HEARING How to choose hearing aids

In these pages Dr. Angela Bracuto, a hearing aid specialist and practitioner, explains the factors to evaluate to make a correct choice of hearing aids and what steps to take.

What physical factors should be considered when choosing hearing aids?

First of all, the type and degree of hearing loss must be considered, so we start by analyzing the patient's audiometric examination in order to define the performance and power the device should have. Then the anatomy of the ear must also be analyzed, especially when it comes to in-the-ear hearing aids; it may happen that the too small size of the ear canal cannot accommodate an internal appliance, it is true that they are made to measure by taking an impression, but there must be the necessary space to accommodate all the electronics. Are there also environmental and subjective factors that can determine the choice of hearing aids?

Each patient has his or her own communication needs that vary according to family, social and work lifestyle; this will need to be taken into account when choosing the most appropriate solution to offer the best possible sound quality. Another important aspect is the manageability of the devices; the smaller the devices, the smaller the buttons and parts to be cleaned. Therefore, if you cannot see well, or if you have some difficulty in manual dexterity with very small objects, it becomes preferable to opt for a larger device with automatic operation. There is also the economic aspect to consider: there are various categories of appliances, both from the point of view of performance and price ranges. It is also possible to access various types of ASST and INAIL welfare contributions if certain requirements are met, so it is important to analyze the data together to assess its feasibility and thus proceed in the best way possible.

One or two hearing aids and why?

If hearing loss affects both ears, it is a good idea to wear two hearing aids because, by mimicking the function of natural hearing, a better sense of localization of where sounds are coming from is offered. Also counteracted is the onset of a condition known as "hearing deficiency," in which the unaided ear becomes " lazy" due to lack of stimulation. It happens that I am asked "can I put in only 1 even though the prescription is for 2?"

Well it would be better not to, binaural hearing is important because:

· it improves voice comprehension.

Numerous researches have shown that people wearing two hearing aids understand speech signals and conversation significantly better than those wearing only one.

· it improves understanding in groups or noisy situations.

Wearing two hearing aids instead of just one makes it easier to achieve selective listening. This means the brain is better able to focus on the conversation it wants to hear.

· it improves the ability to locate the direction of sounds

With two hearing aids, you are better able to identify the direction from which sounds are coming and their distance. These are very important aspects; they let us know which way to turn if someone is talking to us and help us locate any warning signs, such as traffic signals.

· improves sound quality.

Even when listening to the stereo system, two speakers are used in order to achieve a more harmonious, clearer and natural sound quality. The same goes for hearing aids: with two aids we will get a more balanced perception of sounds and higher sound quality.

· increases listening comfort.

Wearing two hearing aids generally requires less volume, compared to wearing only one. This means achieving greater listening comfort as less amplification is needed. Not only that, setting the volume at a lower level reduces the risk of acoustic feedback.

· listening becomes more pleasant and less tiring.

Most people who wear binaural hearing aids confirm that listening and participating in a conversation by wearing two aids instead of just one becomes more pleasant. This is because one no longer has to strain to try to listen with the "better" ear. It follows that binaural hearing helps make life significantly less stressful. · keeping both ears working preserves speech understanding

Numerous research studies have shown that when wearing only one hearing aid, the unprosthetic ear tends to lose its natural ability to hear and understand. This is called the "hearing deficiency effect." Wearing two hearing aids, on the other hand, keeps both ears active and can prevent the deterioration of speech comprehension ability.

· user satisfaction is higher.

A study among more than 5,000 hearing aid users with bilateral hearing loss showed that those who use two hearing aids are more satisfied with their results than those who wear only one. Nature endowed us with two ears for a very specific reason, just as it gave us two eyes and two arms. It is perfectly logical then that, just as one uses two eyes to see clearly, one needs two healthy ears to hear well.