No hearing instrument can completely eliminate background noise. In fact, background noise is 'normal'. Most of the time background noise is speech, which is the exact same signal that the hearing aid is trying to amplify. Some hearing instruments can lessen the effects of non-speech noise by using specific microphones and/or technology. Background noise is a nuisance for everyone, even people with normal hearing.

Our brain hears better in both quiet and noise with two ears. In noise, our brain is designed to cancel out some of the noise and help us listen to conversation when both ears are working together. Hearing equally with both ears also helps find the direction of a sound. In our busy daily activities we need to hear where sounds are coming from for our own protection as well as for our enjoyment, i.e. being able to find the bird singing in the tree or hear the car coming from a certain direction. Hearing equally with both ears also makes listening less stressful and gives you a more natural sound quality.

Yes. Hearing devices are incredibly sophisticated devices that are exposed to a damp, waxy environment on a daily basis. Because of this, as well as normal wear and tear, you can expect to face occasional repairs during the lifespan of your hearing device. Establishing and maintaining a good preventative maintenance schedule at home and with regular visits to your audiologist's office can significantly reduce the number of repairs. Usually a repair comes with a 6-month warranty if the repair occurs outside the manufactu

Yes. Typically, the hearing aid manufacturer you purchased your hearing aid through provides a warranty that covers repairs for the first one to three years, depending on the manufacturer's warranty, and will replace a lost or damaged hearing aid one time during the first year for a minimal fee (about $250). Most manufacturers as well as outside venders provide various types of extended warranties.

Hearing devices should last about five years if they are cared for properly. Although digital and programmable hearing aids can adapt to various changes in hearing, a significant hearing change may require different hearing aid technology or hearing aid type. In five years time, generally there are advances in technology that you may want to consider and try.

Hearing with hearing devices in both quiet and moderate noise should improve, however your hearing in even moderate background noise is not going to be as good as your hearing in quiet. That being said, your hearing in very noisy situations should not be worse than without the hearing device(s). Although your own voice may sound very different and may take some time getting used to, it should at least be acceptable to you. Hearing aids and ear molds should be comfortable and not cause any feedback when seated correctly in the ear. Even when wearing your hearing aids, you should combine your vision and your hearing to maximize your hearing aid benefit. Most importantly, a new user needs to be patient and allow time for appropriate adjustment, as hearing aids cannot restore hearing to "normal".

Many people don't realize that they need time to adjust to wearing hearing aids. They think that adjusting to new hearing aids is just like putting on new glasses and having instant clear sight. Some things you need to expect while adjusting to your new hearing aids are:

• Hearing aids will not give you normal hearing
• It takes time to adjust to wearing hearing aids
• Some sounds may seem loud
• Hearing aids cannot fix fuzzy or distorted hearing
• Hearing aids won't always let you hear well in noise
• You need to be psychologically ready to wear hearing aids

Buying hearing aids on the Internet can sometimes save you several hundred dollars. But these savings can come at a cost. Buying a hearing instrument online can bypass the medical clearance required by the Food and Drug Administration as well as the custom services needed to fit the device to an individual's needs. Professional follow-up is very important because a poorly adjusted hearing aid can be uncomfortable or even damage the ear. A set of unused hearing aids that sit in a drawer are no bargain. The Internet can be useful for researching the various kinds of hearing aids on the market today and for keeping up with new technology. If you do decide to buy online, be sure to thoroughly investigate the vendor's reputation, return policy and warranty.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to the pricing of hearing instruments. There is never an easy way to avoid the sticker shock. But understanding what goes into the production and maintenance of all assistive listening devices can help soften the blow. While the actual size of hearing aids hasn't really changed over the last 20 years, the technology that goes inside them has changed tremendously. These technology advancements have allowed hearing aids to evolve from a basic amplifier to a sophisticated miniature computer chip that can be housed in a small, damp space on a daily basis and in all types of adverse environments.

Daily use of these devices in such environments has forced hearing aid manufacturers to have incredibly stringent reliability and durability standards for every aspect of every hearing aid. In addition, manufacturer warranties are provided for both new hearing aids and out-of-warranty repairs on hearing aids. Lastly, and probably most importantly, the personal fitting and professional knowledge of hearing health care professionals should be considered invaluable. A certified audiologist has a bachelor's degree and at least a master's degree and some even have a physicianate degree, usually in the form of an AuD (Doctor of Audiology) or a PhD. The minimum background of education as well as the requirements for keeping up with all the changes and advances in technology not only fulfill licensing requirements but also helps the professional provide appropriate and knowledgeable amplification information to each individual.
 

The inside mechanisms of hearing aids vary among devices, even if they are the same style. Three types of circuitry, or electronics, are used:

• Analog/Adjustable: The audiologist determines the volume and other specifications you need in your hearing aid, and then a laboratory builds the aid to meet those specifications. The audiologist retains some flexibility to make adjustments. This type of circuitry is generally the least expensive.
• Analog/Programmable: The audiologist uses a computer to program your hearing aid. The circuitry of analog/programmable hearing aids will accommodate more than one program or setting. If the aid is equipped with a remote control device, the wearer can change the program to accommodate a given listening environment. Analog/programmable circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids.
• Digital/Programmable: The audiologist programs the hearing aid with a computer and can adjust the sound quality and response time on an individual basis. Digital hearing aids use a microphone, receiver, battery, and computer chip. Digital circuitry provides the most flexibility for the audiologist to make adjustments for the hearing aid. Digital circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids and is typically the most expensive.