Whether you are planning to give your elderly relatives hearing aids or want to learn more about the technology behind them, there are many things to consider before making a decision. The main ones to remember are cost, the hearing aid, and whether it is over-the-counter or prescription. Also, it’s essential to consider the hearing aids benefits to seniors. For example, it can improve speech recognition and provide higher sound quality.
Neural rewiring
It is vital to know what’s the best hearing aids for seniors. Despite the advances in hearing aid technology over the last decade, more than a quarter of the elderly still suffer from age-related hearing loss. This is a huge problem that can severely impact the quality of life. Untreated hearing loss is a severe condition that can speed up neural function and cognitive abilities decline. In addition, the untreated effects of hearing loss can negatively affect other health and well-being, including physical health. In this light, the latest generation of hearing aids can improve the brain’s ability to process auditory input, thus mitigating the effects of age-related hearing loss. One study found that a hearing aid can detect audio-visual stimuli in the superior temporal sulcus, or STM, a brain region involved in attentional allocation and decision-making. This translates to an increased percentage of attentional resources to the sound that matters, the audio-visual signal, aka speech. The findings suggest that hearing aids’ benefits may be more profound than first-timers believe. Another study found that a person wearing a Hearing aid may be able to discern speech from non-verbal auditory signals as early as two weeks after the initial fitting. This is due to increased cortical response amplitudes. The amplitude enhancements are a sign of physiological adaptation. However, it may also indicate that the brain has undergone a rewiring of sorts. This is not a new concept; previous studies have shown similar results.
Over-the-counter vs. prescription
Getting a hearing test can be a great way to detect if your senior relative needs a hearing aid. Those with mild to moderate hearing loss may be able to get an over-the-counter device without a doctor’s prescription. But, those with a more severe hearing impairment will likely need to visit an audiologist for a custom fit. Prescription hearing aids are designed to treat a wide range of different types of hearing loss. They are programmed to work with the unique needs of each individual. They are also better at processing background noise. An audiologist can help find a suitable device for their needs and offer advice on how to use it. There are several styles of prescription hearing aids, from high-end digital mini-behind-the-ear aids to simpler ones. Each type of aid is designed for a specific hearing loss and comes with additional bells and whistles. Generally, they’re configured using software or a smartphone app. Some devices are available with preprogrammed settings, and you can also program them.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the average price of an OTC hearing aid is several thousand dollars cheaper than a prescription-style aid. This is in part because there aren’t as many companies making prescription aids and because manufacturers aren’t as familiar with selling them.
Lithium-Ion rechargeable
Whether a senior or younger, you may benefit from rechargeable hearing aids. These are a great way to have peace of mind without worrying about a battery running out during the middle of the day. They are also highly convenient. You can buy rechargeable hearing aids at a pharmacy, online, or through a hearing care clinic. Fortunately, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can last as long as a hearing aid. They are also environmentally friendly. They are the same as the batteries used in rechargeable mobile phones. Rechargeable batteries have the advantage of being unaffected by cold weather. They are also safe to use. They can be recharged overnight, an excellent option for people who live off the grid or have trouble accessing electricity. While some older hearing aids have nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, they are not as powerful as modern lithium-ion batteries. The power output of the old batteries was less stable, and they did not last as long. Luckily, a new design of rechargeable batteries allows for a long life. They can last up to six years. This makes them an excellent choice for people who need to wear them for long periods. In addition, these batteries can be charged in just 30 minutes. This allows you to stay in conversation all day. Depending on the model, the battery can last as long as six hours.
Cost
Buying hearing aids for seniors is a great way to improve communication and help seniors lead a more normal life. These devices can also help delay cognitive decline in older adults. However, they can be expensive. For seniors on a budget, there are ways to purchase hearing aids at a reasonable price. Buying over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a cheaper option for seniors. These devices don’t require a prescription and are approved by the FDA. They are expected to reduce the overall cost of hearing aids by about three thousand dollars per pair. Some states have financial assistance programs that can help seniors with the cost of hearing aids. These programs vary from state to state but can include Medicaid coverage, follow-up care, and diagnostic services. Getting a hearing test can help you determine which type of hearing aid is best for you. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, you may only need one or two hearing aids. You must find out what your insurance will cover if you need more than one.