Getting The Most From Your Hearing Aids

A car isn’t really an impulse buy (unless you’re very, very wealthy). So a great deal of research is probably the first thing you do. You have a good look at things such as gas mileage, price point, and customer reviews. Google is your best friend right now. It makes sense to do this amount of research. You’re about to spend tens of thousands of dollars on something and spend years paying for it (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. Is there a specific style of vehicle you really enjoy? How much room do you require for weekly supplies? How much pep do you want to feel when you push down that accelerator?

So you need to take a close look at all of your possibilities and make some informed decisions so that you can get the most out of your purchase. And when you’re selecting new hearing aids, it’s essential to have this same attitude. They’re still an investment even though they cost much less than a new car. And getting the most out of your investment means determining which devices work best, in general, as well as what provides the most for your lifestyle.

The benefits of hearing aids

The example of the benefits of investing in hearing aids can be broadly compared with the example of buying a car. Hearing aids are pretty awesome!

The advantages of hearing aids, for most people, are more tangible than just helping you hear. With a pair of hearing aids, you can remain connected to the people in your life. You’ll have an easier time chatting with the clerk at the pharmacy, listening to a tale about dinosaurs at the dinner table with your grandchildren, and engaging in conversations with friends.

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 going!

Are higher quality hearing aids always more expensive?

There may be some individuals out there who would presume that the best way to make your hearing aid work better and last longer is to simply purchase the most expensive device possible.

Hearing aids are definitely an investment. Here are a couple of reasons why some hearing aids tend to be expensive:

• Hearing aids are designed to include very advanced technologies, and they need to make those technologies as small as possible. So the package you’re paying for is extremely technologically potent.
• Hearing aids are also designed to last for a long time. If you take good care of them this is particularly true.

But that doesn’t mean the most costly option will automatically work best. There are a lot of factors to consider (including the extent of your hearing loss and, well, how much you can spend!) Some hearing aids will undoubtedly last longer than others. But the price of the device isn’t always the deciding factor.

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

Get the proper hearing aids for your hearing loss

What options do you have? You’ll be able to choose from several different types and styles. We can help you identify which hearing aids will be ideal for your hearing needs. But generally, here’s what you’ll have to choose from:

• Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC): These types of hearing aids can deliver high-quality sound and tend to be quite discrete (great for individuals who want to hide their hearing aids). The only problem is that they tend to have a shorter longevity and battery life. And some of the most sophisticated features tend to be missing because of their smaller size.
• In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC): These hearing aids are mostly discrete because they are molded to your ear canal. Because they’re slightly larger than CIC models, they might include more high-tech functions. These devices are still pretty small and some of the features can be a bit difficult to manipulate by hand. If you want your hearing aid to be discrete but also have some advanced features, this style will be appropriate.
• In-the-Ear Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are also molded to your ears. No part of the device sits in your ear canal, it all fits in your outer ear. A “half shell” version sits in your lower ear and a “full shell” version fits entirely in your ear. These devices are more exposed but can include sophisticated and powerful microphones, making them a great option for noise control or complex hearing issues.
• Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE): The speaker of this device sits in your ear and the more bulky electronic part goes behind your ear making them the best of both worlds in a way. The two parts are connected by a little tube, but for the most part, it’s pretty non-visible. These hearing aids offer many amplification options making them quite popular. When you want the best of both visibility and power, these devices will be the perfect solution.
• Receiving-in-the-Canal (or in the Ear) Hearing Aids (RIC or RITE): With this design, the speaker part fits in the ear canal but they are otherwise a lot like BTE models. They have the benefit of minimizing wind noise and are generally less visible.
• Open-Fit Hearing Aids: Even when you’re wearing the device, low-frequency sounds can still get into the ear. If you have problems hearing higher frequencies but low-frequencies aren’t really a problem, these hearing aids will be a great fit for you. Though it works well for many people, it won’t be a good choice for everyone.

How about over-the-counter hearing aids?

Another option to think about is OTC or over-the-counter hearing aids. The difficulty is that OTC hearing aids are kind of like OTC medications, they work fine in a general way. But it’s likely that OTC hearing aids won’t have the power you require if your hearing loss is more advanced or complex. Prescription hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your specific hearing needs which is a feature generally not available with OTC hearing aids.

The best way to find out what kind of hearing aid will be best for you, you should talk with us.

Maintenance and repair

Obviously, once you’ve taken all of the steps to select your perfect hearing aid type, you should take care of it. This is, again, like a car which also requires upkeep.

So, now you’re thinking: how frequently should my hearing aids be assessed? Generally, you should schedule a routine maintenance and cleaning appointment for your hearing aids every six-to-twelve months. This gives you an opportunity to make sure everything’s working properly and as it should!

It’s also not a bad idea to be fairly familiar with your device’s warranty. If and when you need repair, knowing what’s covered by that warranty and what isn’t can save you some cash! 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 isn’t a single best all-time hearing aid. Every hearing specialist may have a different model that they think is the best.

Which hearing aids match your hearing loss needs will be the ones that are best for you. Some people will go for a minivan, others for an SUV. It all just depends, and the same goes for hearing aids.

But you will have an easier time finding the hearing aid that’s right for you if you are well informed beforehand. Schedule a hearing assessment with us today!