Do I Need Hearing Aids?: 6 Signs to Look Out For

• Hearing loss occurs when a person's ability to process or hear sounds becomes impaired. About 15% of American adults have some degree of hearing loss.
• Hearing aids can improve hearing, but some may avoid purchasing them due to the stigma surrounding aging and hearing loss, despite research showing that the use of hearing aids can significantly enhance a person's quality of life, overall health, and well-being.
• If you are struggling to hear, need to turn the volume up excessively to hear the television or phone, or frequently ask others to repeat themselves, you may want to consider getting hearing aids.

Hearing loss is a condition where a person's ability to hear or process sound is impaired. There are two types of hearing loss: conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is a result of fluid buildup in the ear, usually due to an infection. This type of hearing loss is usually reversible and can be treated medically. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when hair cells in the ear become damaged. This type of hearing loss is not reversible and is usually treated through hearing aids, surgery, or cochlear implants.

Some common causes of hearing loss include:

• Being exposed to loud sounds/​music for extended periods
• An infection that causes damage to the ear
• Aging, - hair cells inside the ear can become damaged over time
• Explosions or trauma that damage the ear
• Certain medications that can damage the ear, such as chemotherapy
• Genetic disorders

There are various levels of hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe.

Hearing aids are small, electronic medical devices worn inside or behind the ear to amplify sound, making it easier for individuals to hear more clearly. This allows them to communicate, listen, and engage more fully in their daily life.

Hearing aids can vary by size, style, and volume level, and are often based on the severity of the hearing loss. For example, moderate hearing loss will require a lower volume than profound hearing loss. While hearing aids can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, there are also prescription hearing aids, which are customized for your level of hearing loss.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

Hearing aids are made up of three basic parts: a microphone, a speaker, and an amplifier. The microphone picks up sound and converts the sound waves into electrical signals, which are sent to the amplifier. The amplifier then increases the volume of the signals and sends them to the speaker, making sounds louder in the ear.

Styles of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and there are different styles of hearing aids based on how they are worn. Some styles include:

• In-the-ear (ITE): This style has the receiver inside the bowl-shaped area of the outer ear (full shell), or only the lower part of the bowl-shaped area (half shell).
• Behind-the-ear (BTC): This style hooks the receiver over the top of the ear and sits behind the ear. This type is often considered ideal for hearing in noisy environments because its larger size allows for more microphones.
• In-the-canal (ITC) : This style is specifically molded by a healthcare professional to fit partially in the canal. Some prefer this style because it is less noticeable than other types.
• Receiver-in-the-ear (RITC) : Similar to the BTC, this style has a portion that hooks behind the ear. However, it also includes a receiver that sits inside the ear canal, which is connected to the behind-the-ear portion with a small wire. RITC earpieces often come with the advantage of having a more natural sound and less feedback.
• Completely in-the-canal (CIC) : This style places the receiver completely inside the canal, and is the least noticeable.

Additionally, while most hearing aids are digital, there are also analog versions available. You can learn more about different types of hearing aids by visiting this resource from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

To determine if you have hearing loss , you will need to visit a provider or your primary care physician to rule out any medical issues that may be causing the loss, such as an ear infection or wax build-up. If neither of these is the case, your healthcare provider may suggest a hearing test to determine your level of hearing loss. Some tests, such as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), measure the brain and ear's responses to sound, while other tests, such as a tympanogram, measure how well the middle ear is functioning.

In some cases, removing earwax buildup can help with hearing issues. Surgery may also be used if the underlying cause is an infection that can be treated. However, treatment is determined by the cause of the hearing loss and its severity.

Hearing amplification through hearing aids is the most common method for treating hearing loss resulting from damage to the inner ear. If a hearing aid is your best course of treatment, you will be referred to a hearing specialist, called an audiologist, for a hearing aid evaluation to figure out which type of hearing aid is best for you.

Risks of Untreated Hearing Loss

Although people may delay treating hearing loss after symptoms first appear, leaving it unaddressed long-term carries is risky and has been linked to:

• Higher risk of falls
• Higher risk of cognitive decline or disorders, including dementia
• Higher likelihood of social isolation and depression
• More struggles with speech comprehension, concentration, and communication

Hearing loss is often a gradual process, and many individuals struggle to determine if they need a hearing aid. Sometimes, a person only experiences hearing problems in one ear and believes they can compensate with their other ear, putting off the decision to get their hearing checked. Additionally, some people may avoid buying hearing aids due to cost, difficulty accepting the diagnosis, or because they fear it makes them look old. On average, only one in five people with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids use them.

However, studies show that those who purchase hearing aids often report a better quality of life , are less likely to experience falls, and are at lower risk for developing dementia.

Here are a few signs that a hearing aid may be beneficial for you.

#1 You Have Trouble Hearing When Someone Speaks to You

You struggle to hear when a person is talking to you, particularly if they are sitting close or in a quiet setting.

#2 You Require Others to Repeat Themselves Often

While we all may need someone to repeat themselves if we can't hear them, asking others to repeat themselves constantly could be a sign of hearing loss.

#3 You Need to Turn Up the Volume

You frequently turn up the volume control on your television, music devices, or phone speakers to hear more effectively, or you are unable to hear things unless they are at a high volume.

#4 You Hear High-Pitched Ringing in Your Ears

High-pitched ringing in the ears could be a sign of tinnitus. Tinnitus is characterized by persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears and may be a sign of underlying hearing loss. This is often caused by listening to loud noises for long periods of time.

#5 You Withdraw From Social Situations Because You Can't Hear Well

While social isolation on its own isn't related to hearing loss, you may find you turn down offers to go out or spend time with others because you aren't able to hear well, and you worry you won't be able to follow conversations or contribute to them. Hearing aids can make social engagements more enjoyable by reducing the strain to understand conversations.

#6 You Feel Tired After Struggling to Listen

You find you have to focus intently on others talking, which can leave you feeling fatigued and exhausted later on. Having to focus so intently on hearing others requires a significant amount of concentration and mental energy, which takes a toll.

Once you've determined that hearing aids will be helpful, your next step is to figure out which type of hearing aid best suits your needs. Some factors to consider include:

• Budget: Hearing aids vary in price and can cost thousands of dollars if your insurance plan doesn't cover them. Therefore, it's important to consider your budget when selecting the best hearing aid option.
• Level of hearing loss: The severity of your hearing loss can help point you in the direction of which hearing aid will be best, as some are geared toward mild to moderate loss, whereas others are made for severe hearing loss.
• Comfort/​style: Hearing aids are typically worn for long periods of time so getting the right style for you is of the utmost importance..
• Features: Some hearing aids come equipped with additional features, such as noise reduction for background noise or wireless connection to other devices. If these features enhance your hearing aid experience or quality of life, you may want to consider it.
• Warranty period: It's best to get a hearing aid with a good warranty in case the device breaks or you encounter issues.

Prescription vs. OTC Hearing Aids

Whether to choose a prescription or OTC hearing aid will depend on the type of hearing aid you need.

For those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, OTC hearing aids can be a quicker and more budget-friendly option that doesn't require a referral to obtain (although it is always recommended to have a hearing evaluation/​exam before buying hearing aids). The FDA regulates all hearing aids to ensure safety and effectiveness for consumers. However, OTC hearing aids are also meant to be self-setup, and adjustments for the hearing aid are left up to the person, which may be confusing if you're using them for the first time.

Prescription hearing aids tend to cost more, especially if your insurance doesn't cover them. However, prescription hearing aids typically come after a hearing aid evaluation. An audiologist can fit and adjust your hearing aids for you on-site, and they are specifically tailored to your hearing needs. For those with more severe hearing loss, prescription hearing aids are typically required, since OTC hearing aids cannot be adjusted to accommodate higher levels of hearing loss.

If you do need hearing aids, will your insurance cover them? Whether your insurance covers hearing aids varies by state and insurance plan.

Most standard insurance plans will not cover hearing aids. However, some states have mandates in place that require hearing aid coverage for children and adults. Check your state to see if this is covered in your area.

For older adults, original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include hearing aid coverage; however, you should check your specific plan and provider to determine if this benefit is available to you.

If you do not have insurance, hearing aids may cost anywhere between $2,000 and $7,000 on average for a prescription pair. You can also buy OTC hearing aids at pharmacies and local drugstores, which are typically less expensive, but they can still range anywhere from $100 to a few thousand dollars, depending on the type and brand you choose.

Note: To learn more about ways to make hearing aids more affordable, visit this source from the Hearing Health Foundation.

What is the average age to need hearing aids?

The average age for someone to need a hearing aid is usually between 60 and 70, though this can vary.

At what point should you consider hearing aids?

Some signs you should consider hearing aids include if you struggle to hear people speaking to you, if you have to increase the volume regularly to hear, or if you need people to repeat themselves regularly.