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In the 1980’s and early 1990’s it was relatively easy to
understand hearing aids. There was only one technology available,
the only decision to be made was the size. Fast forward to today’s
technology options and understanding hearing aids can become a
daunting task.
I often sense the frustration from patients regarding the myriad
of hearing instruments available through the advancement of
technology. I hope you find the following information helpful in
navigating through the many questions facing an individual in need
of hearing healthcare.
Q:What are common battery sizes?
Q:How long will my batteries last?
Q:How should I store my batteries?
Q:Why is there a tab on my zinc battery?
Q:Types of hearing aids
Q:Tips for better hearing
Q:Test your hearing yourself!
Q:Are battery chemistries interchangeable?
Q:Are batteries interchangeable among manufacturers?
Q: What are some
practical considerations when beginning my search for amplification?
Q: How long will it take me to
get used to hearing aids?
Q: Exactly what is a
“digital” hearing aid?
Q: Are all digital
hearing aids the same?
Q: Are there other
types of hearing help to consider?
Q: Which hearing aid
style is best for me?
Q: Do I need one or
two hearing aids?
Q: Can hearing aid
benefit be validated?
Q: How can I be sure
that I am paying a fair price for a hearing aid?
Q: What are the common
battery sizes?| top
The most common battery sizes are 10,
13, 312 and 675. The size 5, the smallest battery, was
introduced for the new Completely-In-The-Canal hearing aids.
Rayovac was the first manufacturer of this new battery size.
To identify the size, most manufacturers use an industry
standard color code on their zinc air tabs and packaging.
Manufacturers
often place letters before or after the battery size to
designate their factory reorder number. For instance, 13A or
R10ZA are both size 13 batteries.
Q: How long will my
batteries last?|
top
Battery life is determined by the
type and amplification of your hearing aid as well as the
hours you wear your hearing aid. Your hearing care
professional can tell you the battery life you can expect.
Q: How should I store my
batteries?| top
You should store your hearing aid
batteries at room temperature. Avoid storing your batteries in
hot places since heat will shorten the life of the batteries.
Refrigeration is also not recommended. Batteries should not be
carried loose in your pocket or purse. If a battery
inadvertently comes into contact with a metal object such as
coins or keys the battery may charge, leak or in rare
incidences even rupture. To prevent this from occurring keep
unused batteries in the original packaging or in a battery
holder.
Batteries that have been fully discharged can be thrown in
your regular trash. Store and discard batteries in places that
cannot be reached by infants or children. If a battery is
swallowed, see a doctor immediately. For recommended
treatment, call the National
Button Battery Hotline
collect at 202-625-3333.
 Q: Why is there a tab on
my zinc battery?| top
A zinc air battery uses air outside
the battery as a source of power. The factory applied tab
seals the air holes in the battery and ensures freshness until
you are ready to use the battery. Do
not remove the tab until you are ready to use the
battery. To activate the battery, you simply remove the tab.
After removing the tab, wait about one minute prior to
inserting the battery into your hearing aid. This allows
sufficient time for the air to enter and activate the
ingredients. Replacing the tab when the battery is not in use
will not extend the battery life.
Q: Types of Hearing
Aids| top
Technology has led to a remarkable new
generation of hearing aids. These new hearing aids amplify
sounds in a clear, crisp way that's natural and pleasing.
Plus, the size of hearing aids has been vastly reduced. Your
hearing care professional can recommend the hearing aid that's
best for you.
Although there are many hearing aids to
choose from, they come in four basic styles.
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Completely-in-the-Canal
Technology advancements have made these
hearing aids the most compact. No larger than a dime,
these hearing aids fit completely in the ear canal,
making them practically
invisible.
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In-the-Canal
These hearing aids are about the size of
a dime and fit in the ear canal so they are hardly
noticeable.
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In-the-Ear:
These popular hearing aids are about the
size of a quarter. They fit in the outer ear and the ear
canal.
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Behind-the-Ear:
With these hearing aids, a small curved
case fits around the back of the ear and is connected to
a mold in the
ear.
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Battery Breakthroughs
The new
hearing aids have also spawned new hearing aid battery
technology. Today's batteries pack far more power in much less
space and there are different battery systems to meet every
hearing aid wearer's power demands.
Zinc Air is the most popular
power system. Through a unique construction that utilizes air
from outside the battery, these batteries pack more energy
into a battery cell than the older mercury and silver systems.
High Power Zinc Air is
specially designed to reduce sound distortion and provide
longer life in high drain applications. High Power may be
better for you if...
- You have difficulty hearing in crowds or noisy places.
- You do not always receive clear sound.
- You do not always receive the battery life you should.
- You wear hearing aids classified as high drain or high
power
Q: Tips for Better Hearing| top
- Have your hearing checked on a regular basis by a
hearing care professional.
- Keep the tab on your zinc air battery until you are
ready to use it.
- Always carry extra hearing aid batteries with you to
avoid losing your hearing at critical times.
- Store your batteries at room temperature. Avoid storage
in hot locations. Refrigeration is not necessary.
- Ventilate the battery compartment of your hearing aid at
night to prevent moisture buildup.
- Never carry loose batteries in a pocket or purse. Metal
objects such as coins or keys can short out the battery.
- Store and discard batteries in places that can not be
reached by infants or children.
If swallowed, see a doctor immediately.
For recommended treatment, call the NATIONAL BUTTON BATTERY HOTLINE collect
at 202-625-3333.
Q: Test Your Hearing
Yourself!| top
- Do higher pitched sounds such as a women's and
children's voices seem to disappear?
- Is it difficult to hear in loud places?
- Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?
- Do you turn up the volume of the TV or radio when others
have no problem hearing?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should
get your hearing professionally checked. It's simple and easy.
A hearing care professional will have you listen to a range of
tones and words through earphones.
Just like your vision, it is important to have your hearing
checked regularly by a hearing care professional.
For more information on hearing loss, call the
not-for-profit Better Hearing
Institute at
1-800-EAR-WELL
(327-9355).
Q: Are battery
chemistries interchangeable?| top
Battery systems are
interchangeable by size. However, because of your hearing aid
or hearing aid usage, you may receive better sound quality or
battery life from a certain chemistry. Consult your hearing
care professional to learn what is best for your aid.
Q: Are batteries
interchangeable among
manufacturers?| top
Manufacturers have different
battery quality and performance, however the battery
dimensions are standardized within the industry. For instance,
a size 13 battery across manufacturers should fit in your
hearing aid. Just match the size designated by the color code.
Q: What are some practical considerations
when beginning my search for amplification? | top
- You should feel comfortable and confident with the hearing
health care professional who is working with you.
- You should never feel pressured into a hearing aid purchase.
- Ask for demonstrations.
- Bring a trusted friend or family member.
- If you currently have hearing aids, bring them with you.
- Ask about alternative solutions to your specific problems.
- Remember, better hearing is a process. Allow yourself at least
45 days for the adjustment into better hearing.
Q: How long will it take me to get used to
hearing aids? | top
- First of all, our instruments are fit based in a 45 day
evaluation; so do not be concerned about making a long term and
expensive mistake.
- Better hearing is a process.
Q: Exactly what is a “digital” hearing aid?
| top
- The term “digital” refers to the way in which sound is
processed in the instrument. When a sound signal can be
transformed into a digital code (binomial code) it gives the
operator an enormous amount of control over the signal. This is
true whether we are speaking of a digital TV, CD, DVD or even
your computer which is a digital device.
- It is critical to understand two things regarding digital
hearing aids. First, not all digital devices have the same
abilities. Secondly, a digital hearing aid is no better that the
person programming the device. (Having a supped-up car is no
good if you can’t drive)
Q: Are all digital hearing aids the same?
| top
- No. There are currently four levels of digital hearing
instruments available depending on how one chooses to separate
the options currently available. Several manufacturers are into
their fourth generation of digital technology, each one more
sophisticated that the last.
- The specific level that is right for you depends on your
hearing impairment and what it is you are trying to hear.
Remember, everyone has different hearing needs; a mother wants
to hear her baby’s cry, a businessman must hear clearly in
meetings and a grandparent loves to hear their grandchildren.
Q: Are there other types of hearing help to
consider? | top
- In some cases, a hearing aid is only part of the
rehabilitation process. Assistive Listening Devices (ALD’s) help
specific problems. Examples of ALD’s include telephone
amplifiers, TV amplifiers, alerting devices etc. If you are
having a specific problem even after being fitted with your
hearing aid system, there is technology available to help.
Q: Which hearing aid style is best for me?
| top
- After deciding on the specific level of technology appropriate
for your hearing needs, you need to consider style, or size.
There are several considerations in making this decision.
- One must first consider your specific hearing loss in
conjunction with the shape of your ear. Your audiologist will
guide you in making style decisions as they apply to your
hearing loss and ear characteristics.
- Take into account any physical limitations such as; reduced
visual acuity, tremors, poor dexterity, paralysis, etc.
- Consider your lifestyle. Outdoorsmen, athletes, sales persons,
office personnel, craftsman, hobbies, travel, phone use, etc all
impact the style choice.
- Convenience. Based on the above factors, consider the use,
care and maintenance of individual style options.
- Cosmetics. This speaks for itself. Please be sure to ask the
audiologist if your style choice limits possible benefits. Some
people are willing to sacrifice better hearing for perceived
cosmetics.
Q: Do I need one or two hearing aids?
| top
(Assuming both ears are hearing aid candidates)
- In many cases the fitting of two hearing instruments (binaural
amplification) is indicated and scientifically proven to achieve
more desirable results.
- Improved Understanding (especially in difficult listening
situations) – Our brain is a complex processor constantly
monitoring information from each ear. The brain requires the
blending of signals arriving from each ear in order to form a
single “picture”. Without “balanced hearing”, our brain can only
provide us with partial information resulting in the diminished
ability to understand speech.
- Sound Localization – Our brain locates a
sound source by measuring tiny differences in intensity
(loudness) and duration (time of sound) between ears. This
processing occurs instantaneously and allows us to pinpoint the
exact location of a sound. This has significant safety
implications. When a person hears from only one ear, the
difficulty in locating a sound can be dangerous, especially in
traffic.
- Sensory Deprivation – When a person with
similar hearing loss in both ears chooses to use a hearing
instrument in only one ear, the unaided ear can lose its ability
to hear and understand.
- Less Stressful Listening – Listening with only one ear is
physically tiring and stressful. The more realistic stereo
listening allows you to respond with more confidence and without
turning your “good ear” toward the sound or asking family and
friends to get on “my good side”.
- Better Sound Identification – Many noises, which sound almost
identical when heard with one ear, can be identified more easily
when heard with two ears.
- Cushions Loud Sounds – Hearing from both ears generally
requires less volume resulting in more natural and comfortable
reception of voices, music and environmental sounds. Sudden loud
sounds loose much of their jarring effect when divided between
ears.
- Nature intended us to hear from both ears, and hearing from
two ears allows you to enjoy the full benefit of your auditory
system.
Q: Can hearing aid benefit be validated?
| top
- Absolutely! With many of our patients, a small microphone can
be placed at your eardrum with the hearing aid in place. When
that microphone is activated, we can measure what you actually
hear through your aid: speech sounds, music, environmental
sounds etc. and display it visually on a computer screen in real
time during your visit. Adjustments or fine tuning can be made
while
you see and hear the changes. This technique is
called LIVE SPEECH MAPPING (LSM) and is another example of
“cutting edge” hearing technology at Francis Audiology
Associates. This technique can be used to verify hearing
instruments you may have purchased elsewhere!
Q: How can I be sure that I am paying a fair
price for a hearing aid? | top
- The most accurate way to ensure that you are receiving a fair
price for the hearing aids is to compare hardware, services, and
quality.
- Write down the make and model and of the instrument.
- List warranty length and coverage.
- List any additional peripheral accessories that come with the
instrument.
- List included services.
- List the education and experience level of the professional
with whom you are working.
- When you shop first ask for specific costs on the make, model,
services and included accessories. Second, ask for the degree of
the professional.
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Size 5 
Size 10 (or 230) 
Size 312 
Size 13 
Size 675 
