Dave Shaw
Yes I ask each time I get new hearing aids if my hearing loss is compatible with the in the ear. If it were Not, I would have no choice and would choose the bte versions. We must do what we can to improve our lives.

It's important to understand that the hearing aid industry focuses a great deal on making hearing aids smaller. This is because of the stupid stigmas that have hung on to our invisible disability ever since hearing aids were available. Is smaller better? Well, if you watch some of the TV advertisements that share biased information like "I couldn't accept needing hearing aids because my hair is short until _______ came out with a style that doesn't show! No one knows I'm wearing it, etc." Really? It doesn't show?

BTE hearing aids today are about half the size of those I was first fitted with in the late 1970s. That's a good thing. They are more comfortable. Yes. Comfort can be an issue, but in many cases that is due to poor fit in the ear canal, not by being worn over the ear.

It's important to understand that 'smaller' hearing aids can contain fewer options. By miniaturizing hearing instruments some components are left out. If you don't know about those components, you don't know what you are missing. We are pushed to think automatic controls are terrific. Most who have worn hearing aids for any length of time will tell you that having the ability to control volume and programs manually is a plus. Sure, you may be able to control those things with your cell phone now, but...do you always have it with you? Is it always fully charged?

Another component that has been eliminated in the smaller hearing aids is the 'telecoil' feature. That feature can connect you wirelessly to the sound systems in many venues like performing arts centers, meeting rooms, worship centers, theaters, basically wherever you need to hear to participate. Now people are being told that 'newer' technology is coming. WHEN? And, will those venues that have already installed the systems at great cost to comply with the communication access piece of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) simply buy the new sound transmitters that will be required for the 'new' technology?

Advocacy and education by hard of hearing people has succeeded in getting the technology we need to hear into the places mentioned. Will those advocates be willing and able to tell those venues to buy new equipment when the old equipment works perfectly well for them? In time, perhaps, but until that time comes, buying a hearing instrument without a telecoil component is like buying a car without air conditioning. You don't need it all the time, but it's sure worth having when you do,

The tough piece in all this is that YOU, the patient, are the one who is expected to ask questions and request what you need. Is that realistic? Doesn't it seem that the people selling the products should be explaining, demonstrating, and providing complete information on all the options so people know what they are missing when they choose a device without them?

You can find locations where hearing loop systems are installed. States/locations that active chapters of The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) are most accessible due to the advocacy done by 'the people in the hard of hearing population.

Learn where communication access is provided at: http://www.loopamerica.com HLAA's website is: http://www.hearingloss.org