How do I know which hearing aid will be best for me?Posted by Attune Hearing on February 3rd, 2021 You may be considering getting a hearing aid but are not sure which one is the best for you. There are various types of hearing aids and this can sometimes be daunting. Knowing about hearing aids and the process can help. We will cover how to determine whether you need a hearing aid, what is involved in a hearing aid discussion, how hearing aids work, the different types/styles, technology levels, and features. Do I need a hearing aid? Hearing aid discussion After you have this information your audiologist will work together with you to determine which hearing aid is most appropriate based on your results, needs, wants, and lifestyle. If you are on the pension or are a veteran, you may be eligible for free hearing services and devices under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP). This will also play a role in determining which hearing aid will be best for you.
How do hearing aids work? Hearing aids are electronic devices which amplify speech and other sounds to help those with hearing loss hear better. Hearing aids can be worn in the ear or on the ear depending on the style.
Although there are various types of hearing aids, all hearing aids have these 3 parts:
Hearing aids work as the microphone is sensitive to sound and picks up sound in the environment. The amplifier in the hearing aid then increases the level of sound depending on the amount of amplification needed for your hearing loss (this is set by your audiologist). The speaker then sends the boosted signal back into your ear canal and the sound is heard. While hearing aids cannot completely restore hearing, they do help people with hearing loss to hear better.
What are the different types/styles of hearing aids? There are many different types/styles of hearing aids. The ‘best’ one depends on the individual and is based not only the results of your hearing test but your needs/wants and lifestyle. Behind the ear (BTE) They are less prone to breakdowns (less affected by wax and moisture) and can be fitted to various degrees of hearing loss. Receiver in the ear canal (RIC) They are more discreet as the wire is quite thin, making them a good option for people who are concerned about cosmetics. In the ear or in the canal (ITE or ITC) They are good for people with dexterity issues (e.g. arthritis in the fingers) as they only have one part, making it easier to insert/remove them. Completely in the canal (CIC) They are ideal for those who are concerned about aesthetics as they are very discreet. Features available in hearing aids Bluetooth Rechargeable batteries Telecoil Feedback management Noise reduction Selecting a hearing aid can be daunting but you do not have to do it alone. The hearing aid selection process is comprehensive and involves the expert knowledge and guidance of a qualified audiologist. Your audiologist will determine whether you need a hearing aid. If you do, you will then have a hearing aid discussion. It is important to know how hearing aids work, the different types/styles available, different features, and different technology levels so that you can work with your audiologist to make an informed decision about the most appropriate hearing aid for you. Call your local audiologist at Attune Hearing for a hearing test today. Like it? Share it!More by this author |