A Guide to Hearing Aids

If you have been told you are experiencing hearing loss, your next step will likely be to look for a hearing aid to help manage the issue. Unfortunately, this is often trickier than people expect. If you have never bought a hearing aid before, you are likely unprepared for all the different options available to you.

We understand how difficult the hearing aid purchasing process can be if you are undertaking it for the first time. This is why we have put together a basic starter guide below. Read on for the primer you need to ensure your hearing aid purchase is the right one for you…

The different types of hearing aids

Firstly, it’s important to note that there are numerous types of hearing aids. There are two main areas that hearing aid types tend to differ from one another:

• Visibility. Some styles, such as behind-the-ear hearing aids, are more visible to an onlooker. Others, such as invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids, are more discreet.
• Severity of hearing loss. Some styles, such as in-the-ear hearing aids, are suitable for all levels of hearing loss. Others, such as invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids, are only suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

It’s also worth noting that these two factors tend to influence one another. As a general rule, the more severe your hearing loss, the more visible the device will be.

The variable functionality of hearing aids

The most important component of a hearing aid is to amplify the sound the wearer hears. However, how this is achieved varies, and there are numerous functions you will want to consider.

Some functions should be considered important, and well worth considering for most people considering hearing aids. Noise reduction, for example, is included in most hearing aids, while wind-reducing functions are vital if you like to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Other functions aren’t essential, but they may be nice to have. For example, remote controls can allow you to adjust the functions of your hearing aid without having to remove it. Alternatively, directional microphones are great if you spend a lot of time in spaces where there is a lot of background noise.

When it comes to selecting your hearing aid functions, go with what feels right to you. You could opt for a basic functionality of sound amplification and not much more. You could also go right through to the full bells-and-whistles function of the most high-tech options. Whatever suits you and your lifestyle.

The maintenance of hearing aids

Finally, it is worth noting that all hearing aids will require some degree of maintenance. For the most part, this will usually involve being cleaned after use and storing the hearing aid in a moisture-free container. However, it’s always worth asking your audiologist just how much maintenance a specific device will require before you commit to a purchase.

If there is something that you are unsure of when buying a hearing aid, ask your audiologist for advice. They are trained professionals who have vast experience in connecting people with the right hearing aid for their needs. If at any point you need help, they will be more than happy to assist.