Which Hearing Aids are Right for You?
Hearing loss is an issue that impacts most adults in America, whether it is caused by age or noise damage. Your audiologist will be able to give you sound recommendations about the best treatment your hearing loss. In most cases, the recommended treatment plan involves getting a pair of hearing aids. There are, however, a few different types of hearing aids and it’s important to understand the differences so you can get get the perfect fit and all the features that you want.
Your audiologist will work with you to get the best device and features for your specific hearing loss, lifestyle and budget needs, but discover more about the following factors you should consider before making your selection.
Bigger devices pack bigger features
Larger hearing aids such as behind-the-ear (BTE) styles often come with more features and a larger battery due to their size. This means that BTE hearing aids will come with a little more functionality like masking features to address tinnitus or even wireless functionality to be paired with a phone.
Small hearing aids require better dexterity
If you want a smaller pair of hearing aids because they’re discreet then you should keep in mind that replacing the batteries and daily maintenance can be challenging if you have dexterity issues. You might also lose or drop a smaller hearing aid if you struggle to handle them, so you in-the-canal (ITC) options may not be the right fit for your physical capabilities.
Personalized hearing aids are more comfortable
In-the-ear (ITE) and ITC hearing aids often need to be custom-made because they have to sit comfortably and snuggly within your ear. This means that in addition to being less visible than larger counterparts, they’ll also be customized to fit your exact ear anatomy, offering comfort and a more natural sound experience.
Battery life and type are important considerations
If you’re going to be using your hearing aids for a long time then you may want to consider one with a larger battery. In most cases, BTE hearing aids come with larger batteries due to their size, making it a fantastic option for anyone that needs to load their devices with advanced features.
Hearing aids should ultimately fit your lifestyle
The bottom line is that hearing aids need to fit your lifestyle. If you’re going to be exercising on a regular basis then an ITC or ITE device that fits more snuggly may offer more security. For more advanced technological options, a BTE may be preferable because it’s size allows for more features to be equipped.