Hearing aids are one of the popular solutions to hearing challenges, and it has given many people the opportunity to live their everyday lives as normal. If this is the solution you have chosen, it is normal to get excited about the positive experience you will gain from using them. Amidst your excitement, you may also be a bit nervous and have questions ahead of your fitting.
Your hearing instrument specialist is responsible for answering those queries to keep your mind at ease. Below are three questions to ask your hearing instrument specialist (HIS) at your fitting.
What Type of Hearing Aids Are Available?
There are various types of hearing aids, and when you ask, your HIS will explain them to you. The difference between them is based on their features. They come in different sizes and styles with various internal components designed to fit the human ear. The current hearing aids available are digital and are offered in different levels of technology, including basic, entry, advanced and premium.
The basic devices are operated manually, while the advanced and premium automatically adjust to the user’s environment to improve their hearing. As technology advances, new and improved features have become more accessible.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
ITE hearing aids sit in the outer ear bowl. The size makes it possible to add features and controls like the directional microphones, which require enough surface area on the outside of the device. Because of how flexible these are, they are the go-to for mild-to-severe hearing loss.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
The BTE style of hearing aids sit on top of or behind the ear and has wires that send the sounds into the ear attached to the earmold or tip of the ear to secure them in the ear canal. They come in various colors that blend with skin or hair shades and tones. Others even come in more exciting colors like leopard print and chrome colors. The sizes differ to accommodate various controls, features, degrees of power and battery types.
In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
These hearing aids sit in the canal, ensuring comfort and ease of use for the user. Since they are more discreet than some other hearing aid models. They are best for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Aside from these, some of the features to expect are tinnitus-masking, smartphone app connections and Bluetooth connection, directional microphone systems that limit background noise and rechargeable batteries.
What Are the Maintenance Requirements for Your Hearing Aids
Since your hearing aids are necessary for improved quality of life, it is necessary to maintain them to increase their longevity. Depending on these requirements, you can also make a decision on what types of hearing aids are good for you. One of these requirements is battery replacements.
Many hearing aids require that you change the batteries regularly unless you choose rechargeable ones. There may be some hearing aid issues that you could fix on your own. However, in other cases, you will need to see an expert to help you out.
How Will You Know The Best Hearing Aid Type For Your Needs
Everybody has different needs and many options for hearing aids to choose from. Asking about what factors they will consider when making a choice is a good idea. The style your HIS will choose will be based on factors like your lifestyle or hearing needs, the degree of hearing loss, your budget, visual abilities, manual dexterity, medical or anatomical considerations and cosmetics. Cosmetic and anatomical considerations refer to how visible or discrete your hearing aids will be.
People with mild-to-moderate hearing loss may require more discrete styles like the ITC, while moderate-to-severe hearing loss may require a more powerful device like the BTE. Even though most BTE models are very visible, some smaller compact ones have been released on the market in recent years. Additionally, if your lifestyle is mostly active, you will be better off using smaller styles as well as those that eliminate background noise. On the other hand, if you live a quiet remote life, smaller devices with features like Bluetooth connections are good enough for you.
Due to technology, people who experience hearing loss can now have access to devices that almost eliminate the issue. A HIS is the best person to help you on that journey. To learn more about Audio Hearing Aid Service, contact us today at 330-244-9881 or 330-364-6637.
