Things to Consider when Selecting Hearing Aids

Choosing the right hearing aids can significantly improve your quality of life. From engaging in conversations to enjoying music or nature sounds, hearing aids can reconnect you to the world and protect you from cognitive decline. However, selecting hearing aids that are right for you requires understanding your needs and exploring the options available. 

Understand Your Hearing Needs

Before selecting hearing aids, understanding your specific hearing challenges is essential.

• Get a Comprehensive Hearing Test: Visit a qualified hearing care provider to evaluate the type and degree of your hearing loss. They will identify whether your hearing loss is mild, moderate, severe, or profound and whether it’s conductive, sensorineural, or mixed.
• Pinpoint Difficult Listening Situations: Consider where and when you struggle to hear the most. Is it during conversations in noisy environments? Do you have trouble hearing TV or phone calls?
• Think About Future Changes: Hearing loss can evolve over time. Discuss long-term hearing needs with your hearing care provider to ensure your hearing aids remain effective as your hearing changes.

Understanding your hearing challenges allows you to choose aids that best address your lifestyle and needs.

Match Your Lifestyle with the Right Features

Your lifestyle plays a key role in determining the features your hearing aids should have.

• Active Lifestyles: If you enjoy outdoor activities or sports, look for hearing aids with water resistance, wind noise reduction, and durable materials.
• Social Lifestyles: For frequent social engagements or noisy environments like restaurants, choose hearing aids with advanced noise reduction and directional microphones.
• Tech-savvy preferences: Bluetooth connectivity is necessary if you enjoy streaming music, phone calls, or TV audio.
• Quiet Lifestyles: For those who spend more time at home, simpler hearing aids with basic amplification may suffice.

You can pinpoint which features will enhance your hearing experience by analyzing your daily habits.

Explore Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles designed to meet different hearing needs, comfort levels, and aesthetic preferences. Here are the most common types of hearing devices:

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

• Features: The primary device sits behind the ear, connected to an earmold or tube that directs sound into the ear.
• Benefits: BTE aids suit all levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound. They often include rechargeable batteries, directional microphones, and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Ideal For: People who need more amplification, durability, or advanced features.
• Considerations: These are larger and more visible but are available in sleek, streamlined designs.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

• Features: Similar to BTE, but the receiver (or speaker) sits directly in the ear canal.
• Benefits: RIC hearing aids provide clear, natural sound and are smaller than traditional BTE models. They support Bluetooth streaming and advanced noise reduction.
• Ideal For: Those who prefer a less noticeable design but need advanced features.
• Considerations: The receiver may be more prone to damage from earwax or moisture.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

• Features: Custom-molded to fit the outer ear, these aids provide comfort and discretion.
• Benefits: ITE models can include features like directional microphones and volume controls. They are easy to handle and great for mild to severe hearing loss.
• Ideal For: People with dexterity issues who want a device that’s simple to insert and remove.
• Considerations: Larger than in-canal styles, making them more visible.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

• Features: These are tiny devices that fit entirely within the ear canal.
• Benefits: CIC aids are the most discreet and are less likely to pick up wind noise.
• Ideal For: Those who prioritize appearance and have mild to moderate hearing loss.
• Considerations: Limited features and smaller batteries that require frequent replacement.

Open-Fit

• Features: A variation of BTE with a thin tube or dome, leaving the ear canal more open.
• Benefits: Reduces the “plugged” feeling and allows natural sounds to enter the ear.
• Ideal For: Individuals with better low-frequency hearing but high-frequency hearing loss.
• Considerations: May not provide enough amplification for severe hearing loss.

Each style has unique strengths and limitations. Testing multiple styles with your hearing care provider can help you find the perfect fit.

Evaluate Advanced Features and Technology Levels

Modern hearing aids come with features that make hearing in various environments much easier. Choosing the right features depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and hearing needs. Additionally, hearing aids are available in different technology levels, from basic to premium, offering more advanced capabilities as you move up. Here’s a breakdown of key features and how they can enhance your experience:

Noise Reduction

This feature reduces background noise, helping you focus on conversations in noisy environments like restaurants or social gatherings. Higher technology levels often provide more precise noise reduction, making it easier to hear in complex soundscapes.

Directional Microphones

These microphones focus on sounds coming from specific directions, such as the person speaking in front of you. Basic models may have limited directional capabilities, while advanced ones can adapt to changing noise sources automatically, offering clearer conversations in loud settings.

Feedback Cancellation

Feedback cancellation eliminates annoying whistling or buzzing sounds that can occur with hearing aids. All hearing aids have some level of feedback control, but premium technology offers more robust and seamless cancellation for a smoother experience.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids allow you to stream audio from phones, TVs, and other devices directly to your ears. This feature is particularly helpful for hands-free phone calls or enjoying media without extra accessories. Higher-end models may include faster, more reliable streaming and app-based controls.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable hearing aids save the hassle of replacing disposable batteries. A single overnight charge typically provides a full day of use. Advanced hearing aids may offer longer battery life or quicker charging options.

Telecoils

Telecoils help you hear more clearly in public spaces equipped with loop systems, like theaters or places of worship. This feature is especially beneficial for those who frequently attend events in loop-enabled locations.

Remote Controls

Many hearing aids come with remote control options, allowing you to adjust volume, programs, or other settings. Premium hearing aids often integrate these controls into smartphone apps for added convenience and customization.

Synchronization

If you wear hearing aids in both ears, synchronization ensures they work together. Changes made to one device, like volume adjustments, automatically apply to the other. Advanced levels may synchronize environmental adjustments as well, providing a seamless listening experience.

Variable Programming

Hearing aids with multiple programs let you switch between settings optimized for different environments, such as quiet rooms, noisy restaurants, or outdoor spaces. Higher technology levels can automatically detect and adjust to these environments without manual input.

Discover more about hearing aid features. 

Understanding Technology Levels

Hearing aids come in various technology tiers, typically labeled as basic or essential, mid-level or standard, or premium.

• Basic Technology: Offers essential features like noise reduction and feedback control, ideal for quiet lifestyles.
• Mid-Level Technology: Includes directional microphones and Bluetooth connectivity for those with moderately active lifestyles.
• Premium Technology: Provides automatic adjustments, advanced noise reduction, and seamless connectivity for complex listening environments and tech-savvy users.

Prioritize Comfort and Fit

Comfort and fit are critical for hearing aids to perform effectively and ensure long-term satisfaction.

• Custom Fitting: Work with your hearing care provider to customize the fit of your hearing aids.
• Trial Periods: Most providers offer a trial period to help you determine if the fit and sound quality meet your needs.
• Adjustments: Regular follow-up appointments can fine-tune your hearing aids for maximum comfort and performance.

Correctly fitted hearing aids should feel secure and natural, enhancing your confidence in everyday activities.

Consider Cost and Insurance Options

Hearing aids are a valuable investment in your quality of life.

• Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend, considering the cost of features, accessories, and maintenance.
• Check Insurance Coverage: Some insurance plans cover hearing aids from in-network providers. These providers can verify your coverage and work within our options. 
• Explore Payment Plans: Many hearing care providers offer financing options to make hearing aids more affordable.

Balancing cost with your hearing needs ensures you find the right solution without overextending your budget.

Work with a Trusted Hearing Care Provider

A reliable hearing care provider plays a vital role in your journey to better hearing.

• Choose Local Support: A local provider ensures easy access to adjustments, maintenance, and follow-ups.
• Build a Relationship: Your provider should offer ongoing care, including troubleshooting and updating your hearing aids as needed.

The right provider ensures you receive personalized care and the best possible outcomes.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Hearing

Choosing the right hearing aids requires time, research, and professional guidance. Our hearing care providers are dedicated to helping you find the perfect solution for your hearing needs and lifestyle. Contact American Hearing + Audiology today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward clearer, more enjoyable hearing.