A car isn’t really an impulse purchase (unless you’re very, very wealthy). So a great deal of research is probably the first step you take. You check out reviews, you compare prices, and you consider gas mileage. (You’re on Google a lot.) It makes sense to do this amount of research. You’re about to drop tens of thousands of dollars on something and spend years paying for it (unless, again, you are really wealthy). So you want to be certain it’s worth it!
Not only do you look at the concrete factors (gas mileage, safety, etc), but you’ll also give thought to best fits for your lifestyle. Is there a specific type of vehicle you really like? Do you require a lot of space to carry supplies around? How much power do you want to feel when you press down that gas pedal?
So you need to take a close look at all of your options and make some informed decisions so that you can get the most out of your investment. And when you’re selecting new hearing aids, it’s important to have this same mindset. They won’t cost tens of thousands of dollars, but they are an investment. And getting the most from your investment means determining which devices work best, overall, as well as what provides the most for your lifestyle.
Hearing aid benefits
The example of the benefits of purchasing hearing aids can be broadly compared with the example of buying a car. Hearing aids are pretty great!
Yes, they help you hear, but for most people, the benefits are more tangible than that. Staying connected with your friends and family will be a lot easier with a good pair of hearing aids. You’ll be able to more easily follow conversations at the dinner table, listen to your grandchildren tell you about cool dinosaurs, and chit-chat with the cashier at the supermarket.
With all these benefits, it stands to reason that you’d start to ask, “How can I help my hearing aids last longer?” You don’t want those benefits to stop.
Do more expensive hearing aids work better?
Some individuals might think that they can only get a quality hearing aid if they get the most expensive device.
Hearing aids are definitely an investment. There’s a reason why some devices are expensive in the first place:
- Hearing aids are designed to contain very state-of-the-art technologies, and they have to make those technologies as tiny as possible. So the package you’re purchasing is extremely technologically potent.
- Hearing aids are also designed to last for quite a while. Particularly if you take care of them.
But the most costly model won’t necessarily be your best fit or work the best. How severe your hearing loss is and, obviously, what you can afford are a couple of the variables to consider. Do some hearing aids last longer than others? Certainly! But the price of the device isn’t always the deciding variable.
As with any other purchase, hearing aids will need regular maintenance in order to keep working properly. What’s more, your hearing aids will need to be calibrated to your ears and calibrated for your distinct level of hearing loss.
Be sure you get the right hearing aids for you
What choices do you have? You’ll be able to choose from numerous different types and styles. You can work with us to figure out which ones are best for you and your hearing goals. Here are the choices you will have to pick from:
- Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC): These types of hearing aids can deliver high-quality sound and are typically very discrete (perfect for individuals who want to hide their hearing aids). The only problem is that they tend to have a shorter lifespan and battery life. The small size also means you don’t get some of the most modern functions.
- In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC): These hearing aids are specifically molded to fit your ear canal, which makes them mostly hidden. They will typically have more high-tech functions being a little larger than CIC models. Some of these features can be a little tricky to adjust by hand (because the devices are still fairly small). If you want your hearing aid to be discrete but also include some advanced features, this style will be ideal.
- In-the-Ear Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are also molded to your ears. No part of the hearing aid sits inside your ear canal, it all fits in your outer ear. Two styles are available (full shell, which fits your whole ear, or half shell, which sits in the lower ear). If you have complex hearing issues or need more powerful noise control, the more advanced technology and larger microphones will make these hearing aids a great choice.
- Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE): In a sense, BTE hearing aids are the best of both worlds. This type of device has one part that fits in your ear (that’s the speaker) but transfers all of the bulky electronics to a casing that goes behind your ear. The small tube that connects the two parts is still fairly discrete. These devices are popular because they offer many amplification solutions. These types are a great compromise between power and visibility.
- Receiving-in-the-Canal (or in the Ear) Hearing Aids (RIC or RITE): With this design, the speaker part fits in the ear canal but they are otherwise a lot like BTE models. This makes them even less visible, with the added benefit of decreasing things like wind noise.
- Open-Fit Hearing Aids: Open-fit hearing aids will allow low-frequency sounds to enter the ear even while you’re using the device. This makes them a good fit for individuals who can hear those low-frequencies pretty well (but have difficulty with high-frequency sounds). Though it works well for many people, it won’t be a good option for everyone.
Pros and Cons of over-the-counter hearing aids
Another possibility to think about is OTC or over-the-counter hearing aids. The problem is that OTC hearing aids are sort of like OTC medications, they work fine in a basic way. But if your hearing loss warrants a set of more powerful hearing aids or more specialized hearing aids, OTC devices could fall somewhat short. In general, OTC hearing aids can’t be specially calibrated to your hearing like prescription hearing aids can.
The best way to find out what kind of hearing aid will be best for you, you should consult with us.
Repair and upkeep
Of course, once you’ve taken all of the steps to select your perfect hearing aid type, you need to take care of it. Just like your car requires oil changes once in a while.
So how often will your hearing aids need to be checked? You should get your hearing aid cleaned and properly maintained every six months to a year. By doing this you can be certain everything is in good working order.
You should also become familiar with your warranty. You will save some money when you are aware of what is and isn’t covered. A good warranty and regular upkeep will help your hearing last as long as possible.
So… what’s the best hearing aid?
There is no single best all-time hearing aid. If you go to see twelve different hearing specialists and ask for the “best” hearing aid, they may provide you with twelve different models.
Which hearing aids match your hearing loss requirements will be the ones that are best for you. Just like with a vehicle, for some an SUV will be the right choice, and for others, a minivan will best fit their lifestyles. It all just depends, and the same goes for hearing aids.
But the more you know beforehand and the better informed you are, the easier it will be to get the hearing aids that are ideal for you. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today!
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References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116