A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hearing Aids for You

Getting hearing aids is one of the best quality-of-life improvements for people with hearing loss. However, there are so many options in the market that it becomes difficult to know which ones would be the best option. Also, some people have concerns about how they will look and whether they will be as helpful as experts tell them.

Ensuring your hearing aids look great and work best for you comes down to knowing how to pick the best ones. There are several things to consider, so let’s get started.

Understand the Different Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aids differ in price, features, and how they are placed and fit in the ear. Manufacturers are constantly adding new features while making them smaller, so it has become much easier to pick discreet options that come with the features you need for your particular type and level of hearing loss.

In-the-Canal and In-the-Ear Hearing Aids

The smallest hearing aid options are complete in the canal (also called mini CIC) hearing aids. These are molded to fit entirely inside the ear canal. They are often cited as an excellent option for mild to moderate hearing loss.

These hearing aids are less likely to pick up wind noise than other options because of their size. However, they often have small batteries, which means a shorter standby time, and come with fewer features than other options. The last downside is that, because of their size, there is not much space to fit a lot of hardware inside them.

In-the-ear hearing aids are slightly larger even though they are also custom-molded to fit inside the ear canal.

In-the-ear hearing aids are an excellent option for those with mild to severe hearing loss and are made in two styles. These include ones that fill the outer ear also known as full shell and ones that only fill the lower part of the ear. Both options typically come with directional microphones that allow them to perform better in noisy environments.

Behind-The-Ear, Receiver-in-the-Ear, and Open-Fit Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are the most recognizable because they hook over the top of the ear and rest behind it. The design uses a tube connecting the aid’s main body with a custom earpiece placed in the ear canal. Like other options, the mold is custom-made to fit a user’s ear canal.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are so common because they are appropriate for people of all ages and different types of hearing loss. However, it remains important that you get a hearing test to ensure you get the best behind-the-ear hearing aids for you. You can do that at phonak.com/en-us where you can set up an appointment. Once you get tested, your audiologist will discuss the best hearing aid options for you if you are experiencing hearing loss.

Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are similar to behind-the-ear hearing aids, with one key difference. These use a wire connected to a speaker that sits in the ear instead of a tube. They typically have directional microphones and a rechargeable battery, but they may get clogged by earwax if the wearer doesn’t care for them properly.

Open-fit hearing aids are also similar to the options above, but they have an open dome. This allows the hearing aid to amplify high-frequency sounds while low-frequency sounds enter the ear naturally. This feature makes them an ideal choice for those with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss and mild or no low-frequency hearing loss.

Additional Factors to Consider

Once you understand what the different hearing aids are and which types of hearing loss are best suited for, the next thing is to understand the additional factors you should consider when choosing a set, such as whether you need budget hearing aids.

Hearing aids have come a long way from the first iteration and now include different additional features.

Some of these include the directional microphones mentioned above, noise reduction, Bluetooth to allow connection to different devices, remote controls that will enable you to adjust different features, direct audio input for connecting to other devices, and variable programming.

The latter is very exciting because it allows the user to store several settings on the hearing aids and toggle between each depending on the prevailing conditions. These include different environments, noise levels, and listening needs.

Another essential feature is synchronization. Some people use two hearing aids, and they should be always in sync for the best results. This feature allows adjustments made on one hearing aid to apply to the other for a better experience.

Tinnitus Support

Many people with hearing loss also experience tinnitus. Tinnitus is different in everyone, but it often presents as different sounds like buzzing, bubbling, ringing, roaring, whistling, hissing, or humming. If you suffer from tinnitus, it would be best to get hearing aids with tinnitus support.

Recent studies show listening to different sounds (relief sounds) lessens the condition’s symptoms. Some hearing aids come with this feature and can reduce the annoyance tinnitus presents.

Those with wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth, also allow the wearer to stream their favorite sounds from their smartphones. This is another proven way of reducing the symptoms and annoyances of tinnitus.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle will determine the types of sounds you are exposed to regularly. Those who attend many social gatherings will benefit from hearing aids that allow easier social interactions, while those regularly in noisy environments will appreciate those that make their environment as quiet as possible.

You also need to consider your level of activity.  Explain to your audiologist or hearing care expert the different activities you do, whether at work, in the gym, or for leisure, so they can help you pick the hearing aids that would work best.

Hearing aids are a phenomenal piece of technology and a huge help for those with hearing loss. Because those who use them wear them for an extended period, they should get the right ones. There are numerous factors to consider when picking one or a pair, including the type, quality, price, and features of different hearing aids. Ultimately, the best hearing aids are ones that work best for you and your level and type of hearing loss and fit your lifestyle.