Simple Hearing Aids

• I LOVE a “push button” volume control. It is much easier to activate than the traditional volume “wheel”, and with wireless hearing aids, you only need to push the button on
  one hearing aid for it to change both aids simultaneously.
• Remote Control- A convenient solution for anyone, but especially
• those with dexterity issues, is a remote control. Turn the volume
• up, down, or mute the devices with large easy to push buttons.

Remote Control

• Retrieval line- This tab looks like a piece of fishing line with a ball at the end. It extends out of the hearing aid, giving the user a better grip to pull the hearing aid out. This can be lengthened and reinforced to make it easier to use.
• Color coding- Making the right hearing aid red (think Red for Right) and the left hearing aid blue can help the patient or the caregiver recognize the correct ear   more easily.
• Larger surface area- Smaller is not always better. For patients with severe arthritis or other dexterity issues, I always recommend a larger aid. An In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid is one of the biggest and easiest to insert and remove.

The clear string with a ball on the end
is a retrieval line for easy removal

• Battery size- The bigger the battery, the long it will last and the easier it will be to remove and replace. A size 13 battery in an ITE can last for 2-3 weeks, where as a CIC with a size 10 battery might be less than a week and much more difficult to handle.
• Extended insurance policies- Most hearing aids come with one to three years of warranty and insurance. This usually allows you to repair the hearing aid for free while it is under warranty and to only pay a deductible for a replacement if the hearing aid is completely lost. I always recommend extending the insurance policy once it expires for as long as possible to protect your investment.
• Don’t change horses mid-stream- If a patient has had one style of  hearing aid for many years and is experiencing cognitive difficulties, especially memory issues, I have found that sticking with the exact same exterior style of the aid makes the adjustment significantly easier.
• Family involvement- This is key for patients who won’t be inserting or removing their hearing aids themselves. I can walk through the simple steps with their caregiver to make sure that all the important ones are covered.

An In-The-Ear Hearing Aid