How To Choose The Best Hearing Aids For You
How To Choose The Best Hearing Aids For You
Article by James McClinsey
What are the best hearing aids? Well, there are several types, each being best suited to a particular kind of hearing loss. Your Audiologist will have told you what kind of hearing loss you have, be it of the sensorineural or conductive variety.
Knowing this, we can break hearing aids down into two main categories: analog and digital. Analog is on the way out, technology-wise, in favor of digital. Digital models offer better sound reproduction and your Audiologist can adjust them to your specific needs.Whatever you decide on, make sure the device you choose comes with a trial period to make sure it’s right for you. Companies that do not offer a trial period are usually not worth your time. If they aren’t interested in dealing with you in 30 days, what is the likelihood that they will be helpful in a year?
You should also ask what the warranty period is on a given model, as repairs are generally not covered by insurance.
There are hearing aids that can be implanted surgically, but these are for more serious degrees of hearing loss- if your doctor thinks these are the best hearing aids for you, she/ he will let you know.
Typically, hearing loss is less severe and can be serviced with one of the following 4 types of hearing aids.
1. BTE, or behind the ear hearing aids are the least technologically advanced and simply hook over your ear like glasses. This is an inexpensive option which you can make minor adjustments to yourself. One caveat: it can interfere with using the telephone , as the microphone is mounted behind your ear. These are also the most conspicuous of the lot, as they sit very visibly outside your ear.
2. ITE, or in the ear, models are fitted to the outside of your ear canal. Less obvious, but still easily detected, these do sometimes make people feel uncomfortable as the outer ear is filled with the device. Some find the sensation to be like having their ears plugged, while others are not bothered by it.
3. ITC, or in the ear canal, models are less noticeable than the BTE or ITE styles.
4. CIC, or completely in the ear canal, hearing aids are very small and hard to detect.
There are some disadvantages to these, as they are quite small and easy to lose- a case is recommended along with frequent cleanings. These tiny devices are more susceptible to ear wax and moisture than the other types so there is more maintenance. Also, your Audiologist must adjust them for you via computer, as there are no external controls.
Battery life can be an issue as well due to the necessary small size of the batteries.
If you have a mild to moderate hearing loss, look for a good digital hearing aid that has a trial period, warranty coverage and fits both your budget and your needs. Any of the 4 types may be suggested to you by your Audiologist. Your level of comfort in both wearing the device and in others seeing the device will help you determine which of the 4 types is best for you. For instance, if you feel embarrassed about your hearing loss you may want to lean toward a model that is less visible such as the ITC or CIC varieties.
For more profound hearing loss, implantable devices may be your most appropriate option.
In sum, the best hearing aids are those that match your budget and needs as determined by your Audiologist.
Choosing the best hearing aids requires information as to the pros and cons of each type. You can read more about choosing the best hearing aids at my discount hearing aids information site. My name is Jim McClinsey and writing helpful articles is my passion!
About the Author
Jim McClinsey is a tenured teacher who enjoys technology and writing. Jim likes to write articles that are helpful to others, and is the webmaster for several sites as well as an online affiliate to various independent websites.
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