Are you struggling with hearing loss and in need of a hearing aid? When it comes time to buy hearing aids one can feel overwhelmed, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we will provide you with valuable information on how to choose the perfect hearing aid for your specific needs.
First and foremost, it is crucial to consult an Audiologist who can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide expert advice. They will help determine the severity of your hearing loss and guide you toward the most suitable options.
We will also explore different styles of hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and receiver-in-canal, and discuss the importance of considering features like amplification settings, noise reduction, and connectivity options.
By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to choose the perfect hearing aid that enhances your hearing and improves your quality of life.
Consult an Audiologist
This article will give you a lot of knowledge so that you are informed, but the best source of information will always be from your audiologist. They will be able to address the hearing issues you are having and work with you on a solution for those specific needs. In doing so, you will make sure that the type of hearing aid you buy not only suits the style you want but is the best solution for the best results from your hearing assessment.
If you are a pensioner, veteran, or a part of the NDIS in Australia, you may be eligible for free hearing tests (and other services) that are covered by the government. Feel free to give Robin a call if you have any questions regarding what Stay Tuned Hearing can offer, and if you are eligible – 03 9708 8626.
Choosing the right hearing aid for you can make a significant impact on your daily life. With hearing loss, simple tasks like having conversations or enjoying music can become a challenge. A consultation with an audiologist can help determine the best hearing aid for your specific needs, whether it’s addressing tinnitus or improving overall hearing.
The Impact of Hearing Loss on Daily Life
Imagine how frustrating it must be to struggle with everyday tasks and miss out on important conversations due to your hearing loss. Choosing the right hearing aid can have a significant impact on your daily life.
Not being able to hear well can make simple activities like having a conversation, watching TV, or talking on the phone a challenge. It can also lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. However, with the right hearing aid, you can regain your ability to hear and improve your quality of life.
A hearing aid can help you hear more clearly, making it easier to participate in conversations, enjoy social gatherings, and stay connected to the world around you. With the assistance of an audiologist, you can find the perfect hearing aid that suits your specific needs and lifestyle.
Don’t let hearing loss hold you back; choose the right hearing aid and reclaim your life.
Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
Not often thought of when hearing aids come up is the condition of tinnitus.
People who suffer from this condition may be unaware, but there are hearing aids that are specifically designed to help manage tinnitus symptoms by generating a soft, soothing sound that masks the ringing or buzzing many people have to endure. The sounds can also be customised so that you can find your unique setting that offers personalised relief.
As a bonus, some hearing aids for tinnitus also come with additional features like Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music or phone calls directly to your hearing aids.
With the right hearing aids for tinnitus, you can regain control over your hearing and reduce the impact of tinnitus on your daily life.
Choosing the Right Style of Hearing Aid
When it comes to choosing the right style of hearing aid for you, there are three key options to consider.
The first is Behind the Ear (BTE), which is worn behind your ear and connects to a custom earmold or dome that fits inside your ear.
The second is In the Ear (ITE), where the entire hearing aid is housed in a custom-made shell that fits in your outer ear.
Lastly, Completely In the Canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest and fit entirely inside your ear canal, making them almost invisible.
Behind the ear (BTE)
Consider trying a Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aid, as it can provide you with a comfortable and effective solution to improve your hearing experience.
The BTE hearing aids are worn behind your ear, with a small tube or wire that connects to a custom earpiece or earmold that fits snugly inside your ear canal.
The main advantage of BTE hearing aids is their versatility, as they can accommodate a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to severe. They’re also suitable for people of all ages and can be easily adjusted to meet your specific needs.
The Behind the Ear (BTE) style is known for its durability and long battery life, making it a reliable choice for daily use. Additionally, BTE hearing aids often come with additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to easily connect with your smartphone or other devices for a seamless hearing experience.
In the Ear (ITE)
Now that you’ve learned about the Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids, let’s dive into another popular option: the In the Ear (ITE) hearing aids. These devices, as the name suggests, are custom-made to fit comfortably in your ear.
The ITE hearing aids are discreet and offer a natural sound experience. They’re suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The ITE style comes in different sizes, including full shell, half shell, and canal.
The full shell covers the entire bowl-shaped area of the outer ear, while the half shell fills only the lower part. The canal style, on the other hand, fits snugly inside the ear canal, making it almost invisible.
With the ITE hearing aids, you can enjoy improved hearing without compromising on style or comfort.
Completely In the Canal (CIC)
Discover the discreet and virtually invisible Completely In the Canal (CIC) hearing aids – the perfect option for a seamless hearing experience but without any visible device!
When choosing the right hearing aid, consider the CIC style if you desire a device that sits deep within your ear canal, making it nearly an invisible hearing aid to others.
These tiny CIC hearing aids are custom-made to fit your unique ear shape, ensuring maximum comfort. They’re also designed to provide exceptional sound quality, as they’re positioned close to your eardrum.
CIC hearing aids are most effective for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. These tiny devices can handle sounds up to a certain level but may not be suitable for individuals with severe hearing loss. Nevertheless, they have an element of versatility that makes them perfect for a wide range of people with hearing needs.
Other Feature Factors to Help Choose a Hearing Aid
When considering other features for your hearing aid choice, we have an assortment of factors to take into consideration. If you are only looking into hearing aids now, but remember an older relative who used to have that horrible-looking hearing aid that would make a shrill noise as they adjusted it creating a feedback loop; you will be pleased to know that this is a fairly standard inbuilt option that suppresses such noises happening.
Hearing aids have come a long way, and they have many features you may not have even thought they were capable of providing. Let’s go through a few of the main ones:
Rechargeable Batteries
To find the right hearing aid for you, consider the convenience and cost-effectiveness of rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries offer a more sustainable and hassle-free solution compared to traditional disposable batteries.
With rechargeable batteries, you can simply plug your hearing aids into a charging station overnight and wake up to fully charged devices ready for use. This eliminates the constant need to purchase and replace disposable batteries, saving you time and money in the long run. Along with being environmentally friendly, rechargeable batteries are safer and assist with the ease of management.
The small hearing aid batteries aptly named, button batteries, can be difficult to handle (especially if you have arthritic hands) and are prone to being dropped. This can pose a risk to young children and animals who cannot identify the battery for what it is, and possibly eat them when found. Rechargeable batteries can remove that worry.
Additionally, many hearing aids with rechargeable batteries come with advanced features like quick charging, providing several hours of battery life with just a short charge. Consider the convenience and safety benefits of rechargeable batteries when choosing the right hearing aid for you.
Noise Reduction
Now that you understand the benefits of using rechargeable batteries in your hearing aid, let’s discuss another important feature to consider: noise reduction.
When choosing the right hearing aid for you, it’s crucial to prioritise its ability to reduce background noise. Whether you’re in a crowded restaurant or a bustling city street, excessive noise can be overwhelming and hinder your ability to hear clearly.
Noise reduction technology is designed to identify and reduce unwanted sounds, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. By filtering out extraneous noises such as background chatter or the hum of machinery, you can enjoy clearer and more intelligible speech. Some hearing aids even have multiple microphones to better distinguish between speech and noise.
When choosing a hearing aid, think about prioritising models that offer noise reduction capabilities, as they can significantly enhance your listening comfort and understanding in various challenging listening situations.
Wireless Connection
Make the most of your listening experience by opting for a hearing aid that offers a wireless connection. This allows you to effortlessly connect to your favourite devices and enjoy seamless audio streaming.
With a wireless connection, you can easily pair your hearing aid with your smartphone, tablet, or TV. You can then stream music, podcasts, or phone calls directly to your ears. This technology eliminates the need for cumbersome wires or additional devices, giving you more freedom and convenience.
You can control the volume and settings of your hearing aid directly from your device, making it easier to customize your listening experience. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go, a hearing aid with a wireless connection ensures that you can stay connected and enjoy crystal-clear sound wherever you are.
Synchronised Hearing Aids
Experience synchronized hearing aids that seamlessly connect, providing you with a more immersive and balanced auditory experience.
Synchronized hearing aids are designed to work together, allowing you to hear sounds from all directions with clarity and accuracy. With this technology, you can enjoy a more natural hearing experience, as the synchronized aids communicate and adjust settings in real time.
Say goodbye to the frustration of adjusting one hearing aid, and then to have to adjust the other hearing aid. With synchronisation, you will only need to adjust one hearing aid once they are in sync, and the other will adjust automatically.
TeleCoil
This is a feature that most will hopefully never have to worry about, and only recommended for those within a severe category of hearing loss. The technology is quite dated and offers poor quality, but it is still effective for those with no other option.
This technology works by converting magnetic fields into sound signals, allowing you to hear phone conversations and other audio sources more clearly. When using a telephone, simply switch your hearing aid to the T-Coil setting and hold the phone to your ear.
For loop systems, such as those found in theatres or churches, you can activate the T-Coil mode and the sound will be transmitted directly to your hearing aid.
Directional Microphone
Now that you understand the benefits of the TeleCoil or T-Coil technology, let’s move on to another important feature to consider when choosing the right hearing aid for you: the directional microphone.
The directional microphone is designed to help you hear sounds more clearly in noisy environments. It works by focusing on sounds coming from the front while reducing background noise from the sides and back. This can greatly improve your ability to understand speech and participate in conversations, even in challenging listening situations.
By incorporating a directional microphone into your hearing aid, you can enhance your listening experience and stay engaged in conversations, regardless of the surrounding noise.
Wind Noise Suppression
With wind noise suppression, your hearing will be greatly improved in outdoor environments. Wind noise suppression is a feature in hearing aids that helps reduce the interference caused by wind blowing into the microphones. It works by automatically detecting wind noise and adjusting the settings to minimize its impact.
This technology is particularly beneficial for individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors or engage in activities such as hiking, biking, or golfing. By reducing the wind noise, you can have a more enjoyable and comfortable listening experience, without the annoyance and distraction caused by the sound of wind.
Whether you’re having a conversation with a friend, enjoying the sounds of nature, or participating in outdoor activities, wind noise suppression ensures that you can hear clearly and without any interruptions.
Cost and Maintenance
When it comes to the cost and maintenance of hearing aids, there are a few key points to consider. First, budgeting considerations are important as hearing aids can vary in price depending on the brand, features, and technology. It’s essential to set a budget that works for you and explore options within that range.
Additionally, proper cleaning and maintenance of your hearing aids is crucial to help prevent any damage or malfunction of your device, saving you money in the long run. Regular cleaning tips, such as using a soft cloth or brush to remove debris and avoiding exposure to moisture, can help keep your hearing aids in good condition
Budgeting Considerations
To ensure you make a sound financial decision, it’s important to carefully consider your budget when choosing the right hearing aid for you. Budgeting considerations play a crucial role in finding the perfect device that meets your needs without breaking the bank. When setting your budget, keep in mind that hearing aids can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Evaluate your financial situation and determine how much you are willing and able to spend.
Along with considering budget, don’t just think of the hearing device cost, but also consider the aftercare services.
Some places may offer cheaper hearing aids as they focus on the initial sale, and then move on to the next customer. Whilst other clinics may charge more for the hearing device but offer prompt appointments and services when you need assistance.
Another thing to consider is any insurance coverage or financing options that may be available to you. For instance, if you are a pensioner, veteran, or a part of the NDIS in Australia you may be eligible for free or subsidised items and services.
Additionally, factor in the long-term maintenance costs, such as batteries, repairs, and regular check-ups. By carefully considering your budgeting considerations, you can find a hearing aid that not only improves your hearing but also fits comfortably within your financial means.
Hearing Aid Comfort
Choosing the right hearing aid involves finding one that fits comfortably in your ear and doesn’t cause any discomfort. Comfort is a crucial factor when selecting a hearing aid as you’ll be wearing it for extended periods.
Look for a device that’s lightweight and has soft, hypoallergenic materials to prevent any irritation or soreness. The hearing aid should have adjustable settings to customize the fit and ensure it stays securely in place without causing any pressure or pain.
Additionally, consider the size and shape of the hearing aid, as well as the design of the earpiece, to ensure a comfortable fit. Prioritize your comfort to ensure a positive experience with your hearing aid throughout the day.
If you are concerned about accidentally choosing the wrong hearing aid, then worry no more!
Stay Tuned Hearing offers 30 days no obligation, plus a money-back guarantee if you find that the hearing device is not suited for your needs.
Additionally, we provide 3 years of warranty and 12 months of free servicing on your hearing aid!
Adjusting to Your New Hearing Aid
Transitioning to a new hearing aid can be a challenging experience, but the key to a successful adjustment lies in understanding how to adapt to its functions.
Once you’ve chosen the right hearing aid for you, it’s important to give yourself time to get used to it. At first, the sound might seem strange or even overwhelming, but don’t get discouraged.
Start by wearing your hearing aid for short periods in quiet environments, gradually increasing the duration and exposing yourself to different sounds.
Take advantage of any built-in features, such as volume control or noise reduction, to customize your listening experience.
Remember, your relationship with your Audiologist is like teamwork; when you are having troubles, they would not know unless you tell them. Together we can promptly resolve your concerns so you can hear better.
With time and practice, you’ll be able to fully adjust and enjoy the benefits of your new hearing aid.
You have just completed your first big step to better health!
Adjusting to your new hearing aid can take some time, but with patience and practice, you’ll become more comfortable and confident with it.
Not only will your hearing improve, but your mental health and overall quality of life may also see positive changes.
Congratulations on taking this big step towards better hearing and a better future!
Now, for the next step…
If you would like to book an appointment with Stay Tuned Hearing in Mount Eliza, please follow this link to see the ways you can contact us.
Robin brings with him over 20 years of experience in audiology education and experience, so you can be rest assured that you are in capable hands.