Hearing aids work wonders to return some hearing to people with hearing issues. While they can’t fully restore a person’s hearing capabilities, they can regain their experience of the world around them.
These hearing devices have also been improved over the years. Modern appliances, now supplied with advanced technologies, address different types and degrees of hearing loss. Other features may even include dual microphones and sensors. They improve sound quality in noisy environments while also reducing background noise.
But before you start choosing one, you must first understand the differences. This is your guide to choosing the right solution for your hearing needs.
Understanding Different Styles of Hearing Aids
Unsurprisingly, there are different shapes and styles of hearing aids. Each has unique features and benefits. They look different from one another. Consult with a hearing professional or audiologist for the most appropriate hearing aid style. The hearing experts can also guide you on the most effective usage, reasonable pricing, and chosen brands.
Behind-the-Ear style
People with severe hearing loss find this style of hearing aid most advantageous. BTEs provide more sound amplification and power.
BTEs rest comfortably behind your ear. It’s connected to an earmold or a dome within your ear canal. BTE hearing aids are versatile and capable of addressing different hearing loss levels.
In-the-Ear style
If a bigger size hearing aid doesn’t worry you, ITE is the style for you. ITEs are made to fit snugly inside the ear canal. But they’re usually larger than other styles. Although this makes it easy for people with dexterity issues to handle, the size may initially make the wearer self-conscious.
However there are two variations to ITEs. A half-shell ITE hearing device is smaller and more discreet. In comparison, a full-shell ITE fills the entire ear bowl.
In-the-Canal/Completely-in-the-Canal styles
ITC and CIC are smaller and less visible than the previous two options. ITCs are usually custom-made to fit partially in the ear canal. Meanwhile, CIC devices go even deeper, making them almost invisible.
However, they are most suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The most significant benefit of these devices is mainly cosmetic. The discretion they provide can also be convenient.
Receiver-in-Canal/Receiver-in-the-Ear styles
Similar to BTEs, RIC and RITE hearing aids come with a slight difference. You can find the receiver in a small dome or speaker inside the ear canal (BTE devices’ receiver is in the main body).
Those with high-frequency hearing loss will love this design. Its structure allows for a more natural sound experience.
Invisible-in-Canal style
IICs are highly inconspicuous, as they can be put deeply inside. IIC devices are custom-made to fit the wearer’s ear shape and offer a high level of discretion.
But the smallness may be a problem for some. Despite some models providing you with a small wire to insert or remove them, the small size is not convenient for all. Also, some IICs have lower battery capacity due to the battery’s small size, demanding more frequent charging.
Newer styles: Open Fit and Extended Wear
Open Fit
Open Fit hearing aid is relatively new. Like a cousin to BTEs, Open Fit hearing devices fit behind the ear. But its sound amplification comes from a mini tube inserted in the canal.
They’re considered to be a design improvement of BTEs. By being smaller and more invisible, they’re perfect for discreet people searching for less noticeable hearing devices.
Extended wear
Extended wear is also among the newer styles of hearing solutions. It handles the problems most users find unpleasant with their hearing aids: battery life and conspicuous designs.
This aid device is intended for any level of hearing loss except an entirely profound loss. Users can wear it invisibly, seated deep in the ear canal, and continuously. The so-called battery life extends over four months.
Choosing the Right One
You can choose the most appropriate hearing aid with the help of audiology services. But you can start your selection by narrowing down your goals and preferences.
- Consider how your hearing loss affects your daily life. Think about the situations where you struggle the most. For example, does your challenge lie in understanding speech in noisy environments or hearing soft sounds?
- Set your hearing goals. It’s all about your endgame: what would you like to achieve with your device? You may want to improve communication. Or perhaps you care more about being discreet. If you set clear goals, you can focus on choosing the most suitable solution.
- Reflect on your lifestyle. If you spend hours in busy workplaces or crowded settings, you may want a device that reduces background noise. If you work with others, you should look at devices that enhance speech clarity and cancel out unwanted sounds.
- Consider your taste. Your comfort comes first. A hearing aid won’t be helpful unless you can wear it comfortably. What also matters is how easy it is to use and how inconspicuous it is.
- Purchase within budget. You may want the best, but comparing hearing aid prices is wiser. Set a budget for your hearing aid. High-quality hearing devices may come with a heftier price tag, but they may be worth it. Research various hearing aid manufacturers and models. Also, look for coverage policies or programs that can assist you financially to offset the cost.
After Purchase Adjustments
If you’re new to wearing hearing aids, you may want to have an adjustment period. Read some of these valuable tips to ease the transition.
- Start in a quiet place. When you first start wearing the device, choose a quiet place to begin. The quietness will help you get used to the sounds without being overwhelmed. As you gain confidence, introduce more complex listening situations to your ear.
- Increase usage time gradually. Start by wearing your hearing aid device for short periods. Then, increase the duration little by little. This allows your ears and brain to adapt slowly to amplified sounds. With time, your brain will learn to process the sounds better.
- Do listening exercises. Practicing listening will boost your hearing capabilities with the aid of the device. Start by listening to simple conversations and familiar voices. Then, move on to a more challenging hearing experience. This practice will also allow you to understand which settings (like volume control) work most effectively for you.
- Take care of your hearing aid. Proper maintenance of your hearing aid will make it last longer. Clean it regularly and change batteries as needed. Lastly, store it safely in a dry place when not in use.
- Continue to talk to your audiologist. Stay in touch with your hearing expert or audiologist. They can help you through the adaptation process. If necessary, they can also adjust your aid device’s settings. Regular check-up visits will be crucial in maintaining your hearing health and hearing aid function.
Hearing Aids 101: Finding the Fit
People with impaired hearing loss can enjoy a high quality of life. They may achieve that with a hearing aid. The wide variety of hearing aids, from BTEs to the newer models, are there to accommodate every type of patient.
Take a hearing quiz today to see if you need the help of a hearing aid. Consult with a hearing aid specialist if you have trouble choosing one.
info@ElDoradoHearing.com
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