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How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid
Listening Devices
How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid for You
If you have been diagnosed with some degree of hearing loss, you must next choose a listening device that will adequately address your specific hearing issues and complement your lifestyle. There are a number of factors to consider when shopping for hearing aids and other listening devices, including your degree of hearing loss, your cosmetic preferences, and your budget. One of our hearing care professionals can help you choose the instrument that will work best for you. Contact NOWiHEAR today to schedule an appointment with an experienced audiologist.
Degrees of Hearing Loss
Before you choose a hearing aid, your audiologist will assess the degree of your hearing impairment. There are seven degrees of hearing loss, ranging from normal (-10 to 15 decibels) to profound (91 or more decibels).
Frequencies of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is often classified by the frequency that is affected, either high or low. Low frequency hearing loss, also known as conductive hearing loss, results from damage to the outer or middle ear. In these cases, low-pitched sounds, such as vowels, are affected. Sounds may be muffled or distant. With high frequency, or sensorineural, hearing loss, the damage has occurred within the inner ear. In these cases, patients may lose the ability to hear consonants, making it extremely difficult to comprehend speech. Since the damage occurs in different places with each type of hearing loss, it is important to choose a hearing aid that will target the damaged area.
Functionality
Various hearing aids are designed to target specific hearing problems and therefore the leading hearing aid brands offer many different features and devices. You may be interested in the following features:
- Directional Microphone - amplifies sound that is coming from the direction that the user is facing, providing better focus.
- Zoom Control - allows the user to manually alter the direction that is amplified.
- Feedback Management System - analyzes and blocks feedback, reducing the bothersome whistling sound that has been associated with certain listening devices.
- Self-adjusting Hearing Aids - eliminate the need for individuals to visit their audiologist in order to make changes to the instrument. Users can easily control volume and other features to adjust to their surrounding environment.
Ear Anatomy
The size of both the inner and outer ear will also play a role in the type of hearing aid that an individual chooses. Those with particularly small outer ears may feel more comfortable with an in-the-ear (ITE) device, while people with small inner ears may be better suited with a behind-the-ear (BTE) device. Your NOWiHEAR Audiologist will work with you to determine your comfort level with each style.
Lifestyle Needs
Hearing aid candidates should also consider their lifestyles when deciding on a device. For example, patients who are especially active outdoors may opt for a hearing aid that is equipped with wind protection technology. Conversely, patients who work in a particularly distracting environment may be better served by a hearing aid that minimizes background noise. Finally, digital hearing aids tend to provide more high-frequency amplification; these are especially ideal for patients who suffer from high-frequency hearing loss.
Manual Dexterity
A person’s manual dexterity will be a factor in the hearing aid that he or she chooses. Patients with poor dexterity might find it best to choose a BTE aid. This allows for easier placement, removal, and adjustment than an ITE listening device.
Cosmetic Preference
Since hearing aids are meant to be worn consistently, it is important for patients to feel comfortable and confident while wearing the listening devices. Technological advancements have allowed for the development of hearing aids in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. Patients who are concerned about how the aid will look may opt for a device which is placed in the ear canal, rather than outside or behind the ear. These aids are effective yet virtually undetectable. In addition, today’s hearing aids can be custom-molded to the size of the patient’s ears.
Cost
With a variety of listening devices available, the cost of hearing aids will vary from individual to individual. While price should not be the primary deciding factor, it will understandably come into play. It is important to keep in mind that the most expensive hearing aid is not necessarily the best choice for you. In addition, while analog hearing aids are less expensive than their digital counterparts, they may not address your specific needs as effectively. Your licensed audiologist will discuss a number of factors with you when helping you choose the right hearing aid. While many listening devices aren’t covered by insurance, we can help submit claims to your provider, or provide information about payment assistance.
Learn More about Choosing Listening Devices
If you are in need of a hearing aid and would like to learn more about the different types of listening devices available, contact NOWiHEAR today to find a licensed audiologist in your area.
NOWiHEAR | 1000 East 146th Street Suite 121 Burnsville, MN 55337 | Phone: toll free 800-308-7290 | Fax: 952-953-3753