Hearing aids demonstrated similar clinical outcomes to audiologist-fitted hearing aids using best practices in patients with mild-to-moderate hearing loss within a 6-week period.

FDA-approved OTC hearing aids became available for purchase in October 2022 at pharmacies. The arrival of these items on pharmacy shelves is an opportunity for pharmacists and audiologists to collaborate.

 

Since self-fitted and audiologist-fitted hearing aids show clinically similar results, it is up to pharmacists and audiologists to collaborate and merge expertise to increase access to hearing care.

It is important for pharmacists to know when and how to make referrals to audiologists for more complex cases.

 

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Specifications:

Max Sound Output: 130±5dB
Sound Gain: ≥50dB
Total Harmonic Wave Distortion: ≤10%
Frequency Range: 300-4000Hz
Input Noise: ≤40dB
Voltage: D.C. 1.5V
Current: ≤5mA
Battery Size: LR44

 

Types of Hearing Aids

There are many types of hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC). Selecting a type that’s right for you depends on a number of factors, including the severity of hearing loss, size and shape of your ear, personal preferences, ease of handling and new hearing aid technologies.

 

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Behind-the-ear (BTE) devices are appropriate for people with a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to profound. This device fits neatly behind your ear. The body of the hearing aid attaches to a custom ear mold or thin tubing. Because this device has several parts, manual dexterity is necessary to ensure proper insertion and placement.

 

In-the-ear (ITE)

In-the-ear (ITE) devices fill either your entire ear (known as full-shell) or a portion of the bowl (known as half-shell) of your ear. These are best for people who may have dexterity issues or difficulty handling small items. Providers often recommend ITE devices for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.

 

In-the-canal (ITC)

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids fit more deeply into your ear canal than ITE hearing aids, so they’re typically less visible. Because of their smaller size, they use smaller batteries and may be more difficult to handle. Depending on your situation, you may even qualify for completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids. These devices fit deeper into the ear canal so they’re even less visible.

 

How do you use the hearing aid?

Hearing aids are amazing devices that help people with hearing loss hear more clearly and improve their quality of life. If you or a loved one have recently started using a hearing aid, here are some tips on how to use it effectively:

1. Get familiar with your hearing aid: Before you start using your new hearing aid, take some time to read the manual and understand its features. Ask your audiologist to explain how to use it properly and answer any questions you may have.

2. Insert the hearing aid properly: Inserting the hearing aid into your ear properly is crucial to ensure the best sound quality. Make sure to clean your ears before inserting the hearing aid and make sure it fits snugly in your ear.

3. Turn on the hearing aid: Most hearing aids have a switch or button that you can use to turn it on/off. Turn on your hearing aid and adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

4. Adjust the settings: Many hearing aids come with multiple settings that you can adjust based on your environment. For example, you may want to turn on the noise reduction feature in a noisy environment to reduce background noise.

5. Practice wearing it: It takes some time to get used to wearing a hearing aid, so practice wearing it for a few hours a day at first and gradually increase the time. Make sure to wear it consistently to get the most benefit.

6. Keep it clean: Regularly clean your hearing aid to prevent earwax buildup and maintain its performance.

With some patience and practice, using a hearing aid can greatly improve your hearing ability and overall quality of life. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from your audiologist or hearing aid provider if you have any questions or concerns.

 

 

What type of hearing aid should I get?

There are many different types of hearing aids. Each type has its own advantages and limitations. Selecting a hearing aid that’s right for you depends on a number of factors, including:

• The severity of your hearing loss (mild, moderate, severe or profound).
• The size and shape of your ear.
• How well you can use your fingers and hands (manual dexterity).
• The availability of new hearing aid technologies.
• Your personal preferences.

 

Which type of hearing aid battery should I choose?

Hearing aid batteries come in disposable and rechargeable. Disposable batteries — which look like little buttons — aren’t that common anymore.

Most new hearing aids run on rechargeable batteries. Similar to smartphones and other Bluetooth devices, you simply place hearing aids with rechargeable batteries on a charger when you’re not using them. Some even come with a convenient docking station.

 

 

Extended info

 

What’s the best type of hearing aid for my condition?

 

There are so many types of hearing aids on the market, selecting the one that’s right for you can feel overwhelming. The good news is that your healthcare provider can help you choose a device based on your specific health condition and situation, including the best type of hearing aid for:

• Tinnitus (ringing in your ears).
• Meniere’s disease (a condition in which swelling and pressure in your inner ear cause balance or hearing issues).
• High-frequency hearing loss.
• Low-frequency hearing loss.
• Sensorineural hearing loss (caused by damage to your inner ear).
• Mild to moderate hearing loss.
• Severe hearing loss.
• Profound hearing loss.
• People with limited manual dexterity.