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Which Type Of Hearing Aid Is Best?
When it comes to finding the right hearing solution for your needs, it can be difficult to navigate which make and model is best for you. This guide will help you decide which is the best hearing aid for your needs. However, if you’re still unsure, it’s always a good idea to book a hearing test with a local audiologist.
What are you looking for in a hearing aid?
Before you start looking for your hearing aid, it’s important to identify why you need one and what you want from your device. Here are some areas to consider.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, behind-the-ear hearing aids are your best bet. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are larger than in-ear models, so they’re not as discreet. But they’re also easier to insert and remove, and they don’t require as much upkeep (although you will need to clean them on occasion to prevent wax buildup).
Additionally, because they sit outside of your ear canal, they can be a good option for people with ear infections or other ailments affecting their ear canal.
It’s worth noting, however, that behind-the-ear hearing aids can amplify background noise along with the sound you want to hear, which can sometimes be distracting.
While these devices may not have all the bells and whistles of their more expensive counterparts, they can still provide significant relief for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The best sound
If you’re looking for a hearing aid that will offer you the best sound, then over-the-ear devices provide the crispest, loudest sound. These hearing aids are useful for those with more advanced hearing loss.
At Amplify, we stock all the leading brands, from GN Resound, Starkey, and Phonak to Widex, Oticon and many more.
The Resound Quattro is one of the most popular hearing aids on the market for a reason: it’s an all-around great device that offers a lot of features and benefits.
- It has a sleek, modern design that’s almost invisible when worn.
- It’s packed with cutting-edge features, such as Rechargeable Lithium-ion Batteries, Bluetooth Streaming, and Smart Windscreen.
- It offers excellent sound quality, allowing users to hear even the softest sounds clearly.
Discreteness
Not all of us want our hearing aids on show. If you’re after discreet hearing aids, then in-ear models could be best for you. These hearing aids have a lot going for them. They’re small and hidden, so people usually won’t even know you’re wearing one unless you tell them. And because they fit snugly inside your ear canal, they can be more effective at blocking out background noise than their behind-the-ear counterparts.
On the downside, in-ear hearing aids can be more difficult to insert and remove than behind-the-ear models.
They also require more frequent cleaning to avoid wax build-up. It’s also best to avoid using this type of hearing aid if you’re suffering from an ear infection or other ailment affecting your ear canal.
Lowest price
Whilst NHS hearing aids are free, the cheapest hearing aids start from approximately £495.
One cheaper option is to purchase hearing aids online. And there are some reputable companies online that sell hearing aids at a fraction of the cost than you would pay in-store. But it is worthwhile remembering that you are just buying the hearing aid and you will receive no audiology service at the time of buying, fitting or as part of any aftercare.
Because rehabilitation and some tweaking of hearing aids is needed for you to get the best out of them, unlike glasses which you just pop on, when it comes to buying hearing aids, you get what you pay for. And generally speaking, you’re buying clinical care, not just the product or technology. Always check to find out what your hearing aid package includes. Aftercare and ongoing maintenance is crucial, so ensure you get free checkups, annual servicing and check the length of manufacturer’s warranty included.
At Amplify, we know how crucial patient aftercare is as part of your hearing solution journey, which is why we offer:
- 60 day money back guarantee
- 5 year manufacturer’s warranty as standard
- Free servicing
- Comprehensive patient support
- Free annual hearing tests
For more information on the different types of hearing aids available and your aftercare, read our guide.
Amplify: independent hearing aid providers
As an independent audiologist, we’re proud to offer the best hearing aid services through your local optician’s practice. Providing access to the best behind-the-ear and invisible hearing aids across the UK, we ensure you get the solution that works for your needs and lifestyle.
Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals are dedicated to providing you with the best possible care. Alongside hearing aids, we offer a wide range of services, including hearing tests and aftercare. Contact us today to find out what you can expect at your hearing test, and how we can help.