How to find an appropriate hearing aid for you?

January 17, 2023

Hearing loss can occur due to various reasons, such as infection, loud noise exposure, genetic problem, and illness. While normal hearing cannot be restored entirely, a hearing aid is an excellent device that gives the ability to hear and plays a significant role in improving your quality of life.

The main purpose of a hearing aid is to convert the sound from the environment into a clear one, so that person can easily hear and understand it. Hearing aids aren’t one-size-fits-all, as they come in various shapes, designs, and technologies. Therefore, finding the right fit for users’ precise requirements is extremely important.

Read on to understand different types of hearing aids and how to choose the right one.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound and can help people with hearing loss to match their auditory capabilities. It may vary depending on design, the technology used for amplification, and other key features. Usually, a microphone receives the sound and transforms it into a digital signal. The amplifier improves the strength of the digital signal and the speaker produces better sound into the users’ ear.

Types Of Hearing Aids

The best-fit hearing aid depends on your age, hearing loss reason, listening abilities, size and shape of ear canal/ear, the style you need, and other special requirements. Some hearing devices come with a sound system and Bluetooth option. Types include:

  • Behind-the-Ear (BTE) aids – It places over the ear and is finely connected to close-fitted earpieces.
  • Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) aids – It goes over the ear but is quite small in size and almost invisible.
  • In-the-ear (ITE) aids – It is placed in the ear bowl area and part of the ear canal.
  • You can consider using small in-the-ear or in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids
  • If you’re seeking the least visible aids, go for completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids

Before you choose any hearing aid, it is advised to consult an expert audiologist to decide which device would work great for you and your lifestyle.

How To Choose A Hearing Aid?

Your hearing care practitioner may recommend a hearing aid for the type of hearing loss you have. With free at-home consultation and thorough evaluation, you are able to decide what kind of hearing aid fits best for your needs. Based on testing and screening, a professional will see what level of hearing loss you suffer from and whether there is a need for a hearing device to improve your daily functions.

Questions You Should Ask:

  • Do you really need a hearing aid?
  • Is there any simple, economical option?
  • What happens if you don’t do anything about hearing loss?
  • How to use and maintain hearing aid properly?
  • What kind of repair and adjustments would it require in the future?

Final Words

Most importantly, choose a hearing aid that offers maximum comfort, clear sound in both a quiet and noisy environment, and peace of mind. Think about your daily experiences and how a hearing aid can help you understand those words and sounds easily. When diagnosed with hearing loss, consult a mobile audiologist for follow-up care and select a device that fits best for your needs.

Written by
Reviewed by
Dr. Emma Durazzo
Owner & Doctor of Audiology
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With years of experience and continued professional training, Emma Durazzo (formerly Emma McCue) has developed her expertise in a variety of subspecialties within the scope of audiology.