Purchasing Hearing
Aids? Read This First by Paula Rosenthal,
J.D. Are you thinking about getting
hearing aids for yourself or your child? Interested in upgrading the ones you
already have? While advances in technology have improved the performance and
variety of hearing aids, they have also significantly increased their cost.
Determining what type or brand of hearing aids to buy can be an overwhelming
decision. Use the resources below to learn more about hearing aids before you
buy them. FREE BROCHURES Hearing Aids & Audiology
Services: A Sound Solution to Improved Communication This free brochure answers
questions about the signs of hearing loss in both children and adults, how an
audiologist can evaluate an individual's hearing and recommend an appropriate
course of action. It also discusses what individuals can expect from wearing
a hearing aid. The different types of hearing aids and hearing assistive devices,
cost and health insurance coverage of hearing aids, and where you can purchase
a hearing aid are also included. To order this brochure, call ASHA's toll-free
HELPLINE at 1-800-638-8255. The Three Hearing Aid Technologies
This brochure discusses
analog, programmable and digital hearing aids with their advantages and disadvantages.
Send a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope to: Mid East Tennessee
Regional Speech and Hearing Center, PO Box 258, 391 Main Street, Dayton, TN.
37321
ONLINE READING
There are many places to
find information on hearing aids on the Internet. The American Academy of Audiology
(AAA) offers several consumer-oriented articles at this page: http://www.audiology.org/consumer/. For further reading, visit
these well-written articles by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA) below. Hearing Aids - http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/hearing_aids.cfm Hearing Aid Myth and Fact
- http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/aid_myth_fact.cfm Hearing Aids for Adults
- http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/adult_aid.cfm Children and Hearing Aids
- http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/child_aids.cfm Digital Hearing Aids: Current
"State of the Art" - http://www.asha.org/hearing/rehab/digital_aid.cfm
FINDING AN AUDIOLOGIST
In addition to abiding by
a strict Code of Ethics, audiologists have graduate degrees and specialized
training in assessing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids. Learn more about
why you should buy your hearing aids from an audiologist in this article, "How
to Purchase Hearing Aids." http://www.audiology.com/consumer/guides/howtopurchase.php The AAA also provides a
worldwide, accredited audiologist locator at this page: http://www.audiology.org/consumer/faa.php
UNDERSTANDING YOUR AUDIOGRAM
When you have your hearing
tested by an audiologist, the results will be charted on an audiogram. At first
glance, this confusing paper with a graph, numbers and x's and o's appears to
be undecipherable for the average person. As part of your visit, your audiologist
should explain how to read your audiogram. However, you may be more comfortable
if you already know how to read an audiogram and understand its significance
prior to your hearing test. Visit these easy-to-read web pages to learn what
the markings on your audiogram means: How to Read Your Hearing
Test - http://www.earinfo.com/howread1.html Understanding Your Audiogram
- http://www.audiology.org/consumer/guides/uya.php Today, choices abound in
hearing aid technology. Review these resources before you make your selection.
Learn about the various types of technology and understand your audiogram before
your visit to the audiologist. By being a diligent and educated consumer, you
can purchase hearing aids with confidence and prevent costly mistakes. Paula Rosenthal, J.D. is
married and a mother of two young children. She, her husband and daughter are
all hearing impaired. Her son has normal hearing. Paula is the founder and publisher
of http://www.HearingExchange.com,
an online community of resources and support for people with hearing loss, parents
of deaf and hard of hearing children and professionals who work with them. Subscribe
to HearingExchange News and any of the other free newsletters and chat reminders
available at http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs?customerid=6181. © Copyright Paula Rosenthal,
2002. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this article requires express, written
permission of the author. Send an email to reprints@hearingexchange.com
with your request. | 
