There are many hearing aids available in the market with different features, styles, and prices. Before choosing a hearing aid to reduce your hearing loss, you need to consider various factors to ensure that you make the right choice.
We are discussing below some important things that you should keep in mind while considering the options:
1. Extent of Hearing Loss
Not all hearing aids available in the market are suitable for all hearing impaired. You will first need to consider your hearing loss, the extent of the loss, and the configuration (results of your test) of the hearing loss.
Hearing loss configuration is most important when assisting with a particular style is recommended by an audiologist. Mostly hearing loss and speech and hearing problems are common hearing loss configurations.
Mostly, hearing aids can be divided into two categories:
in-ear (ite) styles
ITE hearing aids are now less common due to the availability of RIC and open-fit BTE. They are more suitable for flat hearing loss where occlusion risk is minimal. They come in a variety of sizes, from the smallest CIC (full-in-the-canal) to the largest ITE (in-the-dark) device.
Behind the Ears (BTE) Styles
BTE (behind the ear) hearing aids come in a variety of styles: standard, open fit, and in-canal receivers; The device sits right behind the ear thus delivering sound clearly inside the ears.
Receiver in the Canal (RIC) Styles
RIC (receiver in canal) hearing aids share all the advantages of virtually open-fit devices but have a larger volume limit. These hearing aids are one of the most popular devices available in the market. These offer the same cosmetic appeal that is provided by behind-ear open fit (BTE) devices and are capable of providing relief to those suffering from severe hearing loss.
2. Lifestyle
Your current lifestyle and the conditions in which you would like to use hearing aids will determine which type of hearing aid is more suitable for you.
Lifestyle factors also determine which style and price range you want to settle on, as more sophisticated listening devices with added features tend to be more expensive than simple ones.
The characteristics of hearing aids range from just basic to complex. At home, basic models are more suitable for quiet situations like listening to the radio or TV.
Mid-level hearing devices are all-around gadgets, as they are equipped with advanced circuitry to assist you in social situations (shopping centers, family gatherings) if you are normally used to such situations.
3. Cosmetics
The overall appearance of a hearing aid is very important for many people suffering from hearing loss. Most men or women have hair behind their ears, with RIC or BTE hearing aids being the best. They are intelligent because they will hide behind hair-covered ears. Only a thin tube will be visible that goes into the ear canal which is barely noticeable.
Many people prefer more careful in-canal (CIC) hearing aids and they go completely inside their ear canal. Such hearing aids are good for mild to moderate hearing loss as the occlusion risk is high.
4. Price
The cost of hearing aids also plays an important role in their selection. You will need to consult with your audiologist to find out the most suitable model for your hearing loss as you may not want to pay for an expensive model that may not have the features you need. learn more Hearing Aid Types in Ahmedabad
