What to Consider When Looking For Hearing Aids

• Learn about different hearing aid designs
• Compare analog and digital hearing aids
• Try out specialized hearing aid features
• Factor in hearing aid price
• Consider your daily needs
• Talk to your doctor

There are many practical solutions for hearing-related medical conditions, one of which is getting hearing aids. Since there are many models on the market today to suit specific needs, hearing aids and amplifiers don't have to be a major inconvenience. Learn what to look for when buying hearing aids and the pros and cons of various models with this helpful guide.

You may wonder what hearing aids are, and how they work. These devices are pieces of assistive technology that improve auditory senses. How they operate depends on several factors, such as the brand and model, placement on your head and what hearing problem you seek to resolve. There are four main models with some variation in each type:

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids have all the electronics sitting behind your ear, and they send sound through a tube that goes inside the ear.
• In-the-canal (ITC) models, which include the electronics and speaker, fit entirely inside the ear canal. These are the least visible models.
• In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are a more traditional type and are larger than ITC units. Some people find them more comfortable to wear.
• Receiver-in-canal (RIC) models are like BTE aids, but the tube fits on the inner curve of the ear rather than the outer. The tube is nearly invisible.

There are a few common features you'll find in hearing aids, and those can be useful as well as fun. Some of the latest models can connect with your smartphone or other devices, which allows you to make adjustments without having to remove the hearing aids. This may prove handy when you need to change settings, but don't want to deal with taking the aids out while in a public space.

Another volume-level feature is noise suppression. Some aids have automatic settings that cancel feedback and adjust your sound automatically, so you can hear things of varying volumes without needing to tune the aid. Others have a feature called a telecoil, which is a small metal coil that vibrates when it picks up sounds from a phone, loudspeaker, TV or PA system. This enables you to clearly hear what's being said without it sounding muffled or like background noise. Even in basic models, directional microphones allow you to hear whatever is in the direction you’re looking while blocking out busy environments around you. The bottom line for making your choice is deciding which of these features you want or need.

Once you have a hearing aid, you need to take care of it, charge it and repair it should it become damaged. Regular maintenance requirements should influence your buying options. If you are very active, consider waterproof models and ones that can withstand strong jostling without falling out. If changing batteries is difficult for you, try a model that has an option to plug in for recharging.

Research how easy or expensive it is to get the hearing aids repaired before you buy. You may find certain models are more user-friendly and low-maintenance so you can keep your health and wellness in your control with minimal effort. You should also learn about cleaning and programming the model you're considering. That way, you won't come across any unexpected problems later.

One of the easiest ways to figure out what sort of hearing aid you need is to speak with your doctor. An audiologist can assess whether your hearing loss is mild, moderate, severe or complete. From there, they can recommend appropriate hearing aid models. Once you choose the best hearing aid for you, your doctor or audiologist can walk you through how to take care of them, how to change hearing aid batteries. Some audiology practices may even offer repair services. Before you put them in, have your doctor clean your ears well and prep them completely for the best results. Most of all, don't be afraid to ask questions. Your doctor has the experience and information concerning multiple hearing aid brands and is a valuable resource.

When you suffer from any form of hearing loss, it can feel like a part of you is missing. Hearing aids can help you feel like yourself again. Depending on the style and model, these aids can address concerns related to hearing issues, such as discretion, comfort and unique capabilities. Once you figure out what model suits you, research the features and price points to find the ideal hearing aids for comfort, effectiveness and confidence.