Choosing the right hearing aids can feel like a complex decision, especially with the variety of styles and features available today. Nearly 28.8 million Americans could benefit from using hearing aids, but many don’t acquire them.
However, with the right guidance, you can find a solution that suits your hearing loss, preferences and lifestyle.
Understand Your Hearing Loss
Before exploring hearing aid options, you need to thoroughly understand your hearing loss and what sounds you need to amplify the most. Visit a hearing specialist for a comprehensive hearing test and an understanding of your degree of hearing loss. Then, the hearing specialist can help you determine the types of hearing aids that are right for you.
Know the Main Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids come in several styles, each with pros and cons. The right one for you depends on your comfort, cosmetic preferences and hearing needs.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Sits behind the ear with a tube connecting to an ear mold. Good for all degrees of hearing loss.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): Similar to BTE but smaller and more discreet. Popular and versatile.
- In-the-Ear (ITE): Custom-molded to fit the outer ear. Easier to handle for some users.
- In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC): More discreet options that sit partly or completely in the ear canal. Best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Consider the Features That Matter to You
Modern hearing aids offer a variety of features. Think about which ones are needed to match your lifestyle.
- Directional microphones: Help you focus on sounds in front of you in noisy environments.
- Noise reduction: Filters out background sounds.
- Bluetooth® connectivity: Allows you to stream audio from your phone, TV or other devices.
- Rechargeable batteries: Convenient and eco-friendly.
- AI:Many modern devices use AI to learn a user’s preferences and environments and tailor its settings to the user.
- App connectivity: Most hearing aids provide setting controls via an app.
- Health features: Many hearing aids provide access to several biometrics to track overall health.
Not all features are necessary for everyone, so prioritize what enhances your daily life. If you’re experiencing additional health concerns such as balance and mobility issues, it may make sense to select a model that offers advanced health tracking to share additional health data with doctors and trusted loved ones.
If you have an active lifestyle with frequent exercise and socializing, waterproof and advanced noise reduction features may be necessary. If you use phones and media regularly, you’ll want advanced connectivity options.
Communicate your needs and preferences to your hearing specialist at your consultation.
Work with a Hearing Specialist
A hearing specialist can guide you through the selection process and ensure the devices are custom-fitted and fine-tuned for your comfort. Hearing specialists also provide long-term support with adjusting the hearing aids to suit your needs as time passes and can answer any questions that arise throughout the process.
Expert support can make a huge difference in your satisfaction with your hearing aids.
By working with a hearing specialist to consider your overall needs and preferences, you’ll be on your way to selecting the right pair of hearing aids for you.
To learn more about hearing aids and better understand your hearing, contact North Alabama ENT Associates to schedule a hearing test today.