How to Ensure You Select the Best Hearing Aid

Not all instances of hearing loss are the same. While some short-term situations may necessitate some calm recovery time to allow your ears to heal, most permanent hearing loss cases depend heavily on hearing aids for daily communication. When you have hearing loss, learning more about the various hearing aids available to you may help to alleviate your concerns. Of course, your hearing instrument specialist (HIS) is best placed to give you the most up-to-date advice on the best hearing aid for you, but here, we look at some of the things to look for and think about when selecting a hearing aid.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles. Because they are suitable for users of all ages, BTE devices are often the go-to solution. They can help with a wide range of hearing loss instances, from mild to severe. People who are worried about wearing an earpiece inside their ear will be recommended BTE hearing aids by an HIS. A BTE hearing aid hooks over the top of the ear and is mostly hidden behind the ear. Even though sleek models are available, the earpiece is likely to be noticeable to some degree. Furthermore, because of where it sits, it can pick up on external noises such as wind noise. It does, however, provide more amplification than devices that sit directly next to the eardrum.

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

ITC devices, on the other hand, are designed to be worn directly in the ear canal. When compared to devices such as BTE hearing aids, this position makes it the least noticeable. The amplification level, however, is restricted due to the proximity to the eardrum. Because of this, ITC hearing aids are most appropriate for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are also more prone to earwax congesting around the speaker region, which will need extra upkeep.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

For ITE devices, earmold impressions are usually required. The ITE hearing aid is custom molded to fit in the lower part of the outer bowl. The amplification range is suitable for cases of mild to severe hearing loss. If you require devices with a longer battery life, your HIS may recommend an ITE hearing aid. Because the model is larger than most hearing aids, the battery inside is also larger. Furthermore, while it is more noticeable than ITC devices, it is easier to use and includes features that are not available on less conspicuous devices. However, ITE styles are susceptible to earwax build-up.

What Features Do You Need Most of All?

Understanding the list of additional features, as with most things, can help you find hearing aids that suit your likes and dislikes and communication needs. Talking through your requirements with your HIS can influence your decisions on noise reduction, control of environmental noises, device synchronization and even directional microphones. As a result, the best hearing aid solution for you must meet your specific requirements. Finally, your hearing test will determine the amount of amplification you need to perform your daily tasks.