Hearing loss is a common problem that can significantly affect your life. Thankfully, devices exist to help you improve your hearing health and, therefore, your emotional and mental well-being. Not only can hearing aids help you hear better but thanks to current technology, there are many different kinds to choose from. However, this isn’t a journey you should tackle on your own. For the best possible outcome, working with a skilled team is necessary.
At El Dorado Health, we offer comprehensive support that not only shows you your options for hearing aids but provides answers to your questions and concerns. When you first meet with our team, we take the time to truly understand your needs and gather any information needed to provide you with the best care. Our state-of-the-art facility uses the latest technology to create a customized approach for your needs.
To choose the best hearing aid, you need to think carefully about many things, such as the type of hearing loss, your lifestyle, how comfortable it is, the technology features it has, and how well it works with other devices. With the right information and our team on your side, you’ll feel empowered to take control of your hearing health and enjoy your life each and every day.
Hearing Aids 101
Our team can provide you with a variety of hearing aid options. What works best for you will be determined by things like your current hearing health, lifestyle, and more. An overview of possible options is detailed below.
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE): This style sits behind the ear and is connected to a special earmold or dome that fits inside the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are flexible and can be used with different levels of hearing loss. Thanks to their flexibility, they are also good if you have mobility issues with your hands.
- In-the-Ear (ITE): ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fit inside the outer part of the ear. They are still noticeable, but they look less obvious than BTE models. ITE aids are good for hearing loss that is mild to severe.
- Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) and In-the-Canal (ITC): These styles are smaller and go deeper into the ear canal, making them less visible. ITC and CIC hearing aids are great if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and don’t want to look like you’re wearing an assistive device.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE): These hearing aids include a small case behind the ear and a wire that sends sound to the ear canal. The speaker, or receiver, goes into the ear canal.
- Open-Fit Hearing Aids: These devices keep the ear canal open so that amplified sound and natural sound can mix. They are great for people with mild to moderate hearing loss at high frequencies.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aids
With our help, you can explore your options for hearing aids to determine what is best. This starts with a full hearing test to assess where you’re at in your hearing journey. You can choose the right style and technology for your hearing aid when you have the information you need. Still, as mentioned above, it’s not just about the type of hearing aid. How you live daily is also a key factor. Our team will ask you to think about what you do daily, who you hang out with, and where you work. Different lifestyles might have different needs.
- Active Lifestyle: If you spend a lot of time outside, you should consider hearing aids with good wind and noise reduction.
- Social Lifestyle: If you spend a lot of time in noisy places, models with powerful speech enhancement and noise reduction technology are a good choice.
- Tech-savvy: If you’re good with technology, hearing aids that connect to phones, TVs, and other devices might be a great option. More information about this is detailed below.
Comfort and Fit
You also have to consider the fit and comfort of your hearing aids. If you don’t have hearing aids that fit well or aren’t to your taste, you might be frustrated when wearing them or stop wearing them altogether. In general, BTE and RIC styles usually fit well without being uncomfortable. Still, each person is different, so it’s essential to work closely with our team to get exactly what you need.
Budget Considerations
Hearing aids have different prices, often based on the amount of technology and extra features. Even though it’s tempting to go for the most advanced model, choose one that fits your budget and meets your basic wants. Talk with our team about what options benefit you most to make the best choice.
Maintenance
Maintaining and adjusting your hearing aids regularly is important to make sure they continue to meet your needs. Our team can support you with follow-up, repair, and other adjustments as needed to ensure you get the most from your chosen device.
Modern Hearing Aids and Technology
As mentioned, modern hearing aids have high-tech features that make listening easier and better. Think about the following things related to technology:
- Digital Noise Reduction: Cuts down on background noise to make words easier to understand.
- Directional Microphones: Devices with this technology focus more on sounds coming from the front and less on sounds coming from other directions.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth lets you connect your hearing aids to phones, TVs, and other devices. This provides seamless interaction and helps you feel more in control of your device.
- Rechargeable Batteries: Built-in rechargeable choices save you the trouble of changing batteries often. This is also a great choice if you have mobility issues with your hands, as changing batteries can be frustrating.
Choosing a Supportive Team Is Crucial
Choosing the correct hearing aid is essential, but working with an experienced team is also important. Hearing loss isn’t something you need to tackle on your own. Connect with our team to assess your needs and learn about your options. We can discuss what you’ve learned from this blog and provide additional insight so you feel empowered to take control of your hearing loss and continue enjoying your favorite activities.
info@ElDoradoHearing.com
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