posted 06-02-2005 21:33               

There a many companies that make excellent hearing aids.
Most likely you are thinking about digital hearing aids which are more sophisticated now than when they first became commercially available. Digital hearing aids can be programmed for your specific hearing loss and are available in either in-the-ear or behind-the-ear styles.

Some features you want to consider are adapative-directional microphones (as opposed to fixed-directional microphones). Directional microphone technology reduces background noise in adverse listening situations. Fixed-directional microphones in hearing aids reduce auditory signals from directly behind you.
Adaptive-directional microphones change their response characteristics based on where the loudest noise is located and hence are more flexible than fixed directional microphones. Both technologies are good and are better in most cases than single microphone hearing aids.

Another feature to consider is an auto-telecoil. This feature allows one to use a telephone with a hearing aid automatically, without the user pushing any buttons or moving any switches. The hearing aid automatically switches to telephone-mode. To date, the automatic feature is only available on certain size in-the-ear type hearing aids. It is not available (yet) on behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. However, most BTE hearing aids do have telecoils which enable one to use a telephone without feedback (whistling).

For many types of hearing loss, both in-the-ear style hearing aids and BTE hearing aids will improve hearing (but not restore hearing to normal). The amount of improvement depends on the type and degree of hearing loss. For severe hearing losses, BTE hearing aids often are the preferred choice, in part because they can provide more power (gain). Siemens makes a BTE hearing aid
that has 3 microphones. This hearing aid can provide somewhat more noise reduction in noisy situations.

Many digital hearing aids are multi-memory. One changes between different memories with either a push-button on the hearing aid
or with a remote control device. Usually the memories are programmed for specific listening situations (e.g., quiet, noisy, telephone use, music).

Another feature to consider in conjunction with BTE hearing aids
is FM technology. This would consist of an FM receiver that is attached to the BTE hearing aid. The speaker uses an FM transmitter/microphone. FM technology is the best way to improve clarity in adverse listening situations. Phonak is a leader in this type of technology. When FM technology is used in conjunction with hearing aids there is more drain on the hearing aid batteries and you have to change batteries more frequently.

Another technology that is helpful with TV listening is an
Infrared TV listening system. Sennheiser is a leader in this technology, although there are other companies that make good infrared systems for less money. An infrared TV listening system
has a transmitter (which usually also serves as a battery recharger). The transmitter sends the TV audio signal wirelessly to the listener who is wearing the receiver headset. The receiver headset is battery-powered and usually has a volume control. The listener adjusts the volume to what is comfortable for them. This reduces the irritation for the rest of the family who often complain that the TV is playing too loud.

Contact a local Audiologist to get a current hearing test and to determine what hearing aid(s) would be best for your needs and budget. To locate an Audiologist in your area go to www.audiology.org

posted 06-03-2005 10:00               

I forgot to mention, that many of the latest digital hearing aids (both ITE and BTE styles) have a programmable telecoil.
So the telecoil gain can be boosted if necessary for telephone use.

As you probably know, when you use BTE hearing aids and switch to the telephone mode, you place the telephone receiver behind your ear close to the hearing aid rather than at the side of your ear. The closer the telephone receiver is to the hearing aid telecoil, the better the reception.

Sounds like you're in good hands and you'll get good advice at UCLA