Lucy - I am an audiologist at the Miami U. Speech and Hearing Clinic.  Your
mothers concern is a common one.  There are some hearing aids that can be
comfortable to wear in background noise.  However, please do not confuse
confort with being able to hear everything clearly.  Even people with
normal hearing have problems hearing in noise. Without speaking to your
mother I do not know exactly what her concern is with respect to  noise and
whether it is one or the other or even a combination of understanding and
comfort.   There are several types of programmable hearing aids that can be
set with programs to deal specifically with noisy envirnments.  They can be
very easy to use - requiring the push of a single button.  Unfortunatly
this technology can be expensive since it makes use of computer microchips.
 "Linear"  hearing aids are the least expensive, but also are less
flexable.  Some do have circuits which can reduce the annoyance with
background noise - though they can only be set for one situation.  I am
afraid this is all I can say based on the information you have provided.



>Sender: Miami University Speech & Hearing <[log in to unmask]>
>>To: [log in to unmask]
>>Reply-to: Miami University Speech & Hearing <[log in to unmask]>
>>X-Originating-IP: [208.218.216.86]
>>
>>My mother is not compliant using her Hearing Aid because of the
>>background noise.  She is bilaterally impaired in both ears.
>>I want to find the easiest Hearing Aides for her to use that minimize
>>background noise and are not too expensive for the quality.
>>Thank you........Lucy
>>
>>______________________________________________________
>>Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>>
>
>