“What to Look for When Buying a Hearing Aid” is a collaborative post.
Hearing aids are one of the great inventions of the modern age that can significantly improve the lives of people who are experiencing hearing loss. These devices improve people’s ability to communicate and engage with the world around them in ways that they never could before. That being said, selecting the right hearing aid can be a tough choice due to the variety of options available. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a hearing aid so that you are sure to choose the best one for your hearing loss needs.
Types of Hearing Aids
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
This type of aid is suitable for all levels of hearing loss and offers powerful amplification of sounds into the ear canal.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
Although this model can be custom-fitted and more discreet, it may not be as powerful as BTE models. This makes it useful for those with only minor hearing loss.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
These tiny devices are lightweight, providing natural sound quality. They are almost invisible because they are mostly inside the ear canal.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC) & Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
These are the most discreet options, but they may lack advanced features because of their compact size.
Choosing the right type depends on your level of hearing loss, what feels most comfortable to you, and your cosmetic concerns.
Hearing Loss Level
Your degree of hearing loss is a big factor in the type of hearing aid you need. An audiologist can conduct a hearing test to determine the severity of your condition and recommend an appropriate model. You can then either buy in-store or search for a hearing aid online that best suits you based on what you have been told by the audiologist. It is important to remember that new models of hearing aids come out every year, so keep up to date on the model you like to see if there are improved models.
Technology and Features
Modern hearing aids come with a range of advanced features, including things like noise reduction, rechargeable batteries, and even Bluetooth technology. Although most of the time, hearing aids are meant to help you amplify sounds, the noise reduction feature comes in handy when the background sounds around you feel too overwhelming, like on a busy street or in a crowded room. Buying hearing aids with rechargeable batteries is also a good move as it means you will not have to keep throwing out dead batteries and buying new ones, making it good for the environment and your wallet.
Hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity means that you can watch your favourite shows or listen to music without having the volume up as high as it can go, bothering neighbours and family members. You can also use this feature to make phone calls without having to put the phone up to your ear or put in a different Bluetooth device.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Hearing aids range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and technology that are included. Check if your health insurance or Medicare provides coverage, and ask your audiologist or hearing aid retailer about financing options or discounts available through hearing aid providers.
Selecting the right hearing aid involves evaluating your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget. Consult with an audiologist to better understand the available features before you make your decision, and remember that investing in a high-quality hearing aid can greatly enhance your daily life and communication abilities.
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