Presbycusis is the medical term for hearing loss that is due to the aging process. The numbers vary from study to study but it is safe to say that half of 75 year olds and 95% of 94 year olds will have some form of hearing loss. There are many new and innovative solutions. 

Physical Types of Hearing Aids

1. Behind the Ear (BTE): A small plastic case contains the parts and sits behind the ear while a small plastic tube connects with the ear canal.
2. “Mini” Behind the Ear (Mini BTE): This is relatively new technology and is the design of a BTE (above) but much smaller and the tube is clear. The “Mini” is usually more comfortable, blends in and seniors don’t feel the stigma of wearing a hearing aid.
3. Completely in the Canal (CIC): This very small product offers both cosmetic and some listening advantages. Can be difficult to place and handle for some.
4. In-the-ear (ITE): These products are larger than the CIC products but still fit in the ear. Can be easier for seniors to handle.

Technology of Hearing Aids

• Analog: Older hearing aids were based on this technology and dominated the market until the last fifteen years.
• Digital: Most new patients will be offered only digital products. They are more adaptable to different situations and they come much closer to original sound.

Action Step: Hearing aids need to fit and “feel good” and if not they will probably end up in a junk drawer and could be an expensive mistake. Please make sure you are totally comfortable with both the product and the vendor.

Golden Nugget: Dementia & Hearing Loss – These two are related in very different ways. There is much speculation that senior hearing loss can be a precursor to dementia. The other is that sometimes patients with undiagnosed hearing loss are thought to have dementia because they cannot follow / hear the questions from medical personnel.