[jrace]

We do care and take great pains to prevent further damage to the hearing systems. All hearing aids will have a MPO (maximum power output) setting. All hearing tests (should)include a test to determine the maximum threshold of volume level.

Only in cases of sever to profound will a hearing device be programmed to exceed a safe normal hearing level.

Outer (inner actually) hair cells receive an input and there movement sends an electrical signal down the auditory nerve. In cases of hearing damage these hair cells are not as receptive and require a stronger "push" to move.

Dubious (in your opinion) or not, the other features are designed to improve the understanding of speech especially in noisy situations.

=============== Hearing aids cost a lot of money. no question. But they are not just devices pulled from the shelf and stuck in your ear. They require both initial settings (derived from hearing exams) and frequent follow ups as the user adjusts.