Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Digital decisions

The same technology used to make music CDs can improve your hearing significantly

Kenneth Freiheit, 83, of Eden Prairie, Minn., started losing his hearing in the early 1990s.

"We knew there was a problem because he was having a hard time making out what people were saying when they spoke quietly, or when he was in a loud place," said Freiheit's son, Dennis.

Freiheit is in good company. An estimated 28 million Americans, including former President Bill Clinton, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh and actress Marlee Matlin, suffer from some form of hearing loss. Doctors believe both heredity and chronic exposure to loud noises contribute to the problem.

"No matter what the cause, damage to the inner ear can't be reversed, but you don't have to live in a world of softer, less distinct sounds. Get fitted for a hearing aid," said Brian Bender, a spokesman for Interton, a Plymouth, Minn., based company that manufactures and sells the devices.

When shopping for a hearing aid, you'll find two different kinds to choose from, analog and digital. Analog hearing devices amplify the continuous sound wave by making it larger.

"They work well, but not as well as digital devices, which can be fine tuned to the exact level of hearing loss the patient has," said Bender. "Digital also offers cleaner, crisper sound and a wider range of features."

There are dozens of digital hearing aids on the market today. So how do you know which one is right for you?

Once you have a hearing health care provider assess your specific hearing needs, he or she will make a recommendation. There are numerous manufacturers, many of whom produce hearing aids with comparable features. With no shortage of brands to choose from, don't hesitate to ask for a hearing aid with the best value versus features.

Check to see if the device is equipped with feedback management. If it is, sounds can be amplified to a higher volume with less feedback.

The ability to constantly measure for noise control is also important. Digital aids can raise the volume of a soft, high-pitched sound, such as a whisper, while simultaneously keeping a loud, low-pitched sound, such as a truck driving by, at a comfortable level.

Multiple program settings are also handy. They allow the hearing aid to be customized for different listening situations, such as talking on the phone, or hearing what people are saying at a noisy hockey game.

Volume control is another important feature to consider. "Consumers tell us that's something they need," said Bender.

Freiheit decided to "go digital" at the urging of his son. He now wears an EVO twin with dual microphones for directional hearing. The device is manufactured by Interton.

Digital hearing aids are available in four different styles, completely in the canal, in the canal, in the ear and behind the ear. Freiheit's is a canal type.

"They all work well," said Bender. "The one you decide to go with is a matter of personal preference."

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