There are many choices to be considered when buying hearing aids and because of this, many people just don’t have any idea where to begin. There are so many styles, features, and brands that it simply becomes confusing to the point that, the task alone is very daunting. If you are having any of the issues listed above, this article will help to clarify some of the mysteries surrounding the art of buying hearing aids.
In this article you will find 7 very helpful tips for buying hearing aids. The information provided will give you the knowledge you need, to make an educated decision, about the style and features that will best suit your needs. The first step is the most important, and that is:
The hearing test
Before looking at your first hearing aid, you will need to have a hearing test performed by an audiologist or a hearing professional. The hearing aid you will choose is in direct relation to the type of hearing loss you are suffering from. These professionals will provide you with the information you need to obtain the correct hearing device.
Digital vs. Analog hearing aids
Not too long ago you only had analog hearing aids that came in different models. Today, you have digital hearing aids that provide higher quality, more features, and these units can be fine tuned to your personal preferences. Analog hearing aids are still available but they do not provide the features, quality, or the fine tuning you will find in the digital device.
What styles are available
Hearing aids are available in 4 main styles. These styles are in direct relation to the type of hearing loss you are personally confronted with. Based on this information you will choose from these 4:
- BTE – This style fits over and rests in the back of your ear. This style is normally the least expensive. Also referred to as (Behind the ear)
- ITE – This is a very common style of hearing aid. As it states, it fits in your ear but not inside the canal. Also referred to as (In the ear)
- ITC- Of course this style fits in the ear canal, but not too low, allowing it to be a lower profile hearing aid more than anything else. Also referred to as (In the ear canal)
- CIC – This hearing aid fits deep in the canal, is not visible, and requires more fitting than any of the others. Also referred to as (Completely in the ear canal)
The features available
There are a large number of features available today unlike the hearing aids made years ago. You have remote tuning, noise cancelling and more elegant and sophisticated units to choose from. Digital hearing aids offer technology never before realized that can reduce feedback, cancel out unwanted sounds and noises, and even change the sounds you hear to make them more pleasing. With analog hearing aids you are limited in choices and adjustments.
Knowing your budget
When you have found the hearing aid you feel will work best for you, do some comparative shopping. Many different companies will offer different prices for the style hearing aid you are searching for, so make buying hearing aids fun and exciting.
Find out the warrantee
Make sure before making your purchase, you understand the full warrantee. This will help if an unforeseen issue arises.
Try to buy more than one
If one hearing aid has an issue, you have nothing for a backup when sending it in for repair. Buy two hearing aids. The backup doesn’t have to be extravagant, just something to get you by if need be.
Buying hearing aids is a personal experience, in order to get the best possible hearing aid that will help with your hearing loss all reverts back to your hearing test. Make sure when having your hearing test done, you make the most of it. Buying hearing aids will be a more pleasing experience when you understand what your needs are.