AboutGinny Newman Expertise I am able to answer questions with regard to hearing loss and hearing aids. I have been a licensed audiologist in the state of California for the past six years. In addition to hearing aids, I am also able to answer questions regarding dizziness and balance problems including Electronystagmography (ENG)testing. I have also been trained on Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing. My practice includes patients from birth to geriatrics. I have worked in a private practice setting as well as working with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physicians.
Experience
Organizations American Tinnitus Association
American Academy of Audiology
American Speech and Hearing Association
Education/Credentials Bacherlor's Degree in Psychology - California State University Northridge
Master's Degree in Communicative Disorders - California State University Los Angeles
Doctoral Degree in Audiology - University of Florida
Certificate of Clinical Competency in Audiology (CCC-A)
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
Expert: Ginny Newman Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: Hearing Aid Beeping
Question This morning I had breakfast with my folks, and my step mom told me she
thinks my 86-year-old dad may soon need a hearing aid, and if so I'd like to
be able to help if necessary. I'm not really all that savvy when it comes to
such things but I understand there can be complications due to what's
happened with my father in law. You see, it's been more than a year (perhaps
even two) since his getting a rather expensive set, if I remember correctly.
And it seems whenever we get together his hearing aid occasionally starts
beeping away, which is somewhat annoying for me so I can only imagine how
much it must really bug him. But, having already gone back for
adjustments/replacements at least once, he now always seems to minimize
the problem, claiming fairly recently that it only happens in the car due to
conflicts with some of the auto electronics (which my sister in law later
claimed is not true and that the hearing aid excessively beeps on a regular
basis--and not just in the car). And for some reason my father-in-law's
daughters (my wife and her sister) have opted to let the matter slide. I
mentioned the problem to his son--who's incidentally an eye doctor--who
questioned his dad only to be apparently told there really isn't any problem.
So, first, can you help me understand why anyone forced to endure such a
problem is unwilling to pursue finding a solution? (He's not usually such a
submissive soul.) And assuming his doctors have been either unwilling or
negligent in fixing things, can you recommend what course of action we
might take to facilitate some kind of improvement? And is there some
strategy my dad can take that might minimize the chances he'll end up with
similar problems? Thanks for whatever insights and recommendations you
can offer!
Answer Hi Evan,
The scenario you've described is very common, and one I deal with almost every day. There are several reasons why a hearing aid might feedback (which is the "beeping" you talked about).
1. High frequency gain that is leaking out of the ear and being re-amplified.
2. If a behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing aid, there may be a tear in the ear mold tubing.
3. Either custom hearing aid or BTE, the hearing aid/earmold is not fitting properly.
4. Wax in the ear.
5. Older hearing aids or less expensive hearing aids that do not use a feedback manager.
As you can see, the causes of feedback vary. The good news is that audiologists have several different things to try to help alleviate the problem. Without seeing your dad and the hearing aid he has, it's not possible for me to tell you how to solve the problem. The hearing aid technology has changed so dramatically and so quickly, I think it's worth if for you dad to try again. When seeing the provider about new hearing aids, it's important to let him/her know that feedback has been a big issue in the past and is essentially why your dad is not wearing the hearing aids he has now. The new feedback managers on digital hearing aids tend to work really well. There are also different styles of hearing aids that tend to feedback less than others. Also, if in the U.S., ask if your state has a no-risk return policy where you can get a refund on hearing aids if they don't work. In California, you get a 30 day trial. If you return, you are refunded 100% of your money. Some states will return the hearing aids and keep a "restocking fee" or something of the sort.
I give you a lot of credit for helping your dad and doing your homework. There are a lot of hearing aids out there so it can be a bit overwhelming. You should have complete trust in the provider you're working with. If you don't, find a new provider.
Good luck to you and let me know if you have any other questions.
Dr. Newman
