What Hearing Aids Can and Cannot Do

The majority of hearing aids magnify sounds, usually all sounds; newer digital hearing aids focus on magnifying speech and blocking background sounds. The newer digital aids may take more practice to use, but can make conversation easier and more comfortable.

If you have been prescribed only one hearing aid, you will hear increased sounds primarily on one side of your body. This can cause disorientation, difficulty with mobility, and can make it difficult to identify specific characteristics in the environment.

Photo of a variety of hearing aids

In some instances, audiologists may recommend dual hearing aids for a person with vision loss to help maintain some level of "binaural" hearing (hearing from both sides of the body). Be sure to discuss these issues and concerns with your audiologist.

Caring for a Hearing Aid or Assistive Listening Device

An audiologist prescribes a hearing aid to match each person's unique hearing needs. Ear molds, in particular, need to be specially fitted for the individual user.

Hearing aids and devices differ in terms of controls, battery usage, and maintenance. Take some time to review and learn the features of your own hearing aid.

Because hearing aids and assistive listening devices contain electronic components, take care not to drop your device or treat it roughly. Do not dip your hearing aid in water or get it wet, as this will likely harm the sensitive electronic circuitry. Wiping your hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth is usually all you need to do to keep it clean.

Tips For Using Hearing Aids More Effectively

These listening exercises and experiences are listed in order from easiest to most difficult:

1. Begin in a quiet living room. One person should talk about familiar, everyday things. Practice listening with the sound source in different positions and at varying distances.
2. Move to the kitchen where acoustics are not quite so good. Listen to one person talking or to water running at different levels, but make sure that the sound is not too loud.
3. Try listening to the television in a quiet room. Begin with easier situations - the news, for example. Try listening to the radio or television when a person with normal hearing has adjusted it to a comfortable loudness level.
4. Wear your hearing aid(s) at a quiet dinner table.
5. Engage in conversation in a quiet room with two, then three or four other people.
6. Wear your aid(s) outside in a quiet place (e.g., the back yard) to become accustomed to wind noise.
7. Walk along the street in a quiet neighborhood.
8. Try using the hearing aid at religious services, a lecture, or a play. Sit as close to the speakers as possible the first time. Next, try listening at a distance.
9. Try wearing the hearing aid while driving. Listen to the background noises. Try opening the window and listen.
10. Try a shopping trip.
11. Try wearing the aid at a party or in a room where a number of people are talking.

Additional resources for vision and hearing loss

• American Academy of Audiology
• American Association of the Deaf-Blind
• Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults
• Deafblind Manual Alphabet
• Information about Deafblindness provides links to deaf-blind services throughout the world and examples of deaf-blind communication techniques.
• Self-Help for Hard-of-Hearing People: Hearing Aid Performance