Are you finding it harder to hear the people and sounds you love? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with hearing loss, but the good news is that hearing aids can help. With so many options out there, choosing the right hearing aid can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place (or blog).
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key factors to consider and help you find the perfect hearing aid to fit your needs and lifestyle.
Know your preferred hearing aid style
Are you familiar with different styles of hearing aids? If this is your first time wearing a hearing aid, chances are, you’re not very familiar with the different styles. Below are the most common hearing aid styles and an overview of their features and benefits:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE): These devices sit behind the ear and use a clear plastic tube to direct sound into the ear canal. They are suitable for people with almost any degree of hearing loss and are the largest and most powerful type of hearing aid.
BTEs are known to be the most versatile and can handle the most severe hearing
losses, they have the longest battery life and the largest selection of power options, and
are easy to handle and adjust.
- In-the-Ear (ITE): These devices fit inside the ear bowl and are custom-made to fit the unique shape of each ear. They are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. ITEs are cosmetically appealing, making them a top choice for individuals who greatly value aesthetics and/or fashion.
- In-the-Canal (ITC): These devices fit partially in the ear canal and are also custom-made. They are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC): CIC hearing aids are the smallest type of hearing aid and can completely fit inside the ear canal. Because they can be custom-made, they are practically invisible while providing a snug and comfortable fit inside the ears.
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE): Designed to sit behind the ear, RITEs use a thin wire to deliver sound directly into the ear canal. This is a versatile style and can deliver good sound quality.
Make sure to consider fit and comfort when going over the various hearing aid styles.
Brand reputation
There are practically so many hearing aids on the market today. Just type ‘hearing aids’ on Google and you’ll find various brands and styles.
When choosing a hearing aid, you should invest in a brand that has a reliable and trusted reputation. Hearing aids can be considered an investment, which is why it is wise to choose a hearing aid that is produced by a trusted manufacturer.
Think of it as choosing quality over quantity. While there may be so many cheap hearing aids on the market, you’re not guaranteed the same quality and hearing improvement compared to hearing aids from trusted brands.
Hearing Aid Features
Hearing aids vary not only in terms of aesthetics but in their features and technology as well. Some popular hearing aid features include tinnitus management, auto-directionality, tinnitus management, rechargeability, wireless connectivity to devices, etc.
You should know what features you need so that it will be easier for you to narrow down your options. An audiologist can help you navigate through the various hearing aid features and recommend different models that would best suit your hearing needs.
Audiologists and Hearing Aids in Rye, NY
Getting a hearing aid doesn’t mean that all your hearing woes will automatically be solved. An audiologist plays a critical role in ensuring that a hearing aid is programmed correctly to address a patient’s specific hearing loss.
If you’re in Rye, NY, and are looking for a trusted audiology clinic in the area, don’t hesitate to visit Audiology and Speech Solutions. Our friendly staff and competent audiologists are more than happy to help!