What is a Hearing Aid?

A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that amplifies and changes sound to allow for improved communication. Hearing aids receive sound through a microphone, which then converts the sound waves to electrical signals. The amplifier increases the loudness of the signals and then sends the sound to the ear through a speaker.

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How Does Hearing Work?

The outer ear collects sound waves and works like a funnel to send them through a narrow tube (ear canal) that leads inside the ear. At the end of the ear canal is the eardrum (tympanic membrane).

The eardrum is a thin membrane that vibrates when sound waves strike it. It is attached to a set of three bones in the middle ear.

These bones are called the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus) and the stirrup (stapes). The bones pass the vibrations of sound waves to a small organ in the hearing part of the inner ear called the cochlea, which is a coiled structure like a snail shell.

The inner ear is filled with a thin fluid that transmits pressure changes throughout the cochlea. Inside the cochlea are tiny hair cells that pick up sound vibrations from the fluid and cause nerve impulses in the auditory nerve.

The auditory nerve carries the message to the brain, where it is interpreted as sound.

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Why Do People Lose Their Hearing?

Some people's hearing gradually gets worse as they get older. One-third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74, and one-half of those, age 85 and older, have some form of hearing loss. But, not all hearing loss is age related. When noise is too loud — sometimes during just one, single event — it can make a person hard of hearing. This is a particular problem for people who work in industries such as construction, farming, the airlines, lumber and manufacturing. There are other causes of hearing loss, which include viral or bacterial infections, heart conditions, stroke, head injuries, tumors and some prescription medicines.

Medically, there are two major types of hearing loss.

Conductive hearing loss involves the outer and middle ear. It usually results from a wax blockage, a punctured eardrum, birth defects, ear infections, or it may be genetic. It generally can be corrected surgically.

Sensorineural—or "nerve"—hearing loss involves damage to the inner ear. It can be caused by aging, prenatal and birth-related problems, infections, genetics, trauma, exposure to loud noises, the use of certain drugs, or fluid buildup or a benign tumor. Sensorineural hearing loss usually can't be repaired surgically; it's usually corrected with a hearing aid.

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Are There Different Types of Hearing Aids?

Yes, there are several types of hearing aids. Each style offers different advantages, depending on its design, levels of amplification and size. There are four basic styles:

In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear. They can help with mild to severe hearing loss.
Drawbacks: Their small size can make them hard to adjust, and feed-back can be an issue.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids fit behind the ear and connect to a plastic ear mold fit to the inside of the outer ear. The case behind the ear holds the electronic components. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss. BTE aids usually cause feedback only when they fit poorly or when there is a buildup of earwax or fluid.

Canal Aids fit into the ear canal. There are two types: In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids fit the size and shape of the ear canal and are used for mild or moderately severe hearing loss. Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are mostly hidden in the ear canal and also work for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because of their size, canal aids may be difficult for the user to adjust and remove.

Body Aids are for people with profound hearing loss. The aid is attached to a belt or a pocket, and connected to the ear by a wire.

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Does PrimeSource Offer Custom-Fit Hearing Instruments?

Yes, all PrimeSource ITE hearing aids are made to fit the unique ear canal of each patient. The hearing aid is built from an impression of the patient's ear canal taken by the Audiologist. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

An ear impression is made by injecting a waxy material into the ear canal and outer portion of the ear. The material hardens after a few minutes providing a detailed replica of the patient's ear. The impression is removed and used to make the shell of a hearing instrument that will fit the patient's ear comfortably.

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What Should the Patient Expect From a Hearing Aid?

It takes time and patience to learn the best way to use a hearing aid. Expectations often are too high. Hearing aids will not restore normal hearing or eliminate background noise. Adjusting to a hearing aid is a slow process of learning to listen in different environments and getting used to hearing different sounds. This adjustment period can take up to 120 days.

At first, the new user will think her/his voice sounds too loud. This "occlusion effect" is very common, most people get used to it over time. A whistle from the hearing aid means it is getting feedback. This can be caused by the fit, or by a buildup of wax or fluid in the ear.

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Warranty, Return Policy, and Replacements

Click here for information about the Replacement Guarantee, warranty, and return policy.

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