if it is not working properly anymore along with any additional hearing equipment or batteries.

Many local charities work in close partnership with this organization as well. One of them is the Suffolk Hearing Aid Recycle Scheme at the Hearing Care Centre. They collect all types of hearing aids regardless of their condition. You can leave you hearing aid at their donation boxes in Suffolk or send it via post. Another organization donating hearing aids to developing countries is the charity Open Ears. They accept any unwanted hearing aids via post.

If you want to find a local charity that you can donate your hearing aids to or need more information about hearing aids donation events, you can consult your hearing provider or audiologist to guide you to an organization, charity or church that collects such donations.

Along with donating your hearing aids, you may also consider an environmentally friendly way for a disposal of old hearing aid batteries. You can contact your local recycling centre to find out how you can donate your unused hearing aid batteries.

Posted in Hearing Aids

Don’t I Need a Hearing Test To Buy a Hearing Aid?

Written by Gary on March 28, 2012 — Leave a Comment

One of the first actions you should take when you suspect you might have a hearing problem is to check your hearing. Many symptoms can suggest you may have some type or degree of hearing loss. Whilst a hearing test is not mandatory in order to try the benefits a hearing aid may bring, it is highly recommended that a qualified individual carry out a diagnostic hearing evaluation to determine the cause, the possible treatment and type of hearing loss present.

There are different types of hearing tests that can help you determine the severity of your hearing impairment. Self-evaluation is the first natural step. If you feel that you have problems with hearing speech, it is unclear or muffled, have difficulty hearing over the phone or in noisy places, or feel discomfort in your ear such as pain or ringing, then it is recommended that you seek professional help to determine the cause of the problem and the possible solution to it.

You can also take advantage of some quick hearing tests that are now available due to the rapid technological advancements. You can try a phone based hearing test. Which is often a speech-in-noise check that will determine how you hear sounds in noisy environments.

Another quick way to check your hearing is to do an online hearing test. Instead of a telephone, you will need a computer to hear the sounds and give your answers. Hearingdirect.com provides you with a quick and free hearing test to check if you have some indication of a hearing loss.

Regardless of the way you determine your hearing problem it is advisable to contact your GP, an ENT specialist or an audiologist for a complete hearing test. While quick and online tests can help you find out if you suffer from some degree of hearing loss, you need a face-to-face exam to know what exactly your problem is, whether it is treatable and what type of hearing loss is present.

The hearing test conducted by the audiologist is in a few stages and is completely painless. You can expect the following procedure:

Whispered speech test – during this test you will have to repeat whispered words you hear from a specific distance
Pure tone test – during this test you will use headphones to hear different sounds (in frequency and loudness) and indicate via a button or raising your hand when you hear them
bone conduction test –this time a vibrating device will be placed on the bone behind your ear to test the sound response of your inner ear
tuning fork test – you will hear tones produced by a vibrating metal device, its purpose is to check how the sound waves travel through your ear and how the nerves respond
Speech recognition test – these tests will check how you understand words and phrases
auditory brain stem response test – with the help of electrodes positioned on the earlobes and scalp, this test will determine whether you have a conductive or sensorineural hearing loss

After the test, your audiologist will be able to analyse the results and recommend you the most suitable hearing aid for your specific condition. The different types of hearing aids are appropriate for different types of hearing loss and it is advisable that you always consult with a specialist before buying a hearing aid in order to benefit the most from it.

Posted in Hearing Aids

Is It Safe To Buy Hearing Aids Online?

Written by Ran on March 26, 2012 — Leave a Comment

The variety of items that can be bought online is growing by the minute, many of which seem less obvious than a CD/DVD or book. However, it is natural when buying online to be more cautious and suspicious of those offering products and services online as it is difficult to establish the quality of the company or their products.. There are a number of issues one has to be careful about, especially when buying such specific equipment as hearing aids but that does not mean that online shopping should be avoided. Buying hearing aids online can be a very affordable, convenient and secure option for all those who do not need a custom fit hearing aid or do not suffer from a special type of hearing impairment that requires surgical intervention.

Advantages of buying hearing aids online

There are many advantages of buying hearing aids online. The Internet is a great tool in helping to provide fast and easy access to information on a variety of choices and products. Sources include the manufacturers’ websites and blogs, forums about hearing loss and hearing devices, client reviews and feedback, etc.

Another advantage is the ease with which fast comparisons can be made between different hearing aids, their type and features. Instead of arranging a series of appointments with separate high street shops and wasting time in travel, collecting brochures and looking for the right specialist, you can gather all the information you need about the most suitable hearing aid for you with a quick search.

A fact that should not be overlooked is the convenience in purchasing online. Once you have chosen the hearing aid, you can buy it with a single click, without having to wait or take into consideration the opening hours of the retail shop. The online stores are open 24/7 making it easy and convenient to order the product whenever you have the time.

In addition, browsing online will not only supply you with comprehensive information on any hearing device that you are interested in, but also will help you find the best price without having to conduct extensive research. While the price of the hearing aid should not be the only factor deciding the hearing aid of choice, it is clearly very important to many people, especially in the current economic climate. Taking into account that some devices may cost thousands of pounds the online savings are considerable. Many online shops offer regular discounts or have sales and if you subscribe to their newsletter or blog, you can receive the offers directly into your inbox, so you will save time, as the great deals will be delivered to you immediately.

Considerations before purchase

Buying a hearing aid is a very important step in recognizing and taking care of your hearing problem. There is nothing wrong or unusual in buying the device online as long as you are aware of the conditions of purchase, return policy and warranty. Many online shops offer greater variety than regular shops and will save you time and money. Moreover, some websites provide support and help after your purchase and some such as hearingdirect.com have an audiologist at your service to answer your questions and concerns.

Posted in Hearing Aids