It can be tricky to figure out which hearing aid is the best match for you. There are various features and styles of hearing aids to choose from to meet the needs of people with hearing loss.
When selecting the correct style for your needs, you have to keep in mind a few factors. Your hearing loss, lifestyle choices, and cosmetic considerations all play a role in selecting the correct type and style for you.
The current model is the easiest place to start if you already have hearing aids and want to upgrade them. If you like that style, you can probably discover a device with the same or a similar design as your old one, but with more modern functions.
However, your type of hearing loss has possibly changed over time, so it is a good idea to get your hearing checked before getting new hearing aids.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
The sound is sent down into the ear canal via a custom-fit earmold or a dome-style that does not obstruct the whole ear canal opening in BTE devices. It sits behind or on top of the outer ear. What’s more, BTE hearing aids come in various hues to complement your hair color.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
ITE hearing aids are usually custom-fit and worn in the ear canal, based on an assessment your hearing care specialist makes during your hearing aid appointment. These styles are typically offered in a variety of skin tones to fit in with the outer ear. Some types of ITE hearing aids are inserted into the ear canal very deeply, while others are placed closer to the outer ear.
Your Type of Hearing Loss
CIC or ITC hearing aids tend to aid process sound while still being very unobtrusive if you have hearing loss in both low and high noises. The occlusion aids in eliminating undesired background noise.
On the other hand, the open-fit RITE styles are the most comfortable if your hearing loss is primarily in the high frequencies. That’s because they let in the natural low-frequency sounds you can still hear while amplifying the high frequencies.
Advanced capabilities, such as voice noise filtering, adapting to varied situations, suppressing feedback, wirelessly connecting to mobile phones, and others, can be added to these options.
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Severe Loss
Based on the severity of your hearing loss, ITC hearing aids, low-profile ITE hearing aids, or BTE hearing aids with earmolds may be appropriate. These hearing aids provide the most powerful amplification, which are also the least vulnerable to ear canal moisture damage.
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Unilateral Loss
A CROS or BiCROS hearing aid is an option for people who are deaf on both sides of their ears.
Cochlear Implants
Hearing aids may not be enough to correct hearing loss for some people, and cochlear implants or a bone-anchored hearing device may be a preferable option for them.
Conclusion
Hearing aids may be fitted for different types of hearing loss in more shapes and sizes than ever before. Do you need to get fitted for hearing aids, or do you suspect you have a hearing problem? We recommend connecting with consumer-reviewed hearing healthcare professionals to find hearing aids for you.
Are you looking for the best hearing clinic? Turn to Hear More Associates, the trusted hearing care specialists caring for patients throughout Lexington and Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Get a free hearing test today!
