If you have been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, you might be questioning yourself whether there is anything you can do about it and what features would be beneficial to look into. You might be able to hear the voice of the person who is talking, but be unable to distinguish the words spoken by the person, especially if there is more than one person talking. For those patients who have mild to moderate hearing problems, OTC hearing aids might be considered.

Today's hearing aids do much more than amplify everything. Various technologies assist in sound management, whistling reduction, and conversation comprehension in specific environments. Understanding what precisely these technologies do, and where they begin to fail, will make the process of choosing hearing aids simpler.

What is Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Have you ever heard someone talk, yet understood nothing of what was said? Although you could hear the sounds made by that person’s voice, there are certain words that cannot be understood, especially amid other noises or music. This may be a manifestation of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The latter is one form of hearing loss that affects either the inner ear or the auditory pathways of the nerve. Such hearing loss may be the result of damage to the sensory hair cells inside the inner ear, although it could also be the result of damage to any other part of the auditory system.

It's easier for some individuals to hear sounds of high frequency, like consonants that differentiate words. There are others who have hearing problems with multiple frequencies. That explains why individuals with hearing losses of a similar nature would still have different requirements. Here's something significant that you should know. Amplifying the sound level does not necessarily solve the problem. Raising the level of sound helps you hear the sound, but it doesn't necessarily mean that the sound will become comprehensible. The hearing aid that you require should provide you with adequate amplification based on your hearing requirement. Still, an adequately adjusted hearing aid cannot ensure perfect

Can OTC Hearing Aids Help Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Certainly, there is research showing that OTC hearing aids are beneficial for those individuals with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. They are able to hear some sounds better and understand the speech of other people, which is impossible for them otherwise. For example, one may begin to hear the sounds of his or her family members while they talk, understand what they say in a rather quiet room, and hear the speech of others, which was not possible before. 

At the same time, hearing problems may be associated not only with the volume but also with comprehending what is said. Certain characteristics such as frequency-specific amplification, digital sound processing, and directional microphones can address certain hearing problems.

Understanding the use of OTC hearing aids is also critical. As per the FDA, OTC hearing aids are meant for adults 18 years of age and above who view themselves as having some degree of hearing loss. These hearing aids do not require a prescription or professional fitting. OTC hearing aids are not meant for cases of severe or profound hearing impairment. In case you experience difficulty comprehending speech when it is uttered loudly or you find yourself unable to listen properly even without the presence of any ambient sounds or when your hearing aid is not working despite correct fitting, you might want to consult an audiologist.

How Do You Know If OTC Hearing Aids Are Right for You?

You do not need to know all the technical details before you start thinking about getting a hearing aid. A good place to begin would be to examine those listening situations in which you experience the most problems.

Think About What You Struggle to Hear

Do you have trouble hearing what other people say and find yourself asking them to repeat themselves? Perhaps you can’t hear conversations taking place within a crowd or hear someone on the phone? Perhaps you need to turn the volume on the TV up so loud that everyone else in the room thinks the volume is way too high. Such instances might point towards hearing loss but won’t tell you exactly what kind of hearing difficulty you have.

Consider Whether Your Hearing Needs Have Been Evaluated

An audiogram enables one to understand what frequencies one cannot hear and to what degree one suffers from hearing loss. This helps one understand why particular sounds are not heard. Although one does not need to have a hearing test before buying hearing aids over the counter, one may find this useful if one does not know about their hearing needs.

Know When to Seek Professional Advice

Some instances of hearing problems need the attention of your doctor, and you do not have to use hearing aids immediately. Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, should be seen by your doctor immediately. Ear pain, drainage from the ear, vertigo, and a large difference in hearing between the two ears should also see your doctor. If you suffer from severe hearing loss or find it difficult to comprehend what people say even when they are talking loudly near you and in a quiet room, don’t think that an OTC hearing aid can adequately address the issue.

Which Hearing Aid Features Matter Most?

In terms of evaluating hearing aids in cases of sensorineural hearing impairment, it can be hard not to get lost in numerous lists of technical characteristics. A better way would be to consider which problem a particular characteristic is meant to be a solution.

1. Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Adjusting Sound to Your Needs

A critical aspect in modern digital hearing aids is digital signal processing (DSP). This technology allows for processing of the input sound signals and their subsequent modifications, in contrast to just boosting the volume of all sounds by an equal amount. It is relevant to the fact that hearing loss is usually selective regarding different frequencies. In the case of a person with hearing impairment of high frequencies, he or she will have difficulties perceiving certain consonant sounds even if low-frequency speech sounds are perceived well enough. Using DSP technology with proper frequency adjustments, a hearing aid will be able to boost certain sounds while not amplifying other sounds.

In addition, DSP technology can help in managing noise and feedback suppression. Nevertheless, DSP technology is a wide range of technologies that do not necessarily ensure better comprehension of speech.

2. Directional Microphones and Noise Management: Following Conversations

Picture yourself having a conversation with your friend in a crowded coffee shop. You intend to focus on his voice, but there is lots of chatter in the area that creates interference in this regard. The concept of directional microphones consists in amplifying the sounds emanating from a particular direction, which is typically the one in front of the user. If the person talking to you is located in the preferred direction, directional microphones may be helpful to enhance the voice-to-noise ratio. Some hearing aids are equipped with noise management functions that aim to reduce the effect of some distracting sounds.

If the speaker is situated behind you, or when the interfering noise is in the same direction as his voice, then directional processing will not give much benefit. Moreover, echoes and several voices simultaneously can complicate the process of communication. In case of frequent difficulties in noisy environments like restaurants and family gatherings, pay attention to the information regarding the directional microphone and noise management abilities of the device.

3. Feedback Suppression: Reducing Unwanted Whistling

The annoying whistling noise produced by some hearing devices is called acoustic feedback. This phenomenon happens when the amplified sounds leak out from the ear and are again captured by the hearing device's microphone. Advanced feedback suppression technology is capable of identifying and lowering this undesirable noise. This will make hearing devices easier to wear, especially if there is a need to amplify sounds.

Nevertheless, feedback suppression cannot solve all the problems related to the fit or maintenance of hearing devices. The improper positioning of the device, the incorrect fitting of the eartip, or the accumulation of earwax may also result in whistling. If your hearing device tends to whistle constantly, ensure that you position the device properly and the eartip is fitted correctly. Follow the recommendations of the device's manufacturer.

4. Bluetooth Connectivity: More Convenient Access to Audio

In this case, Bluetooth can help hearing aids become more practical, particularly for those who often work with cell phones and other devices that have Bluetooth capability. Whether your hearing aids can stream calls, play songs, or audio in general, and be controlled through an app depends on their type. Streamed audio can be quite helpful since sound is delivered electronically to the hearing aids rather than being picked up from a speaker or a phone by the microphone of the device. But it is worth noting that Bluetooth technology cannot be equated with hearing enhancement itself.

5. Battery Life and Ease of Use: Making Daily Wear Easier

It is not the only consideration that you should pay attention to. The hearing aid must be convenient for you in terms of incorporating it into your daily life. In the case of rechargeable hearing aids, this is especially true because you do not have to replace the batteries frequently. When choosing a rechargeable device, you should take into account how long it will last on a single charge and how convenient it will be to charge it.

The other factor that might matter to you is the way of adjusting settings. Some hearing aids feature mechanical controls while others require a phone application. If you would like to avoid the need of using a phone when making adjustments, then you should pay attention to whether the model features comfortable controls directly on the device.

Which Features Match Your Listening Difficulties?

Technology for individuals suffering from SNHL is not necessarily identical since it all depends on what an individual can no longer perceive and where such an impairment occurs.

This comparison reveals a valuable insight regarding hearing aids – the device that possesses more features is not always better than others. The best hearing aid is the one that meets your hearing problems and matches your lifestyle.

In the process of choosing the hearing aid, make sure what features it really provides, how they work, and if they meet your expectations. The same terminology may be used to indicate the various features in the products.

What Type of OTC Hearing Aid Should You Choose?

The design of hearing aids also varies. The physical construction of the device influences its wearing comfort, handling, and available features. But the type of construction is not an independent criterion of compatibility with your hearing condition. There are many constructions with varying degrees of amplification power that do not fall into the OTC classification. Below are three popular constructions of hearing aids that you might have encountered.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids have their components attached behind the ear and channel sound into the ear using a tube and earmold. The type will determine whether it can accommodate various levels of amplification. Their bigger size may also make them more manageable by those who struggle with tiny devices and hard-to-use controls.

When selecting among BTE hearing aids, take into account the comfort of the earpiece, the ease of use of the controls, and the amount of maintenance the device demands. It is important to note that not all BTE hearing aids qualify as OTC devices.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are worn behind the ear but have a thin cable attached to the body that connects it to a small speaker inserted into the ear canal. There are individuals who prefer this type of hearing aid since the outer portion feels less cumbersome compared to the conventional behind-the-ear (BTE) type. With this hearing aid device, it is possible to alleviate the blocked sensation that occurs with hearing aids due to how the earpiece and the fitting function.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In-the-ear hearing aid (ITE) is an aid that is located in the outer ear and whose components are installed in a shell that fits the ear. People who like in-the-ear aids like this type because there is no external aid hanging behind the ear. Based on the design of the aid, the bigger shell may allow space for more controls.

In-the-ear aids are vulnerable to moisture and earwax, and thus require regular maintenance. Additionally, some people may experience their voices being blocked or hollow because of the aid. In-canal aids are also less visible; however, due to their small size, these aids do not have enough space for controls and batteries, among other components.

What to Consider Before Purchasing OTC Hearing Aids?

After deciding on what will work best for you, it is time to take into account some practical factors that might affect your experience after buying the device.

Adaptability: Does it have adjustable options like volume, listening program, and frequency? If you buy self-fitting hearing aids, find out how to adjust them yourself.

Fitting and comfort: The earpiece must fit your ear well and comfortably. See if there are several types of tips available and if you are going to wear the gadget on a daily basis.

Battery and charging: Depending on the way you charge your OTC hearing aid, choose between the ones requiring disposable batteries and those being rechargeable, and see what battery life and recharging time they allow.

Convenience in use: Compare the controls and instructions as sometimes the device may be easier to use.

Return and trial: Check the duration for returning the product, any criteria under which you can return the item, and whether there are any non-refundable fees.

Warranty and support: Determine what is covered by the warranty, how the product is repaired, and who to contact for customer support in case you need to adjust or troubleshoot your device.

According to the FDA, the user should take into account factors such as the appearance, function, user-friendliness, trial period or adjustment, warranty, and maintenance needs when purchasing the product.

When Should You See a Hearing Healthcare Professional?

There are many advantages to purchasing an OTC hearing aid when an individual feels that he/she has a moderate or mild hearing impairment. However, in certain situations, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

One needs to visit a physician immediately if there is an occurrence of hearing loss, especially if it has happened very quickly or in only one ear. It is wrong to believe that any rapid changes in hearing are because of the presence of earwax.

Consultation is required in the case of experiencing such phenomena as earache, discharge from the ear canal, problems with balance, a notable difference between both ears regarding hearing ability, and inability to hear even loud sounds.

In addition, in case a person has already purchased an adequate OTC hearing aid but still cannot understand anything, it means that it is time to see a hearing healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts

Acquisition of OTC hearing aids may turn out to be a great solution for people with problems associated with their inability to hear normally and understand the surrounding communication because of sensorineural hearing loss. However, the choice must be made based on your personal preferences and circumstances under which you experience hardships. There are many features such as digital signal processing, directional microphones, feedback suppression, and Bluetooth that play certain roles in enhancing the function of the device. Some of them help to control and reduce the sound or noise, while some assist in connecting to audio sources. The duration of battery power, comfort of wearing, the possibility to adjust the hearing aid, and client services should also be taken into account.

Firstly, identify the situations in which you need to hear better and compare different devices by taking into consideration their functions, fit, convenience, return policy, and warranty, not only the number of features that are indicated on the package. If you are not sure about the degree and type of your hearing loss, then you should consider a hearing assessment before buying a device.

References

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — How to Get Hearing Aids
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) — Hearing Aids
• NIDCD — Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
• NIDCD — Assistive Devices for People with Hearing or Speech Disorders