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A Guide To Selecting The Best Hearing Aid For You
If you’re struggling with hearing loss, the right hearing aid can significantly impact your quality of life. In this guide to hearing aids, we’ll look at the factors you should consider when selecting the best hearing aids for you.
Hearing loss
Before you consider how to choose a hearing aid, it’s important to book a hearing test to determine your level of hearing loss. In turn, this influences the type of hearing aids available:
- Mild to moderate hearing loss: Any hearing aids, including invisible and behind-the-ear styles, are suitable.
- Severe hearing loss: Half or full-shell in-the-ear or over-the-ear aids are a suitable choice.
- Profound hearing loss: Over-the-ear power hearing aids are the best option. Cochlear implants provide a permanent solution but require surgery.
Functionality and technology
Modern hearing aids are technologically advanced, providing a natural 360-degree hearing experience. Additionally, hearing aids can offer a range of features to deliver the best possible experience for your lifestyle:
- If you suffer from tinnitus, tinnitus support settings can relieve your symptoms.
- Rechargeable batteries can provide fast charging for a day on the go and are more economical than standard batteries.
- Connectivity and streaming functionality allow you to connect directly to your TV, tablet or smartphone, letting you watch and browse at a comfortable volume that doesn’t affect other people.
Personal comfort
Finding the best hearing aids for you is a highly personal decision. And comfort should be high on the list of factors you consider when making your choice.
In-the-ear hearing aids
In-the-ear (ITE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids sit snugly in the opening of your ear or in the ear canal itself and are a good solution for mild to moderate hearing loss. Additionally, ITC hearing aids are almost invisible for those who prefer a more discreet solution.
However, the small size of completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids means they can be fiddly to use without a remote control. They also generally have fewer features than larger over-the-ear aids. However, because these devices are moulded to fit, the shape of your ear canal will determine whether this is a comfortable choice for you.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids
Alternatively, for more severe hearing loss and a more comprehensive range of features, you might consider behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. Though more visible than CIC and IIC styles, wearers often found them more comfortable for prolonged use.
With RITE and RIC devices, you enjoy superior sound quality with the discreet styling of an ITE or ITC device. In addition, BTE hearing aids generally have more functionality than ITE devices,
although the more technically advanced your hearing aids, the higher the price tag.
Your lifestyle
The best hearing aids can have a hugely positive impact on your quality of life. And the more socially engaged you are, the more features you may need. BTE hearing aids generally have enhanced technology and bigger batteries. So if you live an active lifestyle, you can just put your hearing aids in and go without worrying about running out of power.
It’s also worth remembering that hearing aids come in different designs and colours. For example, an invisible style might suit you best if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and prefer a more discreet style. On the other hand, you could choose BTE hearing aids in a colour that precisely matches your skin tone. Or express your personality with distinctive colours and patterns.
Hearing tests and hearing aids from Amplify
At Amplify, we’re independent audiologists who can find you the best hearing loss solution for your lifestyle. Want to know which hearing aid is best for you? Contact Amplify to find your local clinic today.