Your Best Guide On How To Choose Hearing Aid

Do you have a certain degree of hearing loss and are looking for hearing aids to improve your ability to hear? If yes, this article is a perfect guide for you on how to choose hearing aid based on your needs.

Hearing aids are among the most effective options for people with hearing loss to improve their hearing ability or manage hearing impairment. They are electronic devices that amplify sounds and make it easy for people with hearing loss to understand speech and conversations and listen to other sounds clearly. 

Today, hearing aids are available in multiple styles and colors, providing a more modern yet classic look. Many manufacturers produce hearing aids that are virtually invisible and have discrete designs, offering a rich experience and comfort. 

A proper fit is a primary aspect when it comes to hearing aids, as it not only improves comfort but also maximizes their effectiveness. Hence, choosing the right ones among the plethora of choices is essential, which can be overwhelming with a wide variety of options. It is recommended to consult a hearing healthcare professional first before selecting hearing aids. They consider your hearing needs and suggest the best fit for you. 

In this article, my focus is to provide a detailed guide on how to choose a hearing aid that aligns with your hearing needs. 

Types of Hearing Aids

The following are the different types of hearing aids based on their styles: 

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

As the name suggests, behind-the-ear hearing aids sit behind the ears. It has a small tube connecting to a custom-molded earpiece that fits inside the ear canal. 

BTE is the most common type of hearing aid used by many, but it is large in size. However, modern devices are designed to be small and barely invisible. 

• BTE hearing aids come with bidirectional microphones. 
• They have a greater ability to amplify sound compared to other types. 
• They are susceptible to pick-up more wind noise than other styles. 
• People of all ages and any degree of hearing loss can use behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. 

Another similar kind of hearing aid is receiver-in-canal (RIC), which is less visible than BTE. The speaker and receiver of RIC sit inside the ear canal, while a small wire connects them to the piece behind the ear. 

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In-the-ear hearing aids cover the bowl-shaped area of the outer ear and are available in two types – one that covers most of the bowl-shaped area and the other that covers the lower part of the bowl-shaped area. 

• ITE hearing aids come with bidirectional microphones.
• They are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
• They are easier to handle. 
• The battery size is larger, and hence, it lasts for a long time. 
• They pick up more wind noise compared to other small devices. 

Most ITE hearing aids are designed to fit inside an individual’s ear canal. 

In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids fit perfectly inside the ear canal, as they are primarily custom molded. They are small in size and hence are less visible than the above two types of hearing aids. However, they are ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss. 

Completely-in-canal (CIC) is also similar to ITC, as these hearing aids fit completely inside the ear canal. They are virtually invisible and help improve mild to moderate hearing loss. In addition, they do not pick up more wind noise and use small batteries. 

Features to Look for in a Hearing Aid 

Here, I have mentioned some of the must-have features that you must take into account while choosing hearing aids:  

1. Amplification and Sound Processing

Hearing aids must support adjustable amplification so that you can customize sound amplification according to your degree and type of hearing loss. Sound processing technology helps boost speech clarity, allowing you to hear clearly in noisy environments. 

2. Noise Reduction

Most hearing aids come with a feature of noise reduction. They have the ability to reduce some amount of noise, offering a clear and comprehensible sound (speech). However, the amount of noise every hearing aid reduces varies depending on its brand and model.

3. Directional Microphones

These are microphones that focus on sound coming from only one direction. They isolate and amplify sound from only one direction and minimize sounds from other directions. Hearing aids with directional microphones come in handy in noisy environments.  

4. Connectivity and Compatibility Options (Bluetooth)

Hearing aids must wirelessly connect with Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as smartphones, computers, music players, televisions, etc. This connectivity helps you listen to music, watch your shows or movies, and take phone calls without requiring the cell phone in hand.

Primarily, RIC hearing aids support Bluetooth streaming and integrate seamlessly with iPhones, Android smartphones, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. 

5. Telecoil

Also known as T-coil or T-switch, telecoil connects hearing aids to the sources of electromagnetic energy, including telephones and other listening devices. It is known to pick the sound only from the hearing aid-compatible telephone by reducing the surrounding noise. 

Additionally, it picks sound from public induction loop systems found in churches, theatres, and other places, allowing you to hear clearly to a speaker or watch a movie with clear sound. 

6. Batteries

Some hearing aids use disposable batteries, while others use rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries are available in different sizes, such as 312, 13, 10, 675. Ensure to choose the battery size based on your hearing aid model. Disposable batteries last only for 6 to 7 days, and you need to buy new ones. 

However, rechargeable batteries are more convenient and cost-effective than disposable ones. Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries come with a charging case. 

7. Customization Features

The most important customization feature to look for in a hearing aid is the support to adjust to different listening environments. 

8. Remote Control

Remote control hearing aids are the ones that let you adjust their features remotely through a smartphone without touching the aid. This is possible with wireless technology (Bluetooth), where hearing aids connect seamlessly with smartphones, and a smartphone app allows you to control your aids remotely. 

How To Choose Hearing Aid

Now that you know what features a hearing aid must have. Besides this, it is important to consider three other factors while choosing hearing aids. They are: 

Lifestyle and Knowledge

Your lifestyle plays an important role in choosing hearing aids. If you lead an active lifestyle, you must consider auditory aids with more advanced features, such as noise reduction, directional microphones, feedback cancellation, etc., for a better and high-quality sound experience. 

For example, if you frequently go to social gatherings or any other crowded places, your aids must reduce all the background noise and transmit only the intended sound clearly to you. Premium auditory aids are designed with advanced technology and algorithms that handle background noises and prioritize speech or conversation. This helps you take part in important conversations and interact with others without any hesitation.

On the other hand, if you lead a passive lifestyle, you can consider hearing aids that offer minimal features and are available at low prices. 

Budget 

Budget is yet another indispensable factor when it comes to auditory aids. The price of hearing aids varies depending on the model, in addition to features and types. The three most common models of hearing aids are prescription, direct-to-consumer, and over-the-counter. 

Once you narrow down your list of aids based on features and types, it is time to choose the right model for you that fits within the pre-decided budget. 

Prescription Hearing Aids

Licensed or local hearing healthcare professionals prescribe and sell hearing aids called prescription hearing aids. They are custom-fitted and designed based on an individual’s hearing needs and unique ear anatomy. They are ideal for: 

• Complex hearing loss 
• Unusual ear anatomy
• Personalized treatment and support 

However, this model of hearing aid is more costly than others, as it involves designing highly personalized aids and providing customized treatment solutions. You are required to go through a thorough hearing screening. 

If you have severe hearing loss or unilateral hearing loss, you must consider prescription hearing aids. 

Price: $$$

Prescription hearing aids have the highest price tags due to a high level of customization. Many providers even provide bundled plans inclusive of follow-up services for three years. 

The average price for a pair of prescription hearing aids ranges between $4,000 – $7,000. 

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Models

The direct-to-custom hearing aids model is available online or over the phone. These aids are customized through a Telehealth service, where a healthcare professional provides in-person support and guidance remotely over the Internet. They are more affordable than the prescription hearing aid model.

A remote healthcare professional conducts an online hearing test to assess your degree of hearing loss. Based on the test result, they suggest hearing aids to fit your unique hearing needs.

DTC models are ideal for: 

• Mild to severe hearing loss
• Common ear canal anatomy
• Good dexterity 
• Those comfortable with remote support 

The major problem with this model is some providers do not offer in-person fitting and adjustment due to the remote distribution of hearing aids. However, remote care is available all the time. 

If you are comfortable with remote assistance and enjoy doing things on your own, you can consider the DTC model. 

Price: $$

Direct-to-customer (DTC) hearing aids are less expensive than the prescription model. They offer both in-person and remote fitting options. 

The average price for a pair of DTC hearing aids ranges between $1200 – $3,000. 

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Models

The Over-the-counter (OTC) model is more pocket-friendly and is available online and at retailers like Walmart. Hearing aids of this model are suitable for: 

• Mild to moderate hearing loss
• Common ear canal anatomy
• Good dexterity
• Those comfortable with self-fitting

If you are looking for more affordable options, you can consider the over-the-counter (OTC) model. 

Price: $

The over-the-counter (OTC) model is more budget-friendly. The average price for a pair of OTC hearing aids ranges between $800 – $2,500.  

Durability

What if your hearing aids break due to minor issues? Wouldn’t it be heart-breaking? Obviously, it would be! This is where durability matters. 

Check the quality of all the components of your hearing aids. They should withstand everyday wear and tear. In addition, they should be resistant to water, dust, and other external factors. A minor climate change should not affect your aid’s quality. 

Fit and Comfort

If you want to hear clear sounds and experience comfort, you must ensure the proper fit of hearing aids. If they do not fit well inside your ear canal, they do not amplify the sound properly, resulting in poor-quality speech. 

Additionally, a snug fit significantly reduces feedback or whistling sounds and improves speech clarity, as it creates a secure seal to prevent the leakage of sound. 

Ill-fitted hearing aids provide discomfort, making you unable to wear them throughout the day. If they fit correctly, you can wear them without experiencing any discomfort and irritation. 

Trial Period and Warranty

As hearing aids are among the most expensive electronic devices, you may want to choose one that best fits your ear canal. If you invest in these devices and do not experience any comfort or sound clarity, you will end up wasting your money. Hence, choose the auditory aids that offer a trial period for at least a few days. 

Look for a risk-free trial period, where you can try hearing aids first and then make a decision. The number of days in a risk-free trial varies from state to state. However, most states demand companies to offer at least a 30-day risk-free trial. 

Another factor to take into consideration is the warranty period. Being electronic gadgets, hearing aids can sometimes malfunction, or a few parts can be damaged due to external factors. In such scenarios, if your hearing aids are in the warranty period, the provider can get manufacturing defects or malfunction fixed without charging an extra dime.  

Look for a manufacturer that provides at least one to three years of warranty period. 

Recommended OTC Hearing Aids

Conclusion

Choosing the right hearing aids plays a vital role in enhancing the listening experience. As a plethora of styles, types, and models are available, it becomes challenging to choose the right hearing aids. 

Amplification, sound clarity, noise reduction, feedback cancellation, wireless connectivity (Bluetooth), remote support and control, and customization options are a few must-have features in every hearing aid type and model. 

Besides these features, make sure to consider your comfort, budget, and lifestyle and choose hearing aids accordingly. Look for hearing aids from a manufacturer that offers a risk-free trial and a prolonged warranty period. 

So, if you are finding it difficult to hear conversations clearly, listen to music at a normal volume, or understand speech in noisy environments, it is time to consider using hearing aids. I hope the above guide on how to choose hearing aids might serve you as a transformative resource.