Choosing the Right Hearing Aid: A Comprehensive Guide

   Take a look around, and you will see that there are myriad of brands and styles when it comes to hearing aids. With time, the characteristics of these tiny gadgets have improved too. This is great news for the millions of people who have hearing difficulties.

Hearing aids are the best option when it comes to enhancing quality of life in many ways. Not only do they provide the ability to hear better but also help in communicating in noisy places.

With this instrument being one of the most life-changing inventions in modern history, it pays to understand how to select the right one that suits you. Let’s explore some aspects that you must consider when choosing a new hearing aid. 

Research and understand the different types of hearing aids available

Hearing aids are categorized into several types depending on how each one is built and worn. They come in all sizes (large, medium, and tiny) and may be expensive, moderately priced, or affordable.

Smaller hearing aids are less noticeable, although they might not give you the hearing power you need. 

●Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) or mini CIC hearing aids are inserted into the ear canal. They are ideal for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. These hearing aids are the least bulky among all the types of features here and have the least wind sensitivities.

They also come with small batteries with a shorter lifespan and may not have extra features like volume control or directional microphones. 

●In-the-canal (ITC)

In-the-canal hearing aids fit partly in the ear canal and are custom-molded. They are less visible than other types and can improve mild to moderate hearing loss. They come packed with more features compared to CIC models. However, they might still be hard to adjust to due to their small size.

●In-the-ear (ITE)

An in-the-ear hearing aid is available in two basic models: lower half shells or full shells that fill the entire outer ear. These devices assist people whose hearing loss may be moderate, marked, or profound.

Such design gives users even more comfort because they have features like volume control. They use relatively larger batteries, which do not discharge easily and are also often reversible. 

●Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are those worn behind the ear. They consist of a tubing that leads to a uniquely made earpiece in the ear. It suits people of all ages and for all types of hearing loss. BTE hearing aids are larger, but there are newer models that are smaller.

●Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids are similar to BTE styles but with the speaker in the ear canal. They have a less visible behind-the-ear portion and come with directional microphones and manual control options.

●Open-fit hearing aids

Open-fit hearing aids are a variation of BTE and RIC/RITE styles. They use a thin tube or open dome in the ear, which keeps the ear canal open. This allows low-frequency sounds to enter naturally, while high-frequency sounds are amplified.

Open-fit aids are good for people with better low-frequency hearing and mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss. 

Hearing aid battery life and Bluetooth convenience

Battery life for traditional hearing aids lasts between three days and three weeks. Rechargeable batteries have eliminated the need to constantly change batteries. You can charge them with a port, and they typically last for about 24 hours of use.

These rechargeable batteries usually last four to five years. While hearing aids with rechargeable batteries cost about 10% more upfront, you can save around $1 a week, or $52 a year, by not buying new batteries all the time.

Not all hearing aids have rechargeable batteries. RIC and BTE styles often do, but CIC and ITE styles usually use disposable batteries. This is because CIC and ITE hearing aids are smaller than RIC and BTE ones.

Bluetooth capabilities are a must for smartphone lovers. This feature lets your hearing aid sync with your phone to stream music, answer calls, and adjust settings through apps.

Some hearing aids also come with customizable programs. These allow you to switch to preset modes based on your environment. You can quickly adapt to sounds like wind, traffic, or music. It's best to have these programs set up by your audiologist to fit your specific needs.

Directionality

This feature is especially useful for individuals who tend to be in environments that are very loud, such as concerts or other large venues.

Rather than simply raising the volume for any and all sounds, directionality allows the hearing aid to pick out the most important sounds. It helps in filtering out those annoying background noises, and you hear what you want to hear.

Water-resistance

You won’t have the ability to make your hearing aid completely waterproof, but some aids are rated as water-resistant. This means they are less likely to be damaged when a person is caught in rain. Other models can even be taken in the swimming pool or during exercises with a lot of perspiration.

Cost and your budget

 Hearing aids do not come cheap, and their pricing depends on the features and level of technology. The cheapest models can cost only a few hundred dollars while the top models can reach thousands of dollars. It is advisable to find out how much you are willing to spend before embarking on the search.

Nevertheless, one must remember that hearing aids are not normal consumer products. They are an investment towards improving one’s quality of life.

Remember, not all of the hearing solutions that you can find on the market will have insurance coverage. Although some hearing solutions will have some amount compensated, there are reasons why the hearing donors might look for financing when it comes to hearing solutions.

Picking the perfect hearing aid is like finding the right pair of shoes; it’s all about your needs, lifestyle, and budget. By getting to know the various types, features, and costs, you’ll choose wisely, boosting your quality of life and turning up the volume in your world.