Experiencing hearing loss no longer means the choice between learning to live with it or using a substandard hearing aid. Hearing aid technology has vastly improved over the last couple of decades meaning there is a hearing aid for all but the worst hearing impairments. However, before you purchase your new device there are many things to consider when making your choice. So, let’s look at the most important things for choosing the right hearing aid.
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Difference Between A Hearing Aid And Personal Sound Amplifier
The first place to start is by making sure you know the difference between a Personal Sound Amplifier and a Hearing Aid. The reason for this is because you may see the price difference between the two types of devices and try to save money with a significantly cheaper PSA.
These non-regulated devices are designed for people without hearing loss who need help hearing in certain situations. Such as at a conference when the speaker is across a large room, a personal sound amplifier will make it easier to hear the speaker clearly.
On the other hand, hearing aids are fully regulated devices that are designed to overcome hearing loss in ordinary situations. There are a variety of aids to tackle the variety of hearing loss types that people experience as well.
Even if you only suffer from mild hearing loss in one register, there is a hearing aid that will improve your quality of life. All hearing aids pack an amazing amount of technology into a tiny space and the best rated hearing aids yield amazing result unthought of thirty years ago.
What Type Of Hearing Loss Is Suffered?
From here you need to consider what type of hearing loss you suffer as this will to an extent dictate the types of hearing aids available to you. For example, the smallest, most discreet aids sit right down in the ear canal and are marvellous for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The reason for this is that the tiny size only allows for one microphone within won’t render the sound quality required for overcoming moderate to severe loss.
More profound hearing loss often effects both the upper and lower register which requires more processing power to render effectively. A larger device has the space within it to cope with this, as well as adding a second microphone to better pick up sounds. Your audiologist will advise what level and extent of hearing loss you’re suffering so that you can determine where in the range of aids you will be looking.
Price
Due to the technology involved in hearing aids, they unfortunately do come with an often-sizeable price tag. You therefore need to balance to features you’d like with what you an afford to pay. There are often payment plans available which allows you to spread the cost out somewhat, so be sure to check with the manufacturer and resellers of the brands you’re interested in. And for those that can’t stretch to the high-end models there is no need to despair as modern basic models are light years away from their predecessors.
Visibility
For too long wearing hearing aids has carried a stigma that has meant people avoided using them unnecessarily. Modern hearing aids designers have done an excellent job of reducing the visibility of these small machines.
From practically invisible devices that sit fully in the ear canal to more traditional ones that now have a lower profile over the ear and come in a better range of colors. You’ll be sure to find a device that gives you the level of discretion that best suits you.
Dexterity Of The User
For wearers who are on the less dextrous and nimble side, the size of device is an important consideration. The smallest devices that sit down in the ear canal can be tricky to put in and out of the ear if the user’s fingers are stiff or clumsy.
In these instances, a larger device that is predominantly on the outside of the ear is likely that better option. Especially if there are carers involved with personal care as it will be easier for them to help with fitting the device.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is an unpleasant condition to suffer hearing loss or not, and the good news is that many modern hearing aids are compatible for sufferers. The programming of many hearing aids neutralizes the noise of tinnitus, thus restoring normal sound in two ways to the wearer. As tinnitus brings with it several potential issues, the ability to have it neutralized in this way will bring much relief to sufferers. So, add this to your list of things to think when you’re in the market for a new hearing aid as it could be life changing.
Batteries
For those who are environmentally conscious many hearing aids now come with integrated rechargeable batteries. In terms of landfill this means there are less depleted batteries going into the ground and leaching harmful chemicals out. On a practical note it means that you aren’t left trying to source the correct sized replacement battery when they run flat. With the danger to young children and pets posed by button batteries, along with the expensive cost, not having to deal with them is excellent news.
Programmability And Controls
You’ll also want to consider how your chosen device is programmed and how that program is controlled. You don’t always hear the same pitch and therefore the device needs to react to and modify to the sounds entering your ear canal. Ideally your hearing aids can be programmed to your individual hearing needs, and many have more than one profile for different situations.
Fully in ear devices are fully controlled by smart phone app, while some external models will have manual controls, ideal for the older generation who are unfamiliar with smart phone technology.
There are many things to consider when looking for a new set of hearing aids. But with the wide variety available on the market now by taking these factors into account, you’ll soon have the ideal device to give you back your hearing.
