Hearing loss is especially common in the elderly and in people who have worked many years in noise polluted environments. Many people think that ears must be cleaned like our bodies to remain healthy. The American Hearing Aid Association estimates that 10% of the U.S. population experiences some form of hearing loss. While ears do need to be kept clean, they actually clean themselves. If you are considering purchasing a hearing aid, be sure to research all of your options to find the model and price range that suits your needs. You can also consult with your physician or audiologist to find wholesale hearing aids. Ears are often incorrectly relieved using cotton swabs the repeated scratching can cause a thickening of the ear canal, much like a callous. This pushes wax even deeper into the ear canal. The bone anchored hearing aid (or Baha) is a surgically implanted system for treating hearing loss. The system uses direct bone conduction, where sound is conducted through the bone rather than through the middle ear and has been used successfully since 1977. It is often the case that specialists have inside information on the best places to purchase discount hearing aids. If you do some research and price comparison you may be able to get great discounts on wholesale hearing aids. Some websites offer savings of up to 75% off of retail prices. If you want to try alleviating the wax at home, gently clean the outer portion of your ear canal with a wet washcloth. If your ear still feels blocked, you should call your doctor and have the cerumen removed. The bone anchored hearing aid is also a good option for those who have trouble adapting to the feel of a traditional hearing aid.