There are more than 30 million Americans that currently suffer from some type of hearing loss. The most common type of hearing loss is a high frequency hearing loss. The process of aging is the predominant cause of this type of hearing loss. The natural process of aging may allow your sensitivity to low frequencies to remain the same, but you might experience difficulty hearing in higher frequencies, such as child’s voices, doorbells, and tv or radio. For many of us we don’t realize that our hearing is slowly deteriorating because hearing loss is painless and progressive. For many of us it takes a loved one to call it to our attention.
How We Hear: Any action that generates noise sends sound vibrations, or sound waves, through the air. The outer part of the human ear picks up these sound waves where it travels down the ear canal and into the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin membrane separating the outer ear from the middle ear. As the sound waves strike your eardrum, it vibrates three tiny mechanical bones of the middle ear. The middle ear is connected to the inner ear changes mechanical vibrations to nerve signals, which are then sent to the hearing center of the brain.
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Hearing & Hearing Loss Questions
Typical cause for hearing loss:
- Noise exposure
- Prebycusis (aging)
- Infections (Otisi Media, Otistis Externa)
- Head or ear trauma
- Congenitial abnormalities or genetics
- Ototoxic drugs (antibiotics, chemotherapy)
- Cerumen (wax) blockage
Types of Hearing Loss
Conductive This involves outer and/or middle ear. It can be a result from infection, wax, or physical trauma. Can often be treated medically.
Sensorineural Can be result of aging, ototoxic drug, head trauma, disease, genetic, etc. Also known as nerve deafness. It involves the inner ear or auditory nerve. Usually treatable and permanent. Treatment is amplification through use of hearing instruments.
Mixed Loss A combination of conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Treatment is usually amplification through the use of hearing instruments.
Since hearing loss is most often a very gradual process, may of its symptoms are subtle. As hearing loss progresses, not all sounds are lost at an equal rate. Most often, the higher frequency sounds, which contain consonant information, are most affected. Some symptoms are: difficulty understanding at public gatherings; straining to hear TV, radio, or telephone; asking others to repeat themselves; social life is hindered; smiling more and understanding less.
- Reduces need for excessive volume.
- Better sound direction, balanced hearing.
- Improved hearing in noise.
- More natural sound
Hearing aids range in both size and sophistication of circuitry. Which combination of circuitry and style is chosen depends on the individual’s type and degree of hearing loss, cosmetic concerns, their dexterity, and budget concerns.
The ultimate goal of amplification is to restore – to as large a degree possible – the full range of hearing. By that, we mean that soft sounds should sound soft, comfortably loud sounds should be audible and understandable (loud, but not painfully loud).
There are numerous advantages for wearing two devices over a single device. A majority of hearing professionals endorse the use of binaural (2 devices) when treating a hearing loss.
Benefits of binaural hearing:
- Reduces need for excessive volume
- Better sound direction
- Balanced hearing
- Improved hearing in noise
- More natural sound
Selecting a Hearing Aid
At General Hearing Instruments, Inc., our goal is to provide high quality, cost-effective prescription and non-prescription hearing aids. Our devices come with user-friendly controls that allow customers to control how they experience the world. Choose from one of our many different hearing aid styles that best suit your individual needs. Purchasing a device is simple. General Hearing products are available at major online retailers or from a local audiologist.
Hearing aid style comparison
Behind-the-ear:
In a behind-the-ear hearing aid (also referred to as a BTE), the amplifier, microphone, and receiver are housed in a shell that fits discreetly behind the ear. A custom ear mold is worn in the ear and connected to the hearing aid by a clear plastic tube. Behind-the-ear hearing aids can hold more circuitry than other style hearing aids because of its large case. BTEs are very durable and can be fitted for a wide range of hearing losses
In-the-ear:
With in-the-ear hearing aids, also called an ITE, the circuitry is built and housed into a custom ear mold that fills a majority of the visible portion of the ear. In-the-ear hearing aids are ideal for people with limited dexterity because of their size and easy-to-use controls
In-the-canal:
In-the-canal hearing aids, also referred to as ITC, are smaller than in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. ITC hearing aids are partially visible in the outer ear, but are far more discreet than an in-the-ear hearing aid. This type of hearing aid is best for mild to moderate losses.
Completely-in-the-canal:
Completely-in-the-canal or CIC hearing aids are custom-fit devices that fit all the way in the ear canal. They are barely visible therefore cosmetically appealing. These tiny hearing aids are best suited for individuals with a mild to moderate hearing loss. Some hearing aid wearers with narrow ear canals may not be able to wear CIC style hearing aids.
Over-the-ear (OTE):
Over-the-ear (OTE) hearing aids are smaller and less noticeable than traditional BTEs. Over-the-ear hearing aid is similar to traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids in that the shell fits behind the ear. Typically, a thin acoustic micro poly tube or transmission wire (in receiver-in-canal hearing aids) connects the shell to a custom ear mold or dome shaped ear bud.
Hearing Aid Maintenance, Repair and Service Questions
- At the end of each day, remove your Simplicity, clean the exterior with a tissue and inspect the opening of the earmold tubing for any blockage, moisture, or wax buildup.
- Brush the sound port on a daily basis. Make sure the end of the tube is pointed downward so that loose debris will not be pushed further into the tubing.
- Open the battery door when device is not in use.
- Do not expose your device to direct or excessive heat.
When storing your Aid for an extended period of time:
- Remove the battery.
- Place device in the presentation case or travel pouch.
- Store the device in a cool, dry place, (not the refrigerator.)
Yes, absolutely! A key element to maintaining a high satisfaction rate with Ready to Wear hearing aids is our Service Center.
It is a full service repair and direct-to-consumer support center. A skilled staff offers personal support for Simplicity OTE and Simply Soft devices. Customers are greeted by a caring staff trained to answer questions regarding use, maintenance, and other related hearing questions. An audiologist is also available for professional hearing support. The Service Center will maintain devices beyond the initial warranty period by offering a variety of extended warranty packages.
Customer support is offered as part of the service package for on-line devices with a toll-free phone line. Customers are provided unlimited technical support for all General Hearing devices at no cost to them. Service Center hours are 8-7 weekdays. On-line assistance is available on the website at www.readywearexpress.com
Service Center benefits:
- Dedicated customer support
- Audiologist advisor
- Toll-free number
- Various post-warranty options
- Website support www.readywearexpress.com
- Skilled service technicians
- No competition with vendors for accessories
- Unlimited free call-in personal support
DOWNLOAD SERVICE FORM
All hearing aid repairs are handled through the ReadyWearExpress Service Center. There is a processing fee for repairs during the warranty period. The processing fee includes inspection, cleaning, preventive maintenance, and return shipping and handling. The website offers complete information regarding repairs service: www.readywearexpress.com
ReadyWear Express Service Center
PMB #144
5860 Citrus Blvd. Suite D
River Ridge, LA 70123
Call: (504) 729-6185 (customer service)
E-mail: service@readywearexpress.com
Visit: www.readywearexpress.com
