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One of the most common questions people ask about their hearing aids is when they should update them. This seemingly simple question has a varied answer that depends on a variety of factors. Hearing aids are durable devices that are built to last for several years. But depending on a host of factors like how well you maintain your hearing aids, changing hearing needs, interest in new hearing technologies, and exposure to elements like moisture; you could benefit from updating your hearing aids.

If you are thinking about updating your hearing aids or would like to know how to approach this, we recommend starting by answering a few important questions:

1. Are my hearing aids still working well? If your hearing aids don’t seem to be performing the way they used to, it may be time to update them. A few signs that your hearing aids aren’t working optimally include:

• Your device powers off randomly.
• You experience feedback noise, sounds are muffled or distorted.
• Your batteries don’t last very long and you are replacing them frequently.
• Sound quality is not as sharp or crisp as it was before.

These signs indicate that there is likely an internal issue that is causing these malfunctions. Hearing aids can be impacted by daily wear and tear. These devices interact with the same elements we experience: rain, humidity, earwax in the ears etc. These substances can accumulate on hearing aids which is why regular maintenance is important. Hearing aid components can become damaged, break, experience corrosion etc. If these signs seem familiar, it is important to have your hearing aid inspected by a specialist who can identify any underlying cause of your hearing aid issue and let you know if updating your device is the best course of action.

2. Have my hearing needs changed? Your hearing needs can change over time. Hearing loss ranges from mild to severe and you can shift on this spectrum. The degree of your impairment in each ear can change which may require a new prescription. This highlights the importance of having your hearing assessed regularly so that you can track and address any changes you may experience. Your ears and the shape of them can also change in ways that may require an adjustment or updated device.

3. Have any major lifestyle factors changed? In addition to hearing needs changing over time, evaluating if any lifestyle factors have changed is also important. Lifestyle factors inform the type of hearing aid that is optimal for your everyday life. Factors like the type of climate you live in, the environments you regularly navigate, the activities you participate in etc. help identify the type of support your hearing needs. So if you are really socially active and find yourself in social spaces often, you could benefit from hearing aids that offer background noise reduction. If your lifestyle has shifted or changed in major ways since you got your current hearing aid, it may be time to start thinking about updating your device.

4. Am I interested in the latest hearing aid technologies? Another useful question to think about is your interest in recently developed hearing aid technologies. The hearing aid industry continues to produce cutting edge technology that stretches what hearing aids can do. In addition to these features, there are numerous technologies that enhance sound quality and connectivity that you could benefit from. This includes: health tracking features, Bluetooth connectivity, digital noise reduction, voice recognition, tinnitus management, access to virtual assistants and apps etc. These technologies allow hearing aids to easily connect with other devices and integrate into daily life.

In addition to innovative hearing aid features, there are award winning designs that offer a sleek appeal. Hearing aid options today are like wearable pieces of technology that are aesthetically pleasing.

If you have an interest in updating your hearing aid and want to see what options are available, contact Tim Harmon at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah.  Purchase Ear Technology is conveniently located at 2800 Broadway St, Paducah, KY.  Give us a call today at (270) 558-3996 for more information or to schedule an appointment.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

Other posts that may be of interest to you:

Choosing The Right Hearing Aids

Reasons People Don’t Get Their Hearing Tested

Talking To Your Parents About Hearing Loss

Many of us look forward to Thanksgiving gatherings and for the chance to spend time with family and friends.  Most Thanksgiving dinners make for a noisy environment with many different conversations going on at the same time.   There is often sounds of plates being shuffled around, silverware clinging together, a kitchen fan humming in the background, and maybe some children running around the house laughing and playing.

Holiday parties with friends and family can feel overwhelming for loved ones with hearing loss. People with untreated hearing loss have reported feeling nervous to speak up in group settings out of fear that they may hear the wrong thing or not respond appropriately. Feeling lonely or isolated during a time of celebration with people you care about can make the holidays much less enjoyable. If you are concerned that you or someone at your Thanksgiving table could be experiencing hearing loss, you may find the tips below helpful for making the most of Thanksgiving this season.

TIPS THIS HOLIDAY:

1. Wear your hearing aids. If you do not have hearing aids, it is recommended that you have a hearing screening by a professional and ask if they could help your hearing loss.
2. Cut down the background noises like music, kitchen fan, or a TV.
3. Remind your friends and family of your hearing loss so they know to speak up for you.
4. Make sure you face people when you are speaking with them.

If you want to hear more this holiday, Purchase Ear Technology located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah,  KY is here to help!  Give us a call at (270) 558-3996 to schedule an appointment.   At Purchase Ear Technology, Tim Harmon and his staff will make sure you know that you are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

Hearing aids and hearing health care has received quite a bit of media attention lately. This is because a law was recently passed that allows stores such as Walmart or CVS to sell hearing devices directly to the consumer without a fitting or hearing examination.  Hearing aids that can be purchased at a store or online without a medical professional present such as an Ear Nose & Throat physician, audiologist, or hearing aid specialist are called “Over-the-Counter hearing aids” or OTC’s. This device is different from a hearing aid obtained from a medical professional. A hearing aid obtained from a medical professional is referred to as a “Prescription Hearing Aid”.

An OTC hearing aid will be made available very soon. Anyone will be able to pick up a set of hearing aids at their local convenience store just like they would pick up a pair of simple reader glasses at CVS in the vision section. What makes the OTC hearing aid different from the prescription device is that a medical professional is not involved. What is worrying is that the advertisements already appear to promise the moon while neglecting to point out that many hearing losses actually require medical intervention. This may be delayed when a consumer buy an OTC product that they might not even need.

The consumer will be in charge of selecting, fitting and programming their own device. These devices are intended only for adults with a certain amount and type of hearing loss. Children and certain hearing losses can NOT and should NOT be fit with these devices for safety reasons. Another worry is the accuracy of a hearing test through a phone app or a website. These are not a replacement for an Audiologist’s diagnostic exam.

The first step in understanding if one may be a candidate for OTC hearing aids is to first speak with a hearing health care professional as not all hearing losses are the same. An audiologist can inform you if you are a candidate and if your hearing loss may be treated with medical intervention and not a hearing aid. All children under the age of 18 should only seek hearing health care from a professional.

OTC devices will be cheaper than prescription hearing aids but they will not be programmable by a professional. If you are experiencing issues with your OTC hearing aid the device manufacturer is required to provide an “email and mailing address that you can use to contact them. Manufacturers of OTC devices are NOT required to provide customer service for OTC devices over the phone”. A prescription hearing aid purchased from a hearing health care provider like Time Harmon at Purchase Ear Technology, includes the provider’s expertise, time, and services to assist patients with their devices both at the fitting and over time as their hearing changes.

Another key difference between OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids is the degree of hearing loss that they are capable of managing. OTC hearing aids “are for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss only, while prescription hearing aids can help with all types of hearing loss.” (Crouch, 2022 ). If your hearing loss is greater than mild to moderate a prescription hearing aid fit by a hearing healthcare professional is going to be the best option. If the hearing loss fits into the mild to moderate range however, is atypical in nature, an OTC device may not be the best choice for the patient and a prescription hearing aid should be obtained instead. No matter what type of hearing loss is present it should first be evaluated by a professional. Significant over amplification may lead to increased hearing loss over time.

All hearing losses should be managed and not ignored. Multiple studies “link untreated hearing loss with an increased risk of depression, falls, and earlier onset of decline in thought processes. One goal of OTC hearing aids is to provide more timely access to lower-cost hearing aids”. OTC devices are an excellent resource for certain individuals who are hearing impaired yet are not yet ready to invest in prescription hearing aids. If you would like to speak to one of our hearing health care professionals regarding your candidacy or to simply evaluate your hearing status simply contact us at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, KY by calling (270) 558-3996.

Purchase Ear Technology is conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

Since 1983, Tim Harmon at Purchase Ear Technology been helping people improve the quality of their lives with better hearing. Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, KY has a reputation for always offering the latest digital hearing aids on the market. We provide excellent service to our patients by learning about your hearing loss from your hearing assessment. We are then able to provide you with the best hearing solutions available. If a hearing aid is prescribed, we will evaluate your hearing loss and lifestyle so we can provide you with the best hearing technology to suit your needs.

Experience Patient Care Tailored to Your Specific Needs

Choosing Purchase Ear Technology means that you will experience patient care tailored to your specific needs, from your comprehensive diagnostic testing to the exceptional follow-up care we provide each patient. We believe that a strong patient-provider relationship, based on honesty and integrity, is the best approach to making sure you you do not miss any of the precious moments in your life. We know that your overall health depends on healthy hearing.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than just a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

Individualized Treatment Options

Patients of Purchase Ear Technology experience our standout service and capabilities.

1. Results-oriented approach—We want you to be able to be reconnected with the things that matter most to you.
2. Experienced professionals—We have vast experience in hearing care, assessments, comprehensive hearing plans and follow-up care.
3. Informed individuals make smart choices—If you understand hearing loss and the technological options, you will be able to make an informed decision on how we can help you hear at your best.
4. Thorough hearing assessments—The first step to hearing well is knowing where you have gaps in your hearing. We look at your entire health history so that we can see the complete picture and know how to make the recommendations that will help you hear well, address all your listening needs, while taking into account your overall health.
5. High-tech aids tailored to you—Today’s hearing technology has come along way including more background reduction, bluetooth capabilities, rechargeable batteries and much more.
6. We love our careers and our patients—Our love shows in our strong patient – provider relationships that we build.  We treat all of our patients like FAMILY!

Outstanding Service & Care

Whether this is your first hearing assessment, or you have been seeing an audiologist for decades, you can count on our team to address your concerns regarding your hearing, advise you of the latest in devices, and provide reliable follow-up care.

Trust the Experts at Purchase Ear Technology

We are here for you and all your hearing health needs. If you are concerned about the possibility of hearing loss or have any questions about hearing aids, contact us at Purchase Ear Technology by calling (270) 558-3996.   Purchase Ear Technology is conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  We look forward to your becoming a part of our FAMILY!

These guidelines can help ensure you hear your best no matter what costume you choose

It’s that time of year again: crunchy leaves underfoot, a crisp chill in the air, beautiful fall colors, apple cider, shorter days and longer nights, and of course, Halloween! With 23% of Americans and 44% of Canadians naming Halloween as their favorite holiday, this is certainly a popular festivity. Dressing up can pose a challenge for folks living with a hearing loss but fear not! These tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and make the most of All Hallows Eve.

 

Embrace Your Tech

If you wear hearing aids, you may not have thought of incorporating them into a costume, but they’re the perfect accessory for sci-fi themed ensembles. Characters from Star Wars, Star Trek, and the Marvelverse commonly wear high tech gear and futuristic clothing. Your hearing devices will fit right in and add a touch of authenticity that other people’s costumes won’t have. Be careful about attaching anything to your devices, though. While there are many stickers, jewels, and other accoutrements safe for adhesion to hearing aids, homemade adornments could damage them. When in doubt, ask your audiologist!

 

Hide Your Tech

For some hearing aid users, particularly children, it may be desirable to disguise hearing devices rather than plan a costume around them. This is easily accomplished with a wig, helmet, hat, headdress, or any other piece that covers the ears. Sounds simple enough, right? But hold on — it requires a bit more thought, because you’ll want to avoid anything that presses or pulls on the hearing aid and ensure the easily tangled strands of a wig don’t get wrapped around the tubing. Similarly, the confines of hard plastic or metal headgear (if you’re dressing up as a knight, for example) can potentially create acoustic feedback. While it may not look as impressive, softer materials such as cardboard and foam are better choices.

 

Optimize Hearing Even Without Technology

Even if you have normal hearing, beware of costumes that may impede communication. Dressing up as Darth Vader might seem like a great idea, but what if you can’t hear well inside that huge helmet? Also consider that any mask covering your mouth will make it more difficult for the people around you to understand what you’re saying. Classic masked horror characters like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Ghostface don’t do much talking, but if you’re the chatty type and looking forward to mingling at a Halloween party, these may not be the best costumes for you! Choosing a costume that relies on makeup rather than a mask is a better bet for good hearing and communication.

 

At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY.  If you have questions about your hearing or perhaps looking for hearing aids, we hope you will reach out to us.  We are conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  Feel free to give us a call at (270) 558-3996 or CLICK HERE to contact us.

There are many signs of hearing loss — but one of the first signs that your hearing is going is if you can hear fine in quiet environments yet struggle to hear in noise. Here’s why.

Even for people with normal hearing, noisy settings can be tricky to navigate when trying to make out speech. That’s because we all use contextual cues during conversations — or clues from words we do make out — to fill in the gaps we miss due to background noise.

Background noise masks the finer sounds of speech, especially higher-pitched consonants which are key to so many words. By masking these important speech sounds — like “S, F, Th, Sh, Ch, K and P” — background noise makes it difficult for any of us to hear in crowded, noisy environments.

But add in hearing loss, and hearing in noise can be incredibly strenuous, as the brain is not always able to separate speech from the background noise or fill in the blanks of those missed sounds. Even when it can, the cognitive fatigue resulting from working so hard to “understand” can be exhausting.

How hearing aids can help in noise

Advanced signal processing technology in today’s hearing aids takes advantage of key differences between speech and noise to separate the two types of auditory stimulus (sounds) from one another.

Noise is typically more steady-state, meaning it does not have much fluctuation in its frequencies (pitch) or amplitude (loudness). Speech, however, tends to be highly variable in both frequency and amplitude.

Today’s hearing aids work to analyze and distinguish all sounds coming into the microphones — up to 55 million times every hour in the case of our hearing aids — then treat noise and speech differently so that the target signal (speech) is amplified and prioritized, while the background noise is compressed and not enhanced.

All this “under the hood” intricacy results in easier hearing and more comfortable listening — which should lead to less dread about visiting noisy environments and more enjoyment participating in social activities.

The right hearing aid makes the difference

But not every hearing enhancement device does this sound separation or is capable of it. Personal Sound Amplifiers (PSAPs), for instance, make all sounds louder, regardless of what they are. It’s one reason why they’re cheaper than hearing aids and, as you can imagine, make noisy environments worse, not better.

Instead, it’s important to get fit with a quality hearing aid — one that’s got the sophisticated operating system and internal horsepower capable of making these instantaneous sound distinctions. Hearing aids like that can make hearing effortless again.

If you have experienced a change in your hearing, the first step is to have your hearing tested.  Once you know where your hearing stands, a hearing professional like Tim Harmon at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, can help you determine the best method to help improve your hearing.   For more information or to schedule an appointment, give Purchase Ear Technology a call today at (270) 558-3996.

Purchase Ear Technology is conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

Below are some posts that may be of interest to you:

Hear Loss – What You Should Know

Reasons People Don’t Get Their Hearing Tested

Don’t we all want to stay healthy and happy as we age? And we all know many of the obvious ways to do it — like exercising, eating right, not smoking and getting enough sleep.

But did you know our hearing also plays a role in healthy aging? Here four ways hearing better can help you age better.

1. Hearing better helps keep us social and active

When we hear clearly and with minimal effort, it’s easier to be engaged, maintain connections, feel a part of conversations, and stay socially active.

On the other hand, people who struggle to hear often decide it’s easier to avoid social situations. They might turn down invitations, limit interactions, and become more withdrawn and isolated.

Did you know?
Research proves that people who enjoy social relationships are more likely to live longer than those who are isolated and lonely.

2. Hearing better helps keep us alert and independent

Our sense of hearing plays a huge role in how confident and independent we are, and how safe we feel when we’re out and about.

When we hear clearly, our spatial awareness opens up and we’re able to distinguish and react to audible cues that warn us of safety issues. When we hear without effort, we can feel less reliant on others to “translate” or clarify what we heard, resulting in a greater sense of freedom and independence.

People who can’t hear like they once could are more likely to miss warning cues, feel less confident in surroundings outside their home, and are more at risk of accidents, injuries, or mishearing important information.

Did you know?
Individuals with good hearing are two times less likely to experience accidental injuries and three times less likely to have a history of falling than those with hearing loss.

3. Hearing better can help keep us mentally sharp

Numerous studies have linked hearing loss to dementia, a mental health challenge the World Health Organization predicts will triple by 2050.

Experts attribute the connection to the fact that hearing loss leads to social isolation (a known risk factor for dementia), accelerates brain shrinkage, and forces the brain to “steal” energy needed for memory and thinking.

Did you know?
An international commission on dementia prevention has confirmed that treating hearing loss in midlife is the single biggest risk factor you can modify to help prevent dementia.

4. Hearing better brings us joy

Maybe more than anything, hearing our best helps keep us positive and vibrant. Whether it’s listening to the laughter of friends, the sound of a symphony, a child’s first words, ocean waves lapping, or a bird singing outside the window, hearing keeps us engaged, active, and connected to the world around us.

Did you know?
According to a Yale study, optimism and a positive outlook adds 7.5 years to our life, while other research has shown it may reduce the risk of depression, heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

When you hear better, you age better! Schedule an appointment today with Tim Harmon at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah for a hearing consultation. Purchase Ear Technology is conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  You can give us a call at (270) 558-3996 or CLICK HERE to contact us.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  You are FAMILY!

Hearing loss runs along a spectrum from mild to profound. People with mild hearing loss may struggle to hear birdsong outside or people whispering across a quiet room while those with profound hearing loss might not be able to hear anything at all. Audiologists use these categories to characterize different levels of hearing loss. However, they do not use them to determine whether someone has a hearing-related disability or not.

Recognizing that a patient has a disability, though, is critical. Even minor hearing loss can significantly impact a person’s health and ability to function. The question is: at what level does hearing loss become significant enough to have a material impact on a patient’s life?

Before we get into the discussion, it’s worth pointing out that many people who are hard of hearing strongly disagree with the label disability. They don’t view hearing loss as a loss of function, but rather as a different way life is expressing itself. Therefore, if you want to talk to a loved one living with hearing loss, it’s a good idea to ask them about their thoughts about it first.

The Categories of Hearing Loss

Audiologists categorize hearing loss or level of deafness according to the noise level that a person can detect during an audiogram. The thresholds for the different types of hearing loss are somewhat arbitrary, but they help practitioners determine the proper course of treatment.

Here are various hearing loss categories and their associated decibel (dBs) thresholds:

• Normal hearing: Trouble hearing sounds below 20dBs
• Mild hearing loss: Trouble hearing sounds below 40dBs
• Moderate hearing loss: Trouble hearing sounds below 60dBs
• Severe hearing loss: Trouble hearing sounds below 80dBs
• Profound hearing loss: Trouble hearing sounds over 81dBs

Under conventional audiologist rules, any inability to hear sounds above 21dBs is a form of impairment. However, the legal definitions of hearing loss-related disability differ.

Legal Definitions of Hearing Loss as a Disability

Hearing loss does not automatically qualify patients for benefits. However, if you meet certain characteristics because of your hearing loss, you may qualify for Social Security Administration (SSA) to pay for medical bills, credit cards, food, housing and daily living expenses.

The SSA has a Blue Book it uses to determine whether a person with hearing loss qualifies as disabled.

If you have hearing loss you qualify as disabled if have:

• An average air conduction hearing threshold of 90 decibels or more in the good ear.
• An average bone conduction hearing threshold of 60 decibels in the better ear.
• A word recognition score of 40% or less in the better ear, as determined by standardized tests.

Do You Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Even if you meet the above criteria, you may not qualify for disability benefits. That’s because the SSA disability benefits are means-tested. The SSA will also turn down your application if you have hearing loss in one ear but not the other, even if the loss in the bad ear is complete.

How To Apply

To apply for disability benefits, you’ll need to apply on the SSA’s website. You can either complete the application process in one go or do it in sections, completing it when you can.

Remember, social security isn’t just for retirement. It’s also for people who need support while they are of working age, often because of an unanticipated disability. Workers pay into it throughout their careers, just in case they become disabled. Because of this, SSA is available as a safety net for everyone who can’t work because of a hearing condition.

Learn More About Your Hearing Loss

If you want to learn more about your hearing loss, give Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, KY.  You can reach us by calling (270) 558-3996 or CLICK HERE to contact us.  Purchase Ear Technology is conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  You are FAMILY!

Below are additional posts that may be of interest to you:

Hearing Loss Facts You Should Know

8 Tips For Better Communication With Hearing Loss

If you are experiencing hearing loss, you are not alone.  More than 30 million Americans over the age of 12 have hearing loss in both ears.  Here are a few famous women that are known to have hearing loss.

Marlee Matlin

A celebrated actress who lost her hearing to a childhood illness, Matlin has been a vocal advocate for the deaf for over 30 years and is one of the most recognizable faces of hearing loss. She won an Academy Award at age 21 for her very first film role, making her both the youngest Best Actress winner and the only deaf person to receive the award.

 

Evelyn Glennie

Living with a hearing loss is challenging for anyone, but it can be especially frustrating for musicians. Dame Evelyn is a testament to the power of determination. Profoundly deaf since the age of 12, this brilliant percussionist went on to win not just one but two Grammy awards and has received 15 honorary doctorates from various universities. Her 2003 TED Talk, “How to Truly Listen,” describes her unique approach to “hearing” sounds with her entire body.

 

Gertrude Ederle

Being the first woman to swim across the English Channel is an incredible feat. Ederle never even considered letting hearing loss slow her down. In 1926, after a swim that clocked at 14 hours and 34 minutes, she emerged from the water at Kingsdown, England, having broken the record set by the last man to swim the channel. Ederle was crowned “Queen of the Waves” and went on to be featured in both the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

 

Regina Olson Hughes

As the first deaf artist to have a solo exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., Hughes’ achievements echo through the halls of natural science. After graduating from the only postdoctoral program available to deaf students in 1920, she became a botanical illustrator for the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Agricultural Research Service. Additionally, Hughes retained her speaking skills and was fluent in four languages. Two plants are named after her: Billbergia reginae, a type of bromeliad, and Hughesia reginae, a Peruvian flower similar to a daisy.

 

Jodie Foster

Ordinarily a very private person, this Academy Award-winning actress has been spotted wearing a hearing aid on the red carpet and suffers from bouts of vertigo, which is a condition that often accompanies hearing loss. Foster is one of the most famous and decorated actresses alive, with multiple awards to her name, including the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award. She is also a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights.

Millie Bobby Brown

One of the most recognizable stars of the hit series Stranger Things, Brown is already making headlines as the youngest person to ever be nominated for an Emmy award. She is completely deaf in one ear and is quickly becoming a positive role model for deaf youth around the world, saying of her recent entry into music: “I just started to sing, and if I sound bad, I don’t care, because I’m just doing what I love. You don’t have to be good at singing. You don’t have to be good at dancing or acting. If you like to do it, if you genuinely enjoy doing it, then do it.” With a can-do attitude like that, the sky is the limit!

 

Helen Keller

Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf, stunned the world by learning how to read, write, and speak. She is arguably the most famous and recognized deaf person in history. After mastering the use of language, she became a prolific scholar and author, attended Radcliffe College at Harvard University, published two dozen books, and joined the fight for women’s suffrage. Keller traveled the world as a public speaker passionate about the rights of the disabled. In 1964, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom – one of the highest honors in the United States. Her life and work are towering examples of the power of human perseverance and what is possible when a woman fully believes in herself and refuses to give up.

 

Hearing loss is more common that most people realize.  If you or someone you love have hearing loss, Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah is here to help.  Tim Harmon and his experienced staff will help you determine your level of hearing loss hand come up with the best plan to help you hear again.  We are conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 270-558-3996.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  You are FAMILY!

 

 

Hearing loss is one of the most common health issues in the U.S – close to 37.5 million adult Americans are currently experiencing some form of hearing loss. In terms of treatment, hearing aids are the ideal method. However, the cost of hearing aids can be an issue for some. Because of this, people often seek out more budget-friendly alternatives to hearing aids like hearing amplifiers.

Although these cheaper hearing devices may be a solution for people with minor hearing challenges, they are not an effective form of treatment for hard-of-hearing individuals and can even be harmful. It is vital to do your research and consult a medical professional before committing to a treatment decision for your hearing loss.

Are you considering buying a hearing amplifier? We want to bring you the facts and help explain why hearing amplification devices should be avoided as a form of treatment.

What is the difference between a hearing aid and a hearing amplifier?

Hearing Amplifiers

Do ear amplifiers really work?

Hearing amplifiers are designed to help people with normal hearing hear far away or quiet sounds. So, yes. Hearing amplifiers work when they are used for their intended purpose. However, they should never be used as a form of treatment for hearing loss.

Hearing amplifiers magnify all sounds within a given radius. Meaning all sounds become louder when using an amplifier, not just the sounds you have trouble hearing. Therefore, the root of the problem persists when people use hearing amplifiers to treat their hearing loss.  In comparison, hearing aids are specifically made for those with hearing loss. Hearing aids are also specially designed to optimize the sounds you have difficulty hearing instead of amplifying all sounds in general.

Another problem is that no consultation is needed to purchase and use a hearing amplifier. This means you miss out on the guidance of a medical expert if you decide to buy a hearing amplifier over the counter. An audiogram conducted by a healthcare professional is necessary to diagnose hearing loss properly. Failing to consult a professional can further deteriorate your hearing and could mean the difference between mild and severe hearing loss.

Do hearing amplifiers damage your hearing?

Yes, using a hearing amplifier as a treatment for hearing loss can cause damage in the long run. Hearing amplifiers amplify all sounds within a given radius, even those you don’t want to hear. Because the manufacturing process of these devices is not regulated like hearing aids, hearing amplifiers can deliver sound at a level that causes further damage to your hearing. In addition, the design of the ear insert can often push earwax deeper into the ear canal, creating impacted wax that needs to be medically removed. Lastly, since many people purchase hearing amplification devices without the advice of a medical specialist, they often miss out on vital information that could prevent further damage to their hearing.

Hearing Aids

First things first, let’s learn about the basic types of hearing aids and why they are considered to be the “gold standard” for treating hearing loss.

Types of hearing aid

There are many kinds of hearing aids used to correct varying levels of hearing impairment. To help give you a general frame of reference, we’ll list the two basic styles here. Depending on your specific treatment plan, a different variation of these models might be prescribed to you.

In-the-ear or ITE hearing aid

These aids are worn in the ear canal and are custom-fit using an impression that your hearing care professional takes during your hearing aid consultation.

Behind-the-ear or BTE hearing aid

These aids sit behind or on top of the outer ear with tubing that directs sound into the ear canal using a custom earmold that doesn’t block the entire ear canal opening.

Why are hearing aids the best treatment option?

Hearing aids are Class 1 medical devices regulated by the FDA, certifying them as reliable treatment. In addition, hearing aids are only administered by hearing care professionals, which ensures that the device is fitted correctly and is functioning efficiently.

Hearing loss is experienced differently by everyone. Therefore, any hearing treatment needs to be designed so that sound is processed and fine-tuned to sufficiently treat your unique impairment. Because of this, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment. Working with a hearing health professional guarantees that your hearing aid and treatment plan caters to your specific needs and lifestyle.

Ultimately, even basic hearing aid designs involve highly-sophisticated technology with sound processing strategies that have been researched and tested to give people with hearing loss the best quality of sound.

Got questions? We’d love to hear from you!

To receive the best care possible, you need to consult a hearing professional, like Tim Harmon at Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah, who can provide you with legitimate medical technology. Before you purchase any treatment for your hearing loss, we recommend consulting with a reputable hearing care provider who can help you find the perfect hearing solution for you.

If you think you are experiencing some level of hearing loss, give Purchase Ear Technology in Paducah a call today at (270) 558-3996.  We are conveniently located at 2008 Broadway St in Paducah, KY.  At Purchase Ear Technology, you are more than a patient.  YOU ARE FAMILY!

More posts that may be of interest to you:

 

What Are The Best Hearing Aids For Me?

Adjusting To New Hearing Aids At Work

5 Questions We Will Answer At Purchase Ear Technology In Paducah