How to Get The Most From Your Hearing Aids

A car isn’t really an impulse purchase (unless you’re really rich). So a great deal of research is probably the first thing you do. You look at reviews, you compare prices, and you consider gas mileage. (You’re on Google a lot.) It makes sense to do this amount of research. You’re about to drop tens of thousands of dollars on something and spend years paying it off (unless, again, you are very rich). So you want to be certain it’s worth it!

You’ll be thinking about how your purchase best fits your lifestyle and also practical things such as safety, gas mileage, etc. What type of vehicle do you want? How much room do you require for weekly supplies? How fast do you want your car to be?

So you should take a close look at all of your options and make some informed decisions in order to get the most out of your purchase. And when you’re picking out new hearing aids, it’s important to have this same mindset. They’re still an investment although they cost a lot less than a new car. Figuring out which device will fit your lifestyle best and which device works best in general, is the best way to get the most out of your investment.

Hearing aid advantages

In exactly the same way that you can discuss the benefits of a car in a very general way, you can also discuss the benefits of hearing aids in a similarly broad way. Hearing aids are a wonderful investment!

The benefits of hearing aids, for most people, are more tangible than simply helping you hear. Staying connected with your friends and family will be much easier with a good set of hearing aids. You’ll be able to more easily follow conversations during dinner, listen to your grandkids tell you about fascinating dinosaurs, and chit-chat with the checkout clerk at the supermarket.

It’s only natural that you would want to make your hearing aids last as long as you can given all of the benefits. You want to keep those benefits coming!

Do more expensive hearing aids work better?

There may be some people out there who would presume that the most effective way to make your hearing aid work better and last longer is to just purchase the most high priced device possible.

Hearing aids are definitely an investment. There’s a reason why some devices are costly in the first place:

• The technology inside of a hearing aid is really small and very advanced. So the package you’re purchasing is very technologically potent.
• Hearing aids are also made to last for quite a while. Particularly if you take care of them.

But that doesn’t mean the most expensive option will automatically work best. How profound your hearing loss is and, obviously, your budget are a couple of the variables to consider. Some hearing aids will certainly last longer than others. But that isn’t always dictated by how costly the device was in the first place.

In order to keep your hearing aids in tip-top working condition, as with any other purchase, they will need routine care and maintenance. What’s more, your hearing aids will need to be calibrated to your ears and adjusted for your distinct level of hearing loss.

Get the proper hearing aids for your hearing loss

So, what are your options? When it comes to hearing aids, you’ll have numerous different styles and kinds to pick from. We can help you figure out which hearing aids will be ideal for your hearing requirements. But generally, here’s what you’ll have to choose from:

• Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC): These kinds of hearing aids can deliver high-quality sound and are generally very discrete (perfect for people who want to hide their hearing aids). The only trouble is that they tend to have a shorter longevity and battery life. The small size also means you don’t get some of the most sophisticated features.
• In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC): These hearing aids are mostly discrete because they are molded to your ear canal. Because they’re a bit larger than CIC models, they might include more high-tech functions. These devices are still rather small and some of the functions can be a little hard to manipulate by hand. Still, ITC models are ideal for individuals who need more features but still want to be discreet.
• In-the-Ear Hearing Aids: These devices are also molded to your ears. No part of the hearing aid sits inside your ear canal, it all sits in your outer ear. A “half shell” version fits in your lower ear and a “full shell” version fits completely in your ear. If you have complex hearing problems or need more powerful noise control, the more advanced technology and larger microphones will make these hearing aids a great choice.
• Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE): The speaker of this device sits in your ear and the more bulky electronic part sits behind your ear making them the best of both worlds in a way. The small tube that connects the two elements is still fairly discrete. These hearing aids provide many amplification choices making them quite popular. These kinds are a good compromise between power and visibility.
• Receiving-in-the-Canal (or in the Ear) Hearing Aids (RIC or RITE): This is much like BTE hearing aids, except the speaker part sits in the ear canal. They have the benefit of reducing wind noise and are usually less visible.
• Open-Fit Hearing Aids: Even when you’re using the device, low-frequency sounds can still get into the ear. This makes them suitable for people who can hear those low-frequencies fairly well (but have trouble with high-frequency sounds). Though it works well for many individuals, it won’t be a good choice for everybody.

Pros and Cons of over-the-counter hearing aids

Over-the-counter hearing aids (or OTC hearing aids, to keep flooding you with acronyms) are yet another option to consider. OTC hearing aids work fine in general, much like OTC medications. But if your hearing loss calls for a set of more powerful hearing aids or more specialized hearing aids, OTC devices could fall a bit short. Generally, OTC hearing aids can’t be specially programmed to your hearing like prescription hearing aids can.

The best way to determine what type of hearing aid will be best for you, you should consult with us.

Repair and maintenance

After you decide on the ideal hearing aid for your hearing needs, taking care of it is crucial. This is, again, like a car which also requires maintenance.

So, now you’re thinking: how frequently should my hearing aids be checked? Generally, you should schedule a regular upkeep and cleaning appointment for your hearing aids every six-to-twelve months. This gives you a chance to be sure everything’s working effectively and as it should!

You should also get familiar with your warranty. You will save some cash when you are aware of what is and isn’t covered. A strong warranty and regular upkeep will help your hearing last as long as possible.

Is there a hearing aid that’s the best?

There’s no single best hearing aid. Every hearing specialist may have a different model that they feel is the best.

The key is to choose the best hearing aid for you and for your personal requirements. Just like with an automobile, for some an SUV will be the right choice, and for others, a minivan will best fit their lifestyles. It all just depends, and the same goes for hearing aids.

But you will have an easier time finding the hearing aid that’s best for you if you are well informed beforehand. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today!