As a young child do you remember the game you used to play with a friend with two paper or plastic cups which were connected with a length of string, so that you each held one and used it like a telephone. This was passed down through many generations as a hearing experiment for a pretend telephone. It became an inspiration for the earliest type of hearing aid - this device was known as the ear trumpet. It was a helpful device for the hard of hearing, but doesn't come close to the hearing aids we get today. The improved development through the years has really come on since the old days.
Hearing is the process of being able to perceive sounds, and 'Otosclerosis' is the medical term for hearing loss.
Getting the best hearing aid will help you overcome the barriers that you have to face every day which other people don't understand is a challenge for you. You will find your communication improves as you can better understand what is going on around you. It isn't easy being made fun of if you can't hear a person or interpret what is being said to you straightaway. For a child it can be quite devastating, as it is a challenge trying to overcome the physical handicap. Once a child receives a hearing aid they are given more courage and their stress is eased a lot.
For many who have a hearing loss the importance of sign language and lip reading can be very helpful, although these tools are not learned by every person who is hearing impaired. They are not helpful in every situation.
Once you realise that you need the help of a hearing aid, there are many things to think about. Think of how much hearing loss you have suffered and whether it affects one or both ears, and how much loss there is in each ear. You will need to look for a hearing aid provider and decide on what is best for your particular ear shape; how much it will all cost for the equipment and batteries. What aid would best suit your lifestyle and what testing you need to decide on your needs. If you have a child with a hearing loss, this is usually picked up by the school nurse when they are given hearing tests. Apart from this you will want to give your child the best, with the options that are widely available in designer hearing aids that come with a choice of colours. Having an attractive aid will help your child progress as they are encouraged and take more interest in wearing a hearing aid.
There are many top hearing companies on the market such as Beltone, Phonak, Rexton, Sebotek, Siemens, Sonic Inovations, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. The 'Miracle Ear' is popular and attracts the attention of everyone as there are ads everywhere in magazines to interest the elderly, there are flyers in doctor's practices and many other places. When we think of hearing aids, we think of the elderly, but it is surprising just who wears one nowadays! It isn't just the elderly who get a hearing loss, as this can be developed at any age. If you know someone who wears a hearing aid, you can ask them what their experience is like wearing one to give you some ideas on what you should choose.
Looking at hearing aids, you will find the best ones come with added extras such as an ear wax cleaning tool, instructions, a storage case, spare batteries, a good warranty and phone numbers of service centres to call if you experience a problem or have some questions.