If you’re thinking about getting a hearing aid, you may not know where to begin from. These days, several hearing aids are available in the market, which makes it confusing to pick the right one. A hearing aid is a small electronic device equipped with small microphones to help people hear well.
It contains a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker that collects sounds from the surrounding environment. The amplifier converts this incoming sound into digital codes converted back into sound waves and delivered into the ears through the speakers.
These days, many hearing aids exist that vary in styles and technology and cost, size, placement, and special features. So, it’s obvious to get confused about picking the best one for you. Once you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, speak to your audiologist, who can recommend the right hearing aid for you, based on your age, lifestyle, and degree of hearing loss.
Now it’s time for you to evaluate your hearing needs, your budget, and any additional features you want. It is noteworthy here that hearing aids can’t restore normal hearing- they only assist in hearing. Now, let’s take a quick look at things to consider when choosing a hearing aid.
Choose the Right Style
Hearing aids come in different styles and sizes. Different kinds of hearing loss call for different hearing aid styles. So, your choice will depend on the type and degree of your hearing loss. For someone diagnosed with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, the right style hearing aids include- Invisible-in-canal aids, Completely-in-canal hearing aids, and Receiver-in-canal devices. Those who suffer severe hearing loss should go for- In-the-canal aids, In-the-ear devices, or Behind-the-ear hearing aids.
Consider Features
After determining the right style, the next important consideration is additional features. The additional features that you might look for are noise reduction to reduce background noise and directional microphones that make front sounds louder than those behind you. You may also look for rechargeable batteries and remote control features to handle settings like volume without taking out your hearing aids. Some hearing aids have telecoil sensors that pick up on the hearing loops found in conference rooms, music halls, and other locations. The latest devices also have wireless connectivity that allows the connecting hearing aid to smartphones or televisions using Bluetooth or other forms of technology.
Warranty & Trial Period
Once you’ve found the right hearing aid in your budget, the next step is to ask about a trial period. It’s better to look for devices that come with a trial period and warranty. This allows you to try the hearing aid for a few days and decide if it’s right for you. Make sure that the hearing device you pick has a warranty that covers parts and professional services.
