Hearing aids are complex battery-powered devices designed to improve hearing. They detect and process the sound around you, convert it into electrical signals, amplify them, and transmit the sound into your ear.
With so many types and styles to choose from, determining the best hearing device for your needs can be quite overwhelming. There are a lot of factors to consider, from rechargeable and streaming to design and comfort, along with a variety of accessories to choose from. All of these can leave you wondering where to begin.
What to Consider When Choosing Hearing Aids
Here are factors to consider when choosing the best hearing aids for you:
The Must-Have Features
The hearing devices available today have numerous features, including noise reduction, automated adjustments, and wireless streaming from your cell phone to provide maximum functionality. However, your choice of features will depend on your condition and other factors. For example, if your audiologist diagnoses you with a hearing-related issue such as tinnitus, a hearing aid with a tinnitus masking feature to help relieve your condition may be recommended.
Style of the Hearing Device
Hearing devices come in different styles depending on their positioning in or around your ear. The styles include behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC), and invisible-in-canal (IIC). Each design has its benefits, and your audiologist can help determine the best style for your condition.
Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can also influence your decision on the features to select in a hearing device. For instance, if you use tech devices a lot, either at work or home, you may want a hearing aid with its own native app and wireless streaming to devices such as your cell phone. Similarly, if your working environment is often noisy, you may need a device with advanced noise filters.
Your Degree of Hearing Loss
The style of your hearing aid is influenced by the amount of hearing loss you have. If your hearing loss is mild to moderate, a less powerful device may be appropriate. In contrast, you may need a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing loss is severe. Your audiologist will recommend the necessary strength based on your hearing results.
Over the Counter Hearing Aids
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established a new regulatory category for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This has created another option for people with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
OTC hearing aids are non-prescription devices that are intended to offer more accessibility and awareness to hearing health. While this is an important step in promoting hearing care, Comfort Home Hearing Audiology believes individuals with perceived hearing loss should, first, meet with a hearing care professional. A comprehensive hearing evaluation will determine if you have hearing loss, and knowing the type, degree, and configuration will then allow your Audiologist to make the appropriate recommendations based on your individual needs.
How Comfort Home Hearing Audiology Can Help You
Determining the best hearing aids for your needs can be overwhelming, considering the many types and styles available in the market. Fortunately, Comfort Home Hearing Audiology works with the top hearing device manufacturers in the world and will help find the best solution for you and your individual hearing needs, all in the comfort of your home.
Comfort Home Hearing Audiology also recognizes that the service and support from your Audiologist is an incredibly important aspect of your hearing care. Our Audiologists are experts in the hearing field. We will educate and guide you throughout the hearing aid selection process and ensure you are hearing at your very best once again.
We Deliver Better Hearing and Incredible Hearing Aid Services
At Comfort Home Hearing Audiology, we ensure your transition to hearing well is seamless and comfortable and that it remains that way, year after year. From fittings and counseling to regular maintenance and repairs, we provide exceptional care for all of your hearing needs in the comfort of your home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and hear what you’ve been missing.
