Ask the Audiologist Part 5

Question: I have had trouble in the past with my hearing aids during the summertime heat when I perspire a lot. Is there something I can do to help prevent this.

Answer: Moisture from our body heat can be harmful to the electronics in the hearing aids causing them to cut out. The use of a dry aid kit can be helpful in drying out the hearing aids while they are out of your ears for the night. The use of a dry aid kit is appropriate for hearing aids that use disposable batteries. For people using hearing aids with rechargeable batteries, there are many manufacturers that have hearing aid chargers available that can also dry out the hearing aids while charging at night. There are also covers that go over the hearing aids while you wear them to protect them from moisture. “Ear Gear” and “Sweat Bands” are examples of some of these products.

Question: The only complaint my grandmother had about her hearing aids was how often she had to replace the batteries. Are there other options available now to power hearing aids?

Answer: Most hearing aids purchased today use rechargeable batteries. The hearing aids are placed in a charger at night while you are sleeping. Use of the charger is much easier for people that have dexterity issues and difficulty seeing. Another plus of rechargeable batteries is, you don’t have to worry about the battery dying in the middle of your day.

Question: I have heard that most people do not use In-The-Ear hearing aids anymore and are using small behind-the-ear hearing aids. Why is this?

Answer: Research has shown over the past few years that Receiver-In-Ear (RIC)

behind-the-ear hearing aids provide more benefits and better hearing than In-The-Ear hearing aids. The placement of the microphones at the top and behind the ear allows the hearing aid to reduce background noise more efficiently and focus on speech. This allows better speech understanding while in a noisy environment. RIC hearing aids also tend to be more comfortable physically, have a more natural sound, and have less breakdown issues. If the RIC hearing aid does break down, it is more likely to be able to be fixed in office rather than having to send the hearing aid into the manufacturer.

Question: I purchased hearing aids 2 years ago and I’m wondering how long can I expect them to last?

Answer: We generally say hearing aids last 4-5 years. However, they can last much longer. Generally what happens is new technology is introduced during that time period that provides better hearing and more convenience to the patient. For example, when rechargeable hearing aids were introduced they allowed for about 10 hours of wear time, not allowing the user to use the hearing aids all day. Now with the improvement of rechargeable batteries hearing aids can be worn continually up to 36 hours without needing recharging. My general advice to a patient is “If the hearing aid is still meeting your needs and working well for you continue to use it.” Often however, when the aids need repair and are out of warranty the expense out weights the value of the aid and I ask the person “Do you want to spend the money to repair the old aid or put that money toward new technology that has improved features?” As with most technology improvement are ongoing and in relatively short periods of time big advances are made.

Question: I have recently been diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease after episode with vertigo and sudden hearing loss. Some days I hear better than others. Will the aids adjust for this change in hearing? My Ear Nose and Throat doctor suggested I get hearing aids will this help me?

Answer: For individuals who suffer with Meniere’s Disease the fluctuation in hearing can be difficult. With my patient’s who have this issue I generally create different setting for when their hearing is good and when it is bad so they simply have to touch a button to adjust for the changes. Now with the ability to connect hearing aids via blue tooth and cell phones these adjustments are even easier for the patient to do. It’s important to communicate these issues with your audiologist so they may program the hearing aid for these issues.

Question: I tried over the counter hearing aids and they did not work for me and I have been trying to get my money back from the company that gave them to be but it has been a real hassle. If I go to an audiologist can I get my money back if I don’t like them?

Answer: In New York State a patient is guaranteed at least a 45 day trial period when they purchase a hearing aid. Many insurances now offer a 60 day trial period. Depending on your insurance some providers will keep a “Non-refundable fee” which by law in NYS is 10% or no greater than $400 if the aids are returned. However, many insurance companies (Blue Cross Blue Shield, MVP, Excellus and Anthem) now offer a total refund to the patient. Others such as CDPHP keep a much smaller amount ($75 each) so there is no risk or minimal to the patient. Be sure to ask your audiologist about refunds before you make any purchase.