We’ve heard countless complaints about the high cost of hearing aids and we understand. This leads us to the question: Why are hearing aids so expensive nonetheless? Before ferocious complaints are made, let’s take a look at the contributing factors for the cost. Hopefully, there will be a deeper appreciation for what goes into the dollar amount of hearing aids.
Research and Development Costs
A sizable portion of the manufacturing costs of hearing aids consists of research and development (R&D) costs. Hearing aids may be small but the amount of time, manpower and money poured into their design and development can run into tens of millions of dollars. Engineers, researchers and scientists work together on these devices that, in turn, means more R&D costs are added.
The R&D part has produced several technological innovations that make hearing aids look, feel and function like real ears. These include directional microphones, a technology that directly focuses external sounds into the wearer’s ears; water-resistant materials that can withstand humid conditions; and smartphone-compatible hearing aids, many of which can be connected to external devices like television and radio, too. There are even hearing aids specifically designed to manage the symptoms of tinnitus.
These technological advancements didn’t come cheap! But these are welcome developments because modern hearing aids, especially cochlear implants, function like the ear in so many ways. Just think about the clunky and chunky design of hearing aids if these developments weren’t made.
Customization Costs
Unlike mass-produced products, hearing aids are best customized to the specific hearing loss of their wearers. While you can buy over-the-counter hearing aids, these aren’t as functional as customized hearing aids since these are one-size-fits-all devices. But the hearing issues and shape of the ear of each individual are unique and, thus, these over-the-counter hearing aids deliver inferior performance.
In contrast, customized hearing aids are specially fitted and programmed according to the person’s specific needs and wants. The customization also takes into account the lifestyle preferences of the individual and the sound environments he lives in.
The costs of customization add up. These include the customized hearing aids themselves as well as the extra services, such as cleanings and adjustments as well as health check-ups.
There’s also the fact that customized hearing aids will increase your quality of life and the increased costs paid for them will be worth it.
If you think you need a hearing aid, make sure to get a hearing aid prescription. For more details of our hearing test & assessment, and hearing aid services, please contact HK Hearing & Speech Centre.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com
Hearing aids are supposed to make their users hear better and, thus, communicate better. But many people, usually newbies, report that they can’t hear as well as they did before they used hearing aids. They seemed to hear less environmental sounds even with their hearing aids turned on at nearly full volume.
So, do hearing aids actually cause a worsening of hearing loss? The short answer: No. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why it seems to be so and why it isn’t so actually.
It’s a Matter of Perception
The human brain can play tricks and it’s something that psychologists, magicians and con men know all too well. This is the reason why some users of hearing aids express concern that their hearing ability decreased after wearing these devices for a few weeks. They further assert that they were better off without hearing aids.
In reality, their brains are tricking them into thinking so! On average, persons with progressive hearing loss will live with their condition for 7-10 years before seeking professional intervention. Their hearing ability gradually worsened through the years, perhaps aggravated by improper ear care like poking the ear canal with cotton buds.
As the years pass without proper medical intervention, their brains become more and more accustomed to their decreased hearing ability. They then start thinking that their current hearing ability is normal – well, at least, normal according to their own perception.
What happens when they start wearing hearing aids? Well, if you’re new to these devices, you will be unaccustomed to the sound clarity and volume of the environmental sounds. Your brain starts to readjust to the better sound quality and consider it as the new normal.
When that happens, the severity of your hearing loss becomes significantly noticeable without your hearing aids on. You will then think that the hearing aids worsened your hearing loss!
But wear your hearing aids again and your ability to hear environmental sounds increases.
It’s a Matter of Customization
But improperly fitted hearing aids can make it seem like, indeed, your hearing loss is worsening. You may experience feedback from these devices, perhaps even suffer from headaches and tinnitus caused by the feedback. You won’t want to wear your hearing aids anymore because their side effects seem to be outweighed by their benefits.
You should then consult with your audiologist about making adjustments to address the issues of poor physical fit and poor customization to your specific hearing issues. Hearing aids are effective because these amplify and process sounds in a way that makes them sound better in your ears.
But their efficacy only works when they are customized to your specific hearing loss. So if you think that your new hearing aids are aggravating your hearing loss, you have to consult with your audiologist.
Hearing aids may be expensive, partly because of the customization costs, but they are well worth their cost. If you think you need a hearing aid, make sure to get a hearing aid prescription. For more details of our hearing test & assessment, and hearing aid services, please contact HK Hearing & Speech Centre.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com
While people with hearing loss will benefit from the use of hearing aids, these devices have their side effects, too. These side effects have significant adverse impact on the quality of life of their users, from headaches and tinnitus to feedback. Fortunately, there are certain measures that can be done to minimize these side effects.
The Side Effects in Brief
Keep in mind that every individual will experience these side effects in a unique manner. You may, for example, suffer from intermittent headaches and tinnitus but not from itchiness in your ears. Your headaches, furthermore, may be mild in contrast with other hearing aid users with moderate severity.
Newbies are more likely to experience headaches and tinnitus because the volume of their hearing aids aren’t properly set yet. There’s also the matter of getting accustomed to the hearing aids so much so that ordinary sounds seem abnormally loud or annoying.
Since hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal, these can cause discomfort for a week or so. Your ears are still adjusting to the foreign object, and it can be worsened when the hearing aids are too tight or too loose. Too tight and the hearing aids rub on the skin; too loose and these can slip and slide.
The itching in your ear canal can be caused by dry skin and you will be tempted to take out your hearing aids to scratch the itch. But we strongly advise otherwise because sticking a finger or a cotton but into your ear canal can worsen the damage in your ears.
Hearing aids are highly sensitive instruments that can be affected by environmental noise and mishandling. This can result in feedback, such as crackling and whistling sounds, even heightened sounds from ordinary activities. This can also be caused by the improper sound quality and level.
If you experience these side effects even when it’s your second set of hearing aids, you shouldn’t worry about it. Every pair of hearing aids is unique so adjustments will likely be necessary.
The Countermeasures Against These Side Effects
Your first step is to discuss your concerns and complaints about your hearing aids with your audiologist. Every side effect has a countermeasure to minimize or prevent it so there’s hope.
A few of these countermeasures are discussed below.
Hearing aids are tools and just like any other tool, it’s your responsibility to know its proper use and maintenance.
If you think you need a hearing aid, make sure that you get a hearing aid prescription. For more details of our hearing test & assessment, and hearing aid services, please contact HK Hearing & Speech Centre.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com
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