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How to Choose the Right Hearings Aids

Realizing your hearing loss can be quite upsetting. Seeing an audiologist for the first time and coming to terms with hearing loss can be an emotional time for you. Being informed that you will need to acquire hearing aids to sufficiently enhance your hearing can catch you off guard, especially when this is unexpected. You may have visited an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who then referred you to an audiologist.

Shocked, you may be wondering what your future of hearing loss will look like…

However, needing hearing aids should not be considered embarrassing, and wearing them is not uncomfortable. With stylish designs and advanced technology, wearing hearing aids can be discreet and comfortable. Hardware systems can now be controlled in real-time; plus, modern accessories can arguably make your hearing experience more enjoyable than before. You’ll have to read on to find out how!

If you’re confused and needing some guidance, there are some things to know about different types of hearing aids. Though your audiologist is likely to assist your choice, and it will depend on the extent of your hearing loss, it’s great to do research beforehand to best inform your decision.

Cost of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are a crucial life investment and can cost anywhere between $1000 – $6000. Though this figure may initially sound high, good quality hearing aids can last up to 4 or more years if your hearing loss remains stable over this period. Oftentimes, audiologists bundle the cost of the hearing aids with a multiple-year warranty, specialist follow-up appointments, a battery replacement policy, as well as routine hearing aids cleaning.

Depending on your communication needs, there are 4 main types of hearing aids that are currently being used. The types are different because of the fitting style and your hearing needs, with more severe hearing loss requiring more advanced amplification technology.

Types of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can fit Behind-the-ear (BTE), In-the-ear (ITE), In-the-canal (ITC), or Completely-in-canal (CIC). There are also two new styles: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and Invisible-in-canal (IIC). The assistive devices fitting in your ear canal are usually smaller and have less power than the BTE hearing aid, but for an individual with mild hearing loss, the benefit of discretion is great!

BTE, on the other hand, though it may sound like an intrusive earpiece to wear, newer brands are streamlining their products in such a way that the technology may now be barely visible. Furthermore, the fantastic amplification of BTE is one of the main reasons it is the world’s most common type.

What Can Hearing Aids Offer You?

All hearing aids will reduce the noise interference around you and amplify or improve the transmission of sound that you’d like to hear. Though there are still unideal sounds that may be picked up by the hearing aids’ microphones, such as wind, technology is improving the user’s sound experience tremendously. Additionally, as most new hearing aids wearers are worried about the bulkiness and discretion, it would be good to know that most of the new brands also now offer various color options. It is now possible to receive a set that will blend in with your skin tone, reducing potential discomfort in social situations.

Battery Use

Another great development is the widespread use of rechargeable batteries, which – on average – can now last for more than a day of usage. These batteries are supplied with a nifty portable, protective case with which you can discreetly travel. Hearing aids with LED lights indicating battery status are also now employed, allowing you to easily track your device’s power and identify when they need charging.

You may not have as much choice as you’d like. When visiting your specialist, they are likely to prescribe the most suitable type of hearing aid, depending on your power and sound transmission needs. But, do not worry! The latest digital hearing aids coming to market will offer you excellent choices and their technology is impressive.

For instance, among the ReSound hearing aids that are available, is the world’s first wireless CIC (completely-in-canal) set. Directly connected to your smartphone – from iOs or Android – these assistive devices are fully supported to stream music and phone calls.

With constantly advancing technology, there are now several hearing aids’ accessories that are available to the user, including remote controls, TV streamers, and mics. These hearing aids purport to “personalize details of your hearing experience”, allowing you to customize the loudness of specific sounds and control feedback to your desire.

If you remain unclear about prognosis, you’re perhaps questioning your communication disorder, and if you would like further assistance, a directory of organizations may help you decide how to proceed.

It is essential that you feel at ease with your diagnosis and treatment because your user experience is, ultimately, the only way you will enjoy the true life-changing benefit of assistive devices.

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