Picking the perfect hearing aid that will work for your unique type and degree of hearing loss can be challenging. With the help of your experienced audiologist, you will need to take both the style and additional features into account when making a selection.
Hearing Aid Styles
Even with different styles, hearing aids have the same components. They include a microphone that picks up sound, an amplifier that makes the sound louder, a receiver the delivers the amplified sound into the ear and the batteries to power the whole device.
There are several styles of hearing aids.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are made up of two parts. One portion sits behind the ear, and the other is an earmold that sits within the ear; the two are connected with a tube. While this is the largest available style, it is the most durable and easiest to use. Behind-the-ear hearing aids also work best for children, as the earmold can be refit as they grow.
In-the-ear hearing aids fit all the device components into one piece that sits in the outer ear. While less noticeable than the behind-the-ear style, this hearing aid contains fewer features.
In-the-canal hearing aids are the smallest option, sitting inside the ear canal. This style is the least noticeable option, but can be hard for people with dexterity issues to manage.
Other Considerations
When selecting a style, it is important take both the aesthetic and ease of use into consideration. The larger hearing aids may be more noticeable, but they are often easier to use and can house the greatest number of additional features.
Your audiologist will also work with you to determine your listening lifestyle. Someone who spends their time in quiet settings won’t need the same level of technology as those who are often in locations with a lot of background noise, like the dinner rush at Second Empire.
Additional Features
Hearing aids are available with a wide array of additional features. The most popular ones include:
- Rechargeable batteries.
- Customizable programs.
- Remote microphones.
- Wireless connectivity.
You and your audiologist will work together to determine which features will benefit your specific hearing loss. To learn more about the hearing aid selection process or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, contact Carolina Ear, Nose, Throat, Sinus & Allergy today.