If you have hearing loss, a hearing aid could be the ideal solution to help you hear better, regain your confidence and enjoy all the things you did before. The great thing to bear in mind is that these days, there are hearing aids that will help everyone, even people with severe hearing loss, and it’s really a question of working out which hearing aid is going to give you the results you want. Your audiologist will always be on hand to help guide you when it comes to the right hearing aid, but having a good idea of what will work before you begin your search is useful too. With that in mind, read on for some tips about how to choose the right hearing aids for you.
Consider Hearing Aid Styles
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when you’re picking hearing aids is the style of the device itself. Hearing aids actually come in a wide range of different styles and types, and some will suit people better than others. Here is a quick run-down of the types you might be offered.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are great for all degrees of hearing loss, and they’ll give you excellent sound quality to help you live life to the fullest. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are made to fit the outer ear, and they’re less visible than BTE versions – for those who want a more streamlined look, this can be a great option. In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are even smaller than ITE ones, offering even more privacy and a natural sound experience. They do have a shorter battery life, given their smaller size.
Your Level of Hearing Loss
The level of your hearing loss is something else you’ll need to think about when it comes to deciding which hearing aid could work best for you. If you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, for example, you might need a different hearing aid to someone with severe or profound hearing loss. Speak to your audiologist about the level of hearing loss and they’ll be able to show you the hearing aids that will benefit you most. The last thing you want to do is start wearing something that doesn’t amplify sound enough for you, as you’ll have to start your search all over again.
Hearing Aid Technology
Over the years, hearing aids have come a long way, and the technology some of them now use is impressive, and advanced. So, what should you be looking for in your hearing aid when it comes to the technology it has? Most modern hearing aids use digital signal processing to get the best sound, and you can use this tech to customize your sound settings for your own unique hearing needs. Or perhaps you want a hearing aid with noise reduction built it? Or what about Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream audio directly from your smartphone, TV or other devices?
Something that most people will find useful is rechargeable batteries, meaning you don’t have to keep changing the ones in your hearing aid, and you can just charge it up when you’re not wearing it. Knowing about the technology you could use is important, as everyone will have different needs and preferences.
Comfort
You can have the best hearing aid in the world in terms of what it can do, but if it’s not comfortable, you’re not going to wear it so you won’t be able to reap the benefits. Of course, this means making sure you’re choosing a hearing aid that offers comfort is vital. Remember, you’ll be wearing the device for most of the day, so it has to fit well in your ear and be as comfortable as possible – think about size and the fit of the hearing aid, as well as things like feedback cancellation and moisture resistance.
It’s also wise to think about your lifestyle. If you’re particularly active, you’re going to want a more durable hearing aid that potentially has a snugger fit, for example.
Can We Help?
Choosing the right hearing aid is an important process that you’ll need to think carefully about. The best thing to do is have your initial hearing test carried out by an expert audiologist, as they’ll be able to give you plenty of advice and guide you when it comes to the right hearing aid.
If you need some advice or you want to book a hearing test, please get in touch with WellSpan Hearing Center at (717) 850-9269 to learn more about what we can do for you.
