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When someone learns they need a hearing aid, they face a maze of information. Facts can be hard to find.

Hearing aids are the most popular treatment or management for hearing loss, regardless of age. In the United States, hearing loss is the third-most common chronic physical condition.

Avera Audiologist Kendra Baily answers common questions about these devices.

Hearing loss occurs when there is damage in one or more areas of the auditory system. Most commonly, hearing loss can be age-related damage or repetitive exposure to loud noises.

Unfortunately, most types of hearing loss cannot be reversed and devices such as hearing aids are recommended.

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that can either be worn over or in the ear. Hearing aids don’t restore normal hearing; they are designed to amplify sounds and overcome areas where damage was identified.

Digital hearing aids include one or more microphones that gather sound; a small computer chip that helps analyze and “clean up” the sound, an amplifier that increases the signals and a speaker that plays the new sound in your ear.

Digital hearing aids can be set for different listening environments such as church, dining out or time outdoors.

Most have rechargeable battery options. You simply put them in a charging case each night. Some are compatible with certain smartphones, allowing for remote use and in some cases direct streaming of phone calls or other media.

Your brain is being retrained to hear in a new way. It takes time to adjust to life with hearing aids, but the more you wear the devices, the more quickly you’ll adjust.

Sounds like your own voice and environmental noises might seem “funny” or “too loud” at first, but you get used to them. Use your new tools as much as possible throughout the day.

Having help from family and friends can make success with a hearing aid easier. Some people may participate in a hearing loss support group.

Hearing aids are not a “one size fits all” device.

They are more complicated than just “plug and play” because they require real-ear measurements and personalized programming to ensure they are meeting your needs.

Aids shown on TV or internet ads are often too good to be true. Personal amplifiers can be confused with hearing aids, and the cheaper ones just make everything louder – which may not help you.

Cost is mostly related to added technology. Aids are basically tiny computers that help you hear. Each has the same basic components; additional features that help with wind, background noise or feedback will cost more.

Talk to your primary care provider and ask his or her advice. They may recommend a comprehensive hearing evaluation by a licensed audiologist. If you don’t know what type, degree and configuration of hearing loss you have, you won’t know what aid can help you.

Most insurances, including Medicare, cover only the costs of a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Hearing aids are an out-of-pocket expense. You can purchase repair and damage warranties that can last one to three years, depending on the technology. Daily maintenance can help prevent more extensive repairs.

The new FDA approval of over-the-counter hearing aids is likely to be approved soon. While the idea behind it is good – making hearing aids available at a lower cost for adults ONLY who have mild to moderate hearing loss – the devices may be beneficial but are likely not appropriate for everyone. It’s imperative that patients consult with an audiologist before they buy something.

Learn what you can do to prevent further hearing loss.

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