How to Choose the Best Hearing Aids?
The best hearing aids for you will depend on many different factors, so it’s important to get expert advice on which model is the right fit for you. You should learn about the many different options that are available and consider which hearing aids will be the best match for your needs.
What Types of Hearing Aids Are Available?
The first step to finding the right hearing aid is to get an idea of what options are available. You might want to research this online, but you can also go straight to a hearing aid specialist to get personalised advice.
The main difference between hearing aids is in the way they are worn. You might want to consider the following options:
- In the ear hearing aids sit discreetly in the bowl of your ear
- In the canal models are less visible, but might not have room for as many features
- Completely in the canal hearing aids are the smallest options and are moulded to your ear canal
- Behind the ear hearing aids are more visible but you may find them more comfortable as your ear won’t be completely plugged
- Open fit hearing aids sit behind your ear but have a thinner tube into your ear, so you’ll be able to hear more directly, which can make your own voice sound more natural to you
Another factor to consider when comparing hearing aids is the special features that some models have to offer. You might want to look for a hearing aid with the following features:
- Noise reduction or environmental noise control to counteract background noise
- Directional microphones if you need to focus on sounds in front of you in a loud environment
- Telecoils for speaking on the phone or using with public induction loop systems (for example in theatres)
- Direct audio input so that you can send sound from a TV, computer or music system straight to the hearing aid
- Variable programming so that you can adjust the settings to your current environment
Which Hearing Aid Is Right for You?
Now that you have a better idea of what hearing aids are available, you should consider which options are most suitable for you. The answer will depend on various factors, including:
- The type and severity of hearing loss that you have
- How active your lifestyle is and how likely it would be for the hearing aids to get damaged or dislodged
- The sound environments you spend time in, for example loud and crowded places or quieter spaces where you mainly talk one on one
- The types of listening activities you want to do most often, such as listening to music or talking on the phone
- Whether you feel self-conscious about using a visible hearing aid
Having some idea of what you want from your hearing aids should help you to make a good choice, but thankfully this isn’t a decision that you have to make by yourself. When you visit a hearing aid specialist you’ll get expert advice on which model is the best fit for your needs. You’ll also get all the support you need to get used to wearing a hearing aid and to ensure that you’re getting the most out of it.
