Do we/they only need sound amplifiers, or is there something more involved going on with these aids? If your hearing is reduced that's one thing, but -as I found out with my last test - hearing loss involves many spectrums of the sound range and often inner, mechanical deficiencies that have developed over the years.

Most hearing aid wearers I know report the same low efficiency and complain of buzzing and squealing. Boosting the lost frequencies also boosts the noise range. Using an aid also masks the sound - you have this big (relatively) piece of plastic blocking your ear canal. It seems to be a no-win situation. No wonder older people would rather do without.

Great info, Gary.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 04-04-2005).]