The process of buying hearing aids was in the past much easier. There were only a few styles to select from and they all ultimately worked the same way, which was to say not very well.
It wasn’t until digital technology was integrated into the design that hearing aids became practical solutions for the recovery of hearing. And with digital technology, a number of features became readily available to regulate a wide variety of listening situations.
But that’s the tradeoff—easy choices that produced inadequate results are now difficult choices with several options.
But complicated does not mean impossible, and the time invested is well worth the improvement in hearing you can achieve. It’s also why it’s crucial to partner with an established hearing specialist that can guide you through all of the important considerations.
Below are six things to look for when selecting hearing aids, in conjunction with the questions to ask your hearing professional.
1. Programmability
Hearing amplification products are not all created equal. The fact is, the distinction between the cheapest personal sound amplifier and the highest end digital hearing aid is the difference between a Ford Pinto and a Porsche.
While you may not need the highest end hearing aid model on the market, the main difference you should be worried about between a personal amplifier and a hearing aid is programmability.
Hearing aids should be programmed to enhance sounds according to your unique hearing loss. Otherwise, all sound will be amplified evenly and that’s not going to make it easier to hear speech any better than before.
Ask your hearing professional about programming functionality, including pre-programed settings you can use in different scenarios, like at a restaurant as opposed to at home.
2. Style
Hearing aids come in many sizes and styles, ranging from behind-the-ear to entirely in the ear canal.
You’ll want to balance price, functionality, ease-of-use, and aesthetics when making your choice on hearing aid styles. You’ll also want to work with a hearing professional on this one, as many factors should be considered, including the level of your hearing loss.
3. Directional microphones
People buy hearing aids for a range of reasons and to hear an assortment of sounds, but the foremost reason is to hear and understand speech.
If that’s the case for you, you’ll want to inquire about directional microphones in any hearing aid you’re checking into.
Hearing aids with directionality contain two or more microphones installed at a specific distance from each other within the hearing aid. The variation in arrival time of sound to each microphone then determines how the hearing aid reacts to the sound.
This makes it possible for the hearing aid to focus on the specific sound origin in front of you, which if it’s a person, will be the sounds of speech.
4. Background noise minimization
Background noise and feedback suppression are featured in most digital hearing aid models, but you’ll want to verify this with any product you’re considering.
Hearing aids contain a microprocessor that can differentiate between high-frequency sounds (like speech) and low-frequency sounds (like background noise). The microprocessor can then magnify speech while curbing everything else.
5. Telecoils
A telecoil is a small copper coil built into the hearing aid. While that doesn’t sound all that spectacular, what it can achieve definitely is.
Telecoils make it possible for you to speak on the phone without feedback and connect to hearing loop systems. For instance, if a hearing loop system is installed in a church or cinema, sound will be transmitted directly to your hearing aid for optimum clarity.
Hearing loops can also be set up in home theater systems for the equivalent effect. Ask your hearing specialist for additional details.
6. Wireless connection
Did you just buy a brand new iPhone or smartphone?
If that’s the case, you may want to think about purchasing compatible hearing aids that connect wirelessly to these devices. That way, you can stream telephone calls and music directly to your hearing aids for optimum sound quality.
Your smartphone can even be used as your hearing aid remote control, whereby you can discreetly adjust the volume and settings.
There’s much to consider when choosing a hearing aid, which is why it’s critical to work with a reputable and experienced hearing care professional.
Are you ready to find your ideal hearing aid?