はじめての補聴器選びChoosing Your First Hearing Aid
補聴器の種類、集音器との違い、耳鼻咽喉科に相談すべきタイミングまで。はじめての方に向けて、分かりやすくまとめました。Types of hearing aids, how they differ from amplifiers, and when to see an ENT doctor — a clear guide for first-time buyers.
1. まず知っておきたいこと1. What to Know First
聞こえにくさを感じ始めたら、まず大切なのは「原因を知ること」です。加齢に伴う聴力の低下は多くの方に訪れますが、耳垢の詰まりや中耳炎など、治療で改善する聞こえの問題も少なくありません。補聴器は聴力の低下を補う機器であり、聴力そのものを治すものではありません。だからこそ、購入前に耳鼻咽喉科で診察を受けることをお勧めしています。When you start noticing difficulty hearing, the first priority is understanding the cause. Age-related hearing decline is common, but blocked earwax or middle-ear inflammation can also affect hearing — and these often improve with treatment. A hearing aid compensates for hearing loss; it does not restore hearing itself. That is why we recommend an ENT examination before purchase.2. 補聴器と集音器の違い2. Hearing Aids vs. Sound Amplifiers
補聴器は、厚生労働省の定める医療機器です。聴力の低下した帯域を中心に音を増幅し、長時間の使用を前提に設計されています。一方、集音器は音を全体的に大きくする機器で、テレビ視聴や一時的な使用に向いています。「少し聞こえにくいかな」という段階で集音器から試し、必要に応じて耳鼻咽喉科の診断を受けて補聴器へ進むのも、ひとつの合理的な順序です。A hearing aid is a medical device as defined by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. It amplifies primarily the frequency bands where hearing has declined and is designed for all-day wear. A sound amplifier simply makes all sounds louder and suits TV viewing or occasional use. Starting with an amplifier at the 'slightly hard to hear' stage, then moving to a hearing aid after an ENT diagnosis if needed, is a reasonable path.3. 主な種類と特徴3. Main Types and Their Features
| タイプType | 特徴Features | 向いている方Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 耳かけ型（BTE）Behind-the-Ear (BTE) | 耳の後ろに掛ける定番型。音量調整がしやすく、充電式のモデルが豊富。The classic type worn behind the ear. Easy volume control; many rechargeable models. | はじめての方、手先の細かい作業が苦手な方First-time users; those who find fine finger work difficult |
| 耳あな型（ITE/CIC）In-the-Ear / In-Canal | 耳の中に収まり目立ちにくい。眼鏡やマスクと干渉しにくい。Sits inside the ear and is discreet. Does not clash with glasses or masks. | 見た目を重視する方、眼鏡を常用する方Appearance-conscious users; regular glasses wearers |
| RIC型Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) | スピーカーを耳内に置き、こもり感の少ない自然な聞こえ。Speaker sits in the ear for a natural, less occluded sound. | 自分の声のこもりが気になる方Those bothered by the sound of their own voice |
| ポケット型集音器Pocket Amplifier | イヤホンで聞く据え置き型。操作が簡単で価格も手頃。Listen through earphones; simple operation at an affordable price. | テレビ視聴や一時的な使用にTV viewing and occasional use |
4. 耳鼻咽喉科に相談すべきタイミング4. When to See an ENT Doctor
次のような場合は、補聴器の購入前に必ず耳鼻咽喉科を受診してください。Please consult an ENT doctor before purchasing a hearing aid in any of the following cases:
- 急に聞こえにくくなった（突発性難聴の可能性があります）Hearing declined suddenly (possible sudden sensorineural hearing loss)
- 左右で聞こえが大きく違うA large difference in hearing between the left and right ear
- 耳の痛み、耳だれ、めまいを伴うHearing difficulty accompanied by ear pain, discharge or dizziness
- 耳鳴りが強く、日常生活に支障があるTinnitus strong enough to interfere with daily life
5. 補聴器の助成制度について5. About Subsidy Programs
身体障害者手帳（聴覚障害）をお持ちの方は、補装具費支給制度により補聴器の購入費用の一部が支給される場合があります。また、自治体によっては高齢者向けの独自助成を実施している例もあります。制度の内容や対象条件は地域や年度によって異なりますので、最新の情報はお住まいの市区町村の窓口にご確認ください。Holders of a Physical Disability Certificate (hearing impairment) may receive partial coverage of hearing aid costs under the assistive device benefit system. Some municipalities also run their own subsidy programs for seniors. Details and eligibility vary by region and fiscal year — please check with your local city or ward office for current information.6. 毎日のお手入れのコツ6. Daily Care Tips
補聴器の故障原因の多くは湿気と耳垢です。就寝前にやわらかい布で表面を拭き、週に一度は付属のブラシでイヤーチップの耳垢を取り除きましょう。梅雨や夏場は乾燥ケースに入れて眠ると、湿気によるトラブルを大幅に減らせます。入浴・水泳の際は必ず外し、湿気の多い洗面所ではなく寝室などに保管してください。イヤーチップやチューブは約3か月を目安に交換すると、音質と装着感が保たれます。Most hearing aid failures come from moisture and earwax. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth before bed, and once a week remove wax from the eartips with the supplied brush. During the rainy season and summer, storing devices in a drying case overnight greatly reduces moisture problems. Always remove them for bathing or swimming, and store them in a bedroom rather than a humid bathroom. Replacing eartips and tubes about every three months preserves sound quality and fit.迷ったら、まずはお気軽にご相談ください。当店スタッフが、ご予算や使いたい場面に合わせて機種選びをお手伝いします。If you are unsure, please feel free to contact us. Our staff will help you choose a model suited to your budget and how you plan to use it.