Suffering from hearing loss? No need to be dejected. Hearing aid technology is now accessible. The question is: which aid can help you best?
Hearing aids these days come in different shapes and sizes. They have a wide range of features. Each functions differently. There are those that address mild hearing loss. Others are geared towards more severe cases. Knowing which ones work for you requires a bit of study. But you can find out through our guide below.
What You Need to Think About When Choosing a Hearing Aid
1) Budget and after-purchase support
The initial cost of hearing aids can be pricey. One ear may cost somewhere between $1,000 and $3,500. But a good hearing aid can last up to five years. A reliable provider will also ensure you get programming and cleaning services for your hearing aids.
Look for a provider that can give you warranties, office visits, and lifetime maintenance for the hearing device. Plenty of financing options are also available through credit cards or insurance plans.
2) Lifestyle and needs
Do you live an active lifestyle? Do you meet with a lot of people on a daily basis? Does your work require you to move around a lot? If you consider your lifestyle choices and needs, you will find certain devices work better than the rest.
For example, if you’re active, you may want a water-resistant hearing aid. It can also resist sweat. But if you like going to the movies or theater, you’ll want one with speech enhancing features.
3) Connectivity and features
Modern hearing aids have become more convenient every year. The most basic ones come with rechargeable batteries. The more advanced features allow you to connect to a smartphone app. Direct streaming phone calls, music, and other audio is also possible. Other features include noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and even artificial intelligence.
All these bells and whistles are included to make your hearing easier. But you may not need something of a high technology level. Ultimately, you should prioritize the important things like sound quality and battery life.
4) Style and design
Equally important is educating yourself about your degree of hearing loss. What type of hearing loss do you experience? What level of hearing impairment is it? The knowledge will point you directly to the style and design most appropriate for your hearing needs.
Each type of hearing aid has its own perks and features. There may be pros and cons you need to know with each design type. Discuss them with your audiologist to choose the best one for your ears and hearing.
5) Consultation with an audiologist
If you’re still unsure of what to choose, rely on an audiologist’s expert opinion. Consult these hearing care professionals to find out which hearing devices work best for you.
An audiologist works based on your hearing exam assessment. There’s little chance of them being random with their suggestions. Trust them—and your gut instinct—to offer you the best solution.
Getting to Know Different Styles
Hearing aid styles are often linked to your degree of hearing loss. Get to know these terms to understand more about the aid features and design.
BTE or Behind the Ear
As the more common type of listening aid, it rests behind the ear. It’s also connected to a customized ear mold that sits snug inside the canal. BTE aids are versatile, accommodating a wide range of hearing loss (mild to severe).
A smaller variation of this type is the mini BTE. It’s smaller than the regular BTE, but it’s still visible. The same features as a regular BTE also exists: directional microphone, telecoils, durable battery life. The level of hearing loss it can handle goes up to moderate.
RIC or Receiver in Canal
Also known as Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE), this type of aid is quite similar to BTE. However, RIC aids appear more discreet. The receiver/speaker goes inside the ear canal, linked to a BTE component with a slim wire. It generally fits more comfortably with better sound quality. It also decreases the sensation of a person’s voice being blocked.
However, RIC aids may not be suitable for people with severe hearing loss. It does well for mild to moderate hearing loss instead.
ITE or In-the-Ear
This type of listening aid goes inside your outer ear. ITE aids are custom-made and less visible than BTEs. They also accommodate mild to severe hearing loss. This style is big enough to still come with directional microphones and telecoils. It may also come with controllable features like volume dials and program buttons.
ITC or In-the-Canal
Even more discreet than ITE, ITC aids still offer enough sound amplification to help mild to moderate cases of hearing loss. The battery life is also pretty good, lasting up to 14 days. But because it sits directly in the canal, it’s prone to moisture and wax buildup.
CIC or Completely-in-Canal
CIC aids are super small, nearly invisible. Fitting entirely inside the ear canal, CIC aids can enhance natural sound quality thanks to how close they are to the eardrum. But due to its size, its features are limited. It’s also rather difficult for people to place dexterity issues. However, you won’t feel self-conscious at all with this device.
IIC or Invisible-in-Canal
As the name suggests, this aid is invisible except for a clear removal string. It works the same as CICs. But unfortunately, it also has the same limitations. Other cons may include the short battery life and potential for moisture and wax buildup.
Other types
There are other hearing aid types available. Read more about them and how they relate to the type of hearing loss.
The Best Choice for People with Hearing Loss
Hearing aids can help your hearing ability. Get help from a hearing specialist to select one. Consider your budget, lifestyle, and hearing needs to get the best hearing solutions. Educating yourself about your levels of hearing loss will also help.
Before you buy, get a comprehensive hearing evaluation at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas. We’re here to help you navigate the hearing aid market and improve your quality of life.
info@hearingassociateslv.com
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