If you speak of "pros and cons" of hearing aids to me, I'll scream. The cons far outnumber the pros, but the relative weight of each has to be measured separately, and the "pros" will outweigh the cons in most cases.

Let's start with the cons, shall we?

When you have nerve deafness, the best an aid can do is boost the power to the amplifier. Do you realize what 110 decibels sounds like? Without my hearing aids, it's barely heard. To a normal hearing person, it's a jackhammer. But all the power in the world won't help much.

Cost is a big con, if you ask me. If you need a state of the art hearing aid, expect to pay 3000 each if you have no insurance. Or if you have insurance the cost for one after your deductible and co-pay is still likely to be in the $700 range.

Imagine, if you will, having to carry batteries around. True, a 4 pack is small and will fit in a pocket. But batteries aren't covered by insurance. And the weather can have a negative impact on battery life. Humid weather tends to shorten battery life. And if you forget your battery pack, you can expect the power to run out when you have the greatest need. Rain can damage the Aid, as well.

Tubes crack and the cracks cause squeals. Ear pieces grow old and shrink. They will need to be replaced, and that money will come from your own pocket. You'll need maintenance once in a while, and your microphones tend to give out at the wrong time. True, it's not often. But it's a $300.00 repair job, or more. And if you have a pet, be certain that your aid, if not worn at all times, is in a special box to protect it from the curious cat or dog.

After a while, hearing aids will lose effectiveness because it's been amplifying the sound and that can actually hurry any loss. And it won't help comprehension.

But there are a few "pros", and they generally outweigh the cons. The biggest pro, of course, is much improved hearing (in most cases). The improvement may even bring you back to within "normal" range.

Current State-of the-art technology allows reprogramming of the amplification system. This way you don't need to go out and get a new ear every time your hearing changes. Changes in the circuitry allows better screening of background noise and cuts noise amplification while increasing voice volume. A quick flip of a switch may allow you a better chance on the phone. There are still volume controls.

Size is nice. Some hearing aids can actually be hidden in the ear. Even the biggest ones are small, easy to handle.

And the strangest, but a most useful benefit: If someone starts griping at you, you can just turn off the sound. A lot of people would like to be able to do that, wouldn't you think?

Learn more about this author, C. Buckett.
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