Things to Consider When Selecting Hearing Aids

When making investments in your life, it is useful to be equipped with helpful information that allows you to make the best decision. Selecting hearing aids that meet your specific needs is incredibly important. With the increasingly innovative technology that exists today, hearing aids have become more and more efficient as well as wide-ranging.  With so many offerings, it can be useful to take specific factors into consideration.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are small, battery operated devices that help take in sound from the environment, increase, and process that sound. The standard components are: a microphone, amplifier, and a receiver. Similar to most electronic devices over the past several years, hearing aids have experienced major innovation. With today’s advanced technology, hearing aids are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and features with different technology designed to meet your specific hearing needs. Options include hearing devices that sit behind the ear and types that are placed inside the ear, making them invisible.  They are better designed to be more comfortable, smaller, and efficient in both quiet and noisy environments.

Common Types of Hearing Aids

There are various types of hearing aids that have different features. Some of the most common types include the following:

• Completely in the canal: designed to fit in your ear canal and is the smallest and least visible kind of hearing aid. This is typically useful for people experiencing mild to moderate hearing impairment.
• In the ear: there are two kinds of an in the ear hearing aid. One type is placed entirely on the outer ear and the other is placed on the lower portion of the outer ear. This is of course, more visible and is often useful for people experiencing mild to severe hearing loss.
• Behind the ear: is placed behind the ear and connected to an earpiece that sits in the ear canal. This type is highly visible and is useful for people with all degrees of hearing loss.

In addition to these options, there are other hearing aids that work similarly with minor differences. The type of hearing aid that will work best for you will depend on a combination of factors.

Factors to Consider

Degree of Hearing Loss

This is likely the most important factor. The results of a hearing test conducted with a hearing healthcare provider will inform you of the degree and type of impairment you are experiencing. Hearing aids are customized to match this information and ensure that your hearing ability is increased. There are hearing aids that are designed for the degree of hearing loss (mild, moderate, severe).

Budget

This is another crucial consideration especially with the wide-range of offerings that are available today, price points can vary between $1000 to $3,500. Hearing aids with more accessories and latest technology are a higher price point. Also, hearing aids are typically not covered by medical insurance. Additionally, depending on where you purchase your hearing aids from, the price could include services such as tune-ups.

Lifestyle

With the wide range of options, there are types of hearing aids that could be better for you depending on your lifestyle. There are specific features that are suited for various activities. For example, if you regularly talk on the phone, you can purchase hearing aids that connect to your cell phone (or Bluetooth). Also, if you participate in physical activities, you may need features that keep your hearing aids in place. These features will also contribute to the total cost.

Size

Additional Things You Should Know:

• Add-Ons: there are several add-on futures you can purchase: rechargeable batteries, wireless connectivity, noise reduction, remote controls etc. Make sure you take your time and learn about these additional features!
• Trial Period: there is typically a trial period (30 to 60 days) that comes with your purchase. Make sure you read the contract so you are aware of the warranty and additional services that may be included.
• Adjustment Period: There is definitely an adjustment period! Though your hearing ability should increase with your use of your hearing aids, it can take a few months to get fully acclimated.

Hearing aids are an effective way to increase and sharpen your ability to hear. With so many options today, you can invest in a device that is customized to meet your specific hearing needs!