There are many different types of hearing aids available, and determining which one is best for you will take some time. As you’re choosing a hearing aid, the most important thing is to have a knowledgeable and experienced audiologist by your side to guide you. There are several factors to consider during this process, all of which will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect pair of hearing aids for your individual needs.
Today’s technology has allowed hearing aids to advance far beyond where they were just a few years ago. The devices available to Akron patients are much more compact and discreet than their predecessors, but they also offer a wide variety of features and functions. As you look at the different hearing aid styles and consider which features are most important to you, you should consider the following things:
Lifestyle
Lifestyle is arguably the most important consideration when you’re choosing a hearing aid. It’s vital to work with your audiologist to assess your lifestyle needs before you begin the selection process. Different hearing aids work better with different lifestyles and activities. If you don’t take the time to focus on your lifestyle needs as you’re choosing a hearing aid, you risk opting for a pair that doesn’t best suit you personally. Your audiologist will help you better understand which lifestyle you fit into as well as which hearing aids are the best option for it.
Hearing Needs
Certain hearing aid styles work better for some hearing losses than others, so it’s important to understand your hearing loss fully as you begin choosing a hearing aid. Some of the main considerations include the severity and frequency of your hearing loss. You should also know whether it affects one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral) as well as whether you also have hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). All of these factors will weigh into which hearing aid styles your audiologist recommends for you.
Cosmetic Preferences
Many Akron hearing loss patients are surprised to see how small and discreet today’s hearing aid styles are. Though hearing devices are subtler today than ever before, you should still consider your cosmetic preferences when making your decision. It’s important to choose hearing aids that you’re comfortable wearing in any occasion so that you’re willing to wear them day in, day out. While most models are barely noticeable from anyone looking at you head on, some wearers opt for styles that are completely invisible to outsiders.
Functionality
There are dozens of different features and functions available in today’s digital hearing aids, so opting for a pair that offers the features you need most is important. The most features a hearing aid’s programming offers, the more premium (and expensive) the device will be. Due to this, many of our patients like to spend the time it takes to assess what functions are truly important. By doing this, you’ll also be able to identify what features are necessary to living your life to the fullest.