Updated on June 18, 2024.
Do you have to turn the volume up when you’re watching TV? Do you ask other people to repeat themselves when you’re talking?
These are signs of hearing loss. If you have them, you’re not alone. About 15 percent of adults in the United States have some hearing loss.
Wearing hearing aids could help millions of people hear better. But many don’t wear them. In fact, some people with hearing loss wait up to 10 years before seeking help.
One common issue is the cost. But as of 2022, hearing aids can be bought over the counter (OTC). People with mild or moderate hearing loss don’t need a medical exam from a healthcare provider (HCP). You can get OTC hearing aids in stores or online without a prescription.
The move made hearing aids easier to buy for many people. It also made them more affordable. It could have a big impact on the lives of those with hearing loss.
Reducing barriers for people with hearing loss
Many parts of society aren’t set up for people with hearing loss. That means everyday life can be challenging. For example, it may be harder to communicate in schools and at work. That can make it tougher to connect with others and perform well.
Hearing aids may make some of these things easier. Here’s what you should know about them, including:
- Who might benefit
- Which types are available
- How they work
Who benefits from hearing aids?
Some people are born with hearing problems. Others develop them over time. Many older adults are affected. That’s because as we age, the odds of hearing problems increase. About half of people aged 75 and older have hearing loss. But people of all ages can lose their hearing.
Hearing aids can help people with sensorineural hearing loss. It’s caused by damage to the inner ear. Some factors include:
- Diseases
- Ear injuries from loud noises
- Some medications
Not all people with hearing loss are the same. If you start off with muffled hearing, a hearing aid will help amplify sounds. That means it will make them louder. But they may not become sharp or clear.
How do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids have several parts that work together. These parts include a:
- Microphone
- Processor
- Speaker
Hearing aids are designed to raise the volume of sounds you want to hear. These might include a friend’s voice or light music. But they don’t affect sounds you don’t want to hear. These might include background noise at a restaurant.
Making sense of hearing aid options
There are a few different types of hearing aids. These include the following.
Canal aids: There are two options here. Both are small and fitted to your ear. They’re best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Completely-in-canal (CIC)
- In-the-canal (ITC)
A completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid is hidden. Other people probably won’t be able to see it.
In-the-ear hearing aids: These devices are bigger than canal hearing aids. They sit in the outer ear. They are typically used for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
Behind-the-ear: This may be what you picture when you imagine a hearing aid. A small part sits behind your ear. It’s attached to clear tubing that goes into your ear. This hearing aid can help if you have mild to profound hearing loss. People with profound hearing loss can only hear very loud sounds.
Bone-anchored hearing aids: These are for a type of hearing loss called conductive hearing loss. That’s when sound waves can’t reach the inner ear. They are attached by surgery to the bone behind your ear.
Middle ear implant: This device attaches to the bones of the middle ear. It moves these bones to make sound vibrations stronger.
How to choose hearing aids
An HCP visit is a good idea if you have any amount of hearing loss. Your HCP may want to look for a medical cause that may need treatment.
When you are looking for a hearing aid, the process usually begins with a hearing exam by an expert. This person may be:
- An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor
- A specialist in hearing issues, called an audiologist
They can help you pick a device. You may need to try a few options before choosing. Think about your:
- Ear shape
- Level of hearing loss
- Personal wants
People with mild to moderate hearing loss can often skip the exam step. They may be able to go to a drugstore and buy OTC hearing aids.
Once you get your hearing aids, you’ll need time to adjust to them. This can take a few weeks. In many cases, they come with a trial period. This can help you make sure they're right for you. Check to see if a trial period is available before you pick.
Batteries are another factor to think about. Some hearing aids have batteries that you can recharge. Others use small batteries that are meant to be thrown away. For people who have problems moving their hands or fingers, changing tiny batteries may be a challenge. Rechargeable models may be a better bet.
Hearing aid costs
Hearing aids can be a big purchase. OTC devices can range in price from about $100 to $2,000 per pair. Prescription hearing aids can cost a few thousand dollars.
Medicaid will pay for hearing aids for children. For adults, it depends on the state you live.
In some cases, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will pay for hearing aids for veterans. Some nonprofit groups may also help pay for hearing aids for people with limited incomes.
You may also be able to get discounted or free hearing aids through a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. A VR program helps someone who has hearing or vision loss find work. Search for VR programs in your city or state to see if you qualify.
Life with hearing aids
The goal of using a hearing aid is to help you to hear as well as you possibly can. But it might not be as good as the hearing you were born with.
It can take several months to adjust. When you first start wearing your hearing aids, you may hear very loud background sounds. You may also experience occlusion. That’s the sound of your voice echoing in your head.
Mention any issues to your HCP or audiologist. Sometimes making adjustments to your hearing aid can help. If they do not help, it may be worth trying another type of hearing aid.
Hearing aids tend to last about five or six years. It depends on which type you choose.
Don’t delay getting hearing aids
Many people wait too long to start wearing hearing aids. This can be a problem. That’s because hearing loss can change how the brain works over time. Even low levels of hearing loss can lead to changes in the following.
- Perception, or how your brain translates sound
- Comprehension, or understanding what you hear
- Memory
Are you unsure about hearing aids? Talk to an HCP to help decide if one is right for you. Or, if you have mild to moderate hearing loss, think about buying an OTC hearing aid.
