4 Tips for Selecting a Hearing Aid

Whether you have mild, moderate or severe hearing loss, you will probably require a hearing aid to improve your quality of life. However, there are many hearing devices on the market all with varying features and possibilities. Choosing the right one for you can be confusing, but it is important for its durability and your personal comfort.

Thankfully, there is an easy way to decide. Read the tips below to start with, then contact your nearest hearing instrument specialist (HIS) for more information. 

What styles are available?

There are different types of hearing loss and different types of hearing aid. The type of hearing aid you choose will be determined by the type of hearing loss you have along with your personal preferences. Some people don't mind an external hearing aid while others like one that's more discrete. 

There are typically three types of hearing aid. These are behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids. Each one serves a slightly different function and has different features. Your HIS will help you decide on the most suitable type for you. 

The device you settle on will depend largely on what kind of hearing loss you have. If you have mild hearing loss, then an BTE device might be the best option. These days even BTEs are very discrete. For more severe hearing loss you may have to inquire about ITCs and ITEs – these are worn inside the ear and tend to be more powerful. 

Consider the features of the device 

There are variations in terms of the cafeterias of hearing aid available. But even within those categories there is further variation. Individual hearing aids have different features better suited to different degrees of hearing loss. Some features are also better for certain lifestyles, like athletes or those who work in the military. 

The best way to identify a hearing device best suited to your hearing needs and lifestyle is to consult with your HIS. Your hearing instrument specialist will have clear idea of your hearing loss issue and the lifestyle stressors which may have a bearing on the device type you choose. 

Some hearing aids have noise reduction features that help the device to better amplify significant noise by reducing background noises. Some also let your program use the device to fit with your most optimal hearing requirements. If you spend a lot of time outdoors working or if you're an athlete, you might want an earpiece that reduces wind or has Bluetooth connectivity. 

Think about your needs and lifestyle 

There's no point in having a hearing aid with all the bells and whistles if it doesn't have the features you need for your particular lifestyle. There's no point in having wind reduction, for instance, if you work in an office and there's no point in having excellent audio enhancement if you only have mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Consider the degree of your hearing loss and how the device will be used. 

This process may take a little bit of time and effort. To determine the perfect hearing device for your lifestyle you will need to understand a bit about how it will be used. Think about where you spend most of your life. Is it in an office, at home, in a car or working at a front desk?? 

If you work in an office for instance, you will be listening and speaking to people all day. In that case, a hearing device with a directional microphone might be best. Alternatively, if you work with your hands a lot you might prefer an ITC device to give you more dexterity and autonomy. The choice is your but it's best to identify your usage. 

Ask your HIS

Finally, it's advisable to consult your hearing specialist on which device is best for you. A HIS is an expert in hearing devices and should know you well enough to suggest some suitable hearing aids. 

Before consulting with your audiologist check you have considered the day-to-day usage of your device and what features you think you might benefit from. Remember to be open to suggestions as well, it's likely that your audiologist will be able to suggest device features you haven't thought of. 

To learn more about affordable hearing aids and to speak your hearing instrument specialist and call us today at 803-749-6017 or Orangeburg and Santee: 803-531-6403