Are pocket hearing aids a compact convenience or costly compromise? Learn about its pros and cons in this educational blog!
Hearing loss has become more and more prevalent affecting around 63 million people in India.*
Naturally, in recent years, the market for hearing aids in India has begun to expand, with a wide range of options for users to choose from. The latest advancement in hearing technology has led to devices with features like noise cancelling, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless remote control, tinnitus relief features, rechargeable batteries, etc.
Among them are pocket hearing aids, which are often marketed as a discreet, convenient, and low-cost solution for hearing loss. Despite being budget-friendly, these hearing aids are not your best bet in the long run.
In this article, we will learn about what you need to know before investing in pocket hearing aids and whether they provide one with a better hearing experience.
Pocket hearing aids are compact, portable, and discreet devices that do not sit on or in the ear but function as a body-worn hearing device. They are designed to be easily carried into a pocket or clipped onto clothing.
This box-type hearing aid mainly contains features like volume control, a cord, a cord pin, a socket to insert the cord, an ear receiver, a battery compartment, a microphone, an on/off switch, and a clip to attach the device. The cord connected to the ear receiver transmits the amplified sounds from the environment to the ear.
The major shortcomings of pocket hearing aids are their limited features and functionality.
These compact devices pick up less frequency information, amplifying sounds only up to about 3.5 kilohertz.
These hearing aids pick up more noise than needed, as they tend to amplify background noise. For example, when the pocket hearing aid is clipped to the wearer’s clothes, they will hear squelching sounds from the fabric of their clothes.
These hearing aids offer simpler control options like volume adjustment and the on/off functions but lack advanced sound customization.
Advanced hearing aid adjustment features present in today’s top-performing hearing aids like Maximum Power Output or MPO, Uncomfortable loudness level (UCL), and Most Comfortable loudness level (MCL) are limited or non-existent in pocket hearing aids. The MPO handles the maximum sound output limit in a hearing aid, while the UCL and MCL are features that help to adjust the comfort levels caused by the intensity of sound produced in the hearing. With a lack of such features, the wearer faces issues like over-amplification of sounds and difficulty in the interpretation of speech intelligibility.
Pocket hearing aids also lack another major feature called Speech Focus which uses Speech enhancement algorithms combined with Acute Noise Cancellation(ANC) that leverage and amplify speech while reducing the background noise to provide speech clarity.
Moreover, they also tend to lack binaural directionality, which means the wearer might have a hard time telling where sounds are coming from. Other advanced features like smartphone compatibility, noise cancellation, and wireless Bluetooth streaming are often limited or absent.
Mainly due to their big, bulky size pocket hearing aids are easily more challenging to handle than traditional hearing aids. But that’s not all! The long visible cord that connects to the earpiece can get uncomfortable while doing most day-to-day activities.
Even though these hearing aids are somewhat discreet, they are still not as subtle as the other hearing aids options like the Completely-in-Canal (CIC), In-The-Canal (ITC), Invisible-in-Canal (IIC), and the Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids.
Pocket hearing aid users have to monitor the device’s battery life and always keep spare batteries ready. Functions such as the volume buttons and the on/off switches can wear out over time due to regular use. Also, exposure to body sweat while wearing the device can lead to internal corrosion of the device’s electrical features due to moisture. Additionally, these devices may have limited options for repairs or replacement of parts hearing aid technology continues to get advanced.
Pocket hearing aids may not be suitable for various types of hearing loss and needs. These hearing aids are generally designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. For those with severe or profound hearing loss, these devices may not provide sufficient sound amplification to meet their hearing needs. A lack of customizable features in pocket model hearing aids fails to cater to specific hearing requirements. It’s important to consult a thorough examination by an audiologist to help one identify the appropriate hearing aid option.
While pocket hearing aids may seem like an affordable option for those with hearing loss, they may not be worth your time. With a wide array of options available on the market, it is important to carefully consider the features, quality, and reliability of the hearing aids before making a decision. Investing in a reputable and professionally recommended hearing aid can greatly improve your overall hearing experience and ensure long-term satisfaction.
Figures taken from the State of Hearing and Ear Care, World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. (2005)
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