Hearing aids can significantly improve the quality of your life. However, it can be a worrying time. After all, you want to make sure you choose the appropriate hearing aid. But what questions should be asked, and what do you need to know when looking at hearing aids?
What Type of Hearing Aid Is Best for Me?
By asking this question, you will directly open up the conversation about your lifestyle and what you need from your hearing aid. Your personal preferences will play a massive part in determining the right hearing aid for you, allowing you to get a better experience with your hearing aid. Are you sporty and need to be able to wear your hearing aid when working out?
Or do you work in construction and need it to filter out excessive external sounds to allow you to hear important conversations? The more your audiologist knows about your lifestyle the better they can find the perfect hearing aid for you.
What Types of Hearing Aids Are Available?
There is a range of different hearing aids on the market; however, the most common hearing aids are behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC):
- BTE hearing aids sit particularly behind the ear and partially inside, often preferred by many people due to their sound quality and extended battery life.
- ITC hearing aids are exactly as they sound and sit inside the ear for a more discreet option. These can be preferable to BTE hearing aids for glasses wearers or those who do not like the thought of something sitting on their ear.
- ITE hearing aids again, are more discreet and can offer a better sound quality with increased noise reduction. However, these can require more care and attention and regular cleaning due to the placement within the ear itself.
What Functions Are Available?
Hearing aids can come equipped with many different functions these days and asking your audiologist what is available for your preferred style of hearing aid and your hearing requirements can help you to find the right features.
From tinnitus-reducing technology to directional microphones that automatically identify where you are listening to block out external noises in different directions to rechargeable hearing aids that don’t require batteries. Many other features are available depending on the hearing aid you choose.
How Do I Care for My Hearing Aids
How you care for your hearing aids directly impacts the lifespan, usability and sound quality of your hearing aid. Paying close attention to cleaning and storing your hearing aid and fitting it correctly can allow you to get the most from it. Always handle your hearing aid with clean hands and apply once you are ready to avoid contaminants such as creams, lotions, perfumes, hairspray and water.
Clean your hearing aid daily using the correct equipment and store them safe from damage and sunlight and sealed away from dust and dirt which can accumulate. When you discuss your hearing loss and hearing aid requirements with your audiologist, asking the correct type of questions can help you to determine the right hearing aid for you and enable you to learn more about the features and styles available, as well as how best to care for your hearing aid to extend its functionality and lifespan.
