Hearing Aids: How to Pick the Right One
You might have thought of getting a hearing aid but aren't sure how it will look or work for you. You might find it beneficial to comprehend more about:
● What should you look for when purchasing a
hearing aid
● How to use a hearing aid
All hearing aids share
the same components to transmit sounds from the environment into the ear and
make them loud. Digital hearing aids come in various styles and are powered by
a traditional or rechargeable battery.
Hearing aids come in
various sizes, prices, and unique features.
A
completely-in-the-canal hearing aid is moulded to fit inside your ear canal and
can improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.
● Is the smallest and least visible type
● is more secured against wind noise
● Requires very small batteries that have a shorter
lifespan and are difficult to use
● Often, doesn't have additional features such as
volume control or direction microphone
● Earwax can block the speaker
A hearing aid that fits
partially in the ear canal is called an in-the-canal (ITC). This hearing aid
can help adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
● It is less visible than bigger ones
● Incorporates features that won't fit on
completely-in-the-canal aids
● Earwax can block the speaker
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing
aids can be made in two styles - One that fills the entire bowl-shaped outer
ear (full shell) and the other that fills the lower portion (half shell). They
are both suitable for those with mild-to-severe hearing loss.
● Have features that are not available on smaller
ones, such as the volume control
● Is easier to manage
● Requires larger battery for longer battery life,
with many options for rechargeable batteries
● Is susceptible to earwax blocking the speaker
● Picks up more wind noise than smaller ones
● is more noticeable in the ear than smaller
devices
Behind the ear
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
hearing aids hook over your ear and rest behind your ear. The hearing aid is connected to an earpiece, called an ear mould, via a tube, and the mould fits
into your ear canal. This type is suitable for all ages and anyone with hearing
loss.
● Is typically the largest hearing aid; however,
some smaller designs have been introduced that are less visible and bulky.
● Has directional microphones
● Is capable of greater amplification than other
styles
● Picks up more wind noise than other types
● Is available with a rechargeable battery
The receiver-in-canal
(RIC) and receiver-in–the-ear (RITE) styles are identical to behind-the-ear
hearing aids with the receiver or speaker located in the ear canal. The piece
behind the ear connects to the receiver or speaker via a tiny wire rather than
tubing.
● Generally, has a smaller behind-the-ear section
● Has directional microphones
● Has manual control options
● Can be available with a rechargeable battery
● Is susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker
An open-fit hearing aid
is a variation of the behind-the-ear hearing aid with a narrow tube or the
receiver-in-the-canal or receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid with an open dome in
the ear. This design allows low-frequency sounds to pass through the ear canal,
allowing low-frequency sounds to be heard naturally and amplifying
high-frequency sounds through the hearing aid. This style is great for those
with good low-frequency hearing and mild to moderate high-frequency hearing
loss.
● Is often visible
● Doesn't plug in your ear like in-the-ear hearing
aids. can often make your voice sound better
● It may be more difficult to insert into the ear
because of the non-custom dome
● Directional
microphones are: These are
placed on the hearing aid and improve the pick-up of sounds from the front with
some reduction of those coming from the sides or behind. A few hearing aids can
focus in one direction. Directional microphones can help you hear better in
noisy environments.
● Rechargeable
batteries: Numerous hearing aids
are equipped with rechargeable batteries. This makes maintenance much easier as
you don't have to change the battery often.
● Telecoils: Telecoils allow you to hear better when using a
compatible telecoil telephone. It reduces the sounds from your surroundings and
picks up the sounds from the hearing-aid-compatible telephone. Telecoils can
also detect signals from public induction loop systems in theatres and
churches, which allows you to hear a play, speaker or movie better.
● Wireless
connectivity: Hearing aids are
becoming more compatible with Bluetooth-compatible devices such as smartphones,
music players, computers, and televisions. An intermediary device may be needed
to pick up the signal from the phone and transmit it to the hearing aid.
● Remote
controls: Remote control is a
feature that some hearing aids have that allows you to adjust the settings of
your hearing aid without touching it. Some hearing aids can be connected
wirelessly to a smartphone and include a smartphone app that allows you to use
the phone as a remote control.
● Direct
Audio Input: With this feature,
you can plug in audio from a TV or computer without any wire.
● Variable
Programming: Hearing aids can
store multiple preprogrammed locations that can be used for different listening
environments and needs.
● Synchronization: It is for people having two hearing aids. This
feature allows them to be programmed together so that adjustments made to the
hearing aid on one ear will also be made on the other, allowing simpler
control.
Before
you buy
● Refer
to a trusted audiologist: Ask
your doctor for a referral if you don't already know one. Audiologists in the Adelaide hearing clinics will evaluate
your hearing and help you select the best hearing aid for you. They can also
adjust the device to your specific needs. Two hearing aids will give you the
best results if you have hearing loss in both ears.
● Ask
about a trial period: You may be
able to get a hearing aid for a trial period. It might take time to get to know
the device and decide if it is right for you. Ask the dispenser to write down
the cost of the trial and whether it is credited towards the final cost of your
hearing aid. Also, if the amount is refundable or not if the hearing aid is
returned during the trial.
● Consider
your future needs: Ask if the
hearing aid you have chosen can handle increased power to ensure that it is
still useful in case of an increase in hearing loss. Although hearing aids are
not meant to last forever, they should be able to function for at least five
years.
● Make
sure you have a warranty: Make
sure you choose only those hearing aids that have a warranty on parts and
labour for a specific time. Some warranties may include professional services
or office visits.
● Avoid
misleading claims: Hearing aids
cannot restore normal hearing or eliminate background noise. Advertisements and
dispensers that claim otherwise should be avoided.
● You
should budget for the cost:
Hearing aids can range in price from $1,500 to more than a few thousand.
Additional fees for remote controls, professional fees, hearing aid
accessories, and other options may apply. Talk to your audiologist to discuss
your requirements and expectations.
Pro tip: Always avoid cheap hearing aids.
Getting
used to hearing aids
It takes some time to
get habitual to hearing aids. As you get used to the amplification, your
listening skills will improve. You will witness a difference in your voice when
you have a hearing aid.
● Your hearing aids will not restore your normal
hearing; they can only enhance your hearing by amplifying soft sounds.
● Give yourself time to adjust to the hearing aid.
However, you will quickly adapt to the amplified sounds the more you use it.
● Use the hearing aid in different listening
environments, as you will hear different amplified sounds in different
locations.
● Your success with a hearing aid will depend on
your willingness to practice and the support from family and friends. Consider
joining a support group for those with hearing loss or who are new to hearing
aids.
● Follow-up appointments may be required.
Specialists may charge additional fees for these visits. This is a great
opportunity to make adjustments to your hearing aid and ensure it's working as
best as possible.
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