Whether you are about to have a hearing aid fitted for the first time, or you just want to understand your current hearing aid a little better, it’s good to be as well-informed as possible. When you have your hearing aid fitted, you should make a point of asking the audiologist whatever you think might be pertinent. But before that, let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about hearing aids in general, to help give you some idea of what to expect if you are going to have one.
What Types of Hearing Aids are There?
There are many types of hearing aids, and a few which are especially common and which you are probably most likely to have fitted. The types are essentially distinguished by how they sit in the ear and what kinds of functions and features they have.
An in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid sits in the outer bowl and is slightly less visible. A behind the ear (BTE) goes behind the ear and represents what you probably think of as a traditional hearing aid style, although they can be a lot smaller than they used to be. However, it is also one of the most powerful, with a lot of battery power behind it. There is also a hearing aid called an in-the-canal, which is the most discrete of all the types.
What Features Do Hearing Aids Have?
Hearing aids differ, and they have a range of different features depending on what type you have fitted. But frequently, they are going to have a directional microphone and feedback reduction features. These days, they also often have a very easy volume control and you might even have one with Bluetooth, so you can use your mobile phone with it too.
How Do I Know If I Need a hearing Aid?
If you are suspecting that you might need to have a hearing aid fitted, this is really something that you can only find out by having a meeting with your local audiologist. During that meeting, they will be able to help you work out whether you need a hearing aid or not, and if so, they can also help you to find the appropriate style for you. The main point here is to just book an appointment so you can find out whether you need a hearing aid or not as soon as possible.
How Do I Clean a Hearing Aid?
If you do have a hearing aid, you will need to clean it regularly. This helps it to stay in the best possible condition and stops it from undergoing any damage that might be irreversible. The simplest way to clean most hearing aids is to wipe them down once a day and ensure you store them in their case at night. The cleaning procedure will vary slightly depending on the type you have too, so be sure to ask your audiologist for more information on this as necessary.
