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Hearing loss and the correct hearing aid
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Jun 5 1:08pm | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
Julie: I use OTC aids successfully, but wonder if an ear mode could be used with them rather than the ear dome. However I would want an open air type listening and not have the ears occluded from room sounds not amplified by the hearing aids. Maybe that would defeat the advantages of an ear mold?
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I do not know the answer to that question. There are many different styles and brands of OTC hearing aids. No one size fits all thing among them.
Most custom ear molds have vents that allow some 'air type listening'. I don't know if OTC devices can be fit with custom ear molds. If anyone knows this, please let us know. We learn from one another.
There's a big difference between OTC hearing aids and professionally fit brand name products. Obviously, cost is one of those differences. It's important to understand that when hearing aids are professionally and properly fit they are likely to do more to enhance hearing. That's true with all degrees of hearing loss.
OTC devices are recommended only for people who experience mild to moderate hearing loss. They have only been available legally for the past few years. Prior to OTC there were devices called PSAPs that were often advertised as 'hearing aids'. PSAPS were personal sound amplification products that only amplified sound.
Regardless of the type of hearing help one chooses, it's important to know about options that are available in some products and not in others. It pays to ask questions and share experiences.