If you suspect you have hearing loss, the first step toward better hearing is to get a comprehensive hearing test. Once your hearing has been tested and you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss, the next step is to select a hearing aid. Below we review how to choose the right hearing aid for your lifestyle.
Working with an Audiologist
They key to finding the right hearing aid for you is to work with an audiologist you trust. Your audiologist will use the results of your hearing test, your lifestyle needs assessment, your aesthetic preferences and your budget to recommend a hearing aid that works for you. First they’ll recommend a certain type of hearing aid then choose a model that offers the features you want.
Types of Hearing Aids
Below are some of the most popular types of hearing aids:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE). The main portion of a BTE is worn behind the ear, and sound is channeled via thin tubing to an earmold that delivers it to the ears. BTEs are suitable for a wide range of hearing losses, from mild to profound.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC). RICs are similar to BTEs expect instead of an earmold, a receiver is worn in the ear, which connects to the hearing aid via thin wire. RICs are ideal for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
- In-the-Ear (ITE). ITEs fit inside the outer portion of the ear, and all the components are held in a hard-plastic case. They are great for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
- In-the-Canal (ITC). ITCs are custom fit to sit inside the ear canal and in part of the outer portion of the ear. They work for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC). CICs also sit inside the ear canal but are less visible than ITCs. They are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC). IICs sit deep in the ear canal and are completely invisible. They are also suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Hearing Aid Features
Hearing aids come with a variety of features to help you communicate well while out at the Woodbury Cafe
including:
- Rechargeability.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Smartphone compatibility.
- Directional microphones.
- Telecoils.
- Background noise reduction.
- Automatic programming.
For more information about choosing the right hearing aid for your lifestyle, call the experts at Midwest Hearing today.