Introduction
Hearing loss is the inability to hear sounds at the normal level. Older adults often have a hard time hearing due to the natural process of ageing; however, exposure to deafening noise, genetics and accidents can also cause hearing loss. Hearing loss can make it challenging to engage in conversation and can even lead to isolation. Not only do people feel like they’ve lost their independence, but they also struggle to communicate with loved ones and may even become depressed. While hearing aid devices are a godsend, it is still a tedious and expensive process. So, in this article, we will understand what a hearing aid device is, what it does and how to buy the right one.
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What is a Hearing Aid, and Why do you Need One?
A hearing aid is an electronic device that amplifies sound for hard of hearing or deaf people. It is a small device that is inserted into the canal of the ear. A hearing aid uses a microphone, amplifier, and speaker to make sounds louder to be heard more easily. They also help people who have trouble understanding speech in noisy environments because they can amplify different frequencies of sound.
A hearing aid can help reduce the cognitive load of auditory information and, hence, impact one’s emotional well-being.
Hearing aids are not just for seniors. Today, many children are being diagnosed with hearing loss. Plus, more people live with hearing loss due to other factors such as noise exposure or medical conditions that cause damage to the inner ear.
How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid for You
We wish buying a hearing aid was as easy as ordering a pizza or a takeaway burger. However, there are many factors to consider before purchasing a hearing aid. In other words, it is easier to buy a wrong hearing aid device than to buy the right one. Even when you identify your needs, there is a wide range of hearing aids for every need available in the market, and it can be challenging to find the best one for you. However, some factors should help you to make the right decision; below is the list.
Level of hearing loss
To choose the right hearing aid, one should know their level of hearing loss. An Audiologist or Doctor can help you find this. There are three main types of hearing loss: mild (hearing loss between 25dB-40dB), moderate (hearing loss between 41dB-70dB), and severe (hearing loss over 70db). People with mild hearing loss can opt for cheaper devices that amplify sound at all frequencies. Those with moderate to severe hearing loss should consult a specialist to find the appropriate device for them.
You can avail check-ups from our expert Audiologist by visiting our KalkaJi Center or ask for home visit. Please call 9811082446 to book an appointment.
Budget:
There are many types of hearing devices available in the market. Some are very expensive, while others are affordable. It is essential to set a budget before you start looking for one because plenty of options fall under your price range. It is good to make a list of crucial features for you. You mustn’t pay for features you don’t need without missing features that are essential for you. Once you speak with an audiologist, he will tell you the essential features as per your need and which ones are good to have but can be avoided. We have a separate article here that explain all major styles of hearing aids to help you make your decision.
Blindly buying the cheapest hearing aid is not always an excellent long-term investment. There are two reasons for this: they often provide poor sound quality and may not last as long as more expensive hearing aids. On the other hand, premium-priced hearing aids offer better sound quality and durability; but they can be costly for some people.
On the other end, high-quality hearing aids are the ones that come with the latest technology and offer better performance. Hearing aids can be expensive, but they can be really worth it. Since they are durable, they are an investment, not just a purchase.
Comfort:
We know how difficult it is to wear some uncomfortable hearing aids, to the point that people prefer to live with hearing issues than to wear them. It is important to remember that having a hearing aid that suits your needs and fits comfortably in the ear is vital for a healthy relationship between you and your hearing aid. The comfort and sound quality of the hearing aid should not be compromised.
Technology has advanced a lot in the last few years, making hearing aids near invisible and highly comfortable to wear. Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are considered the most comfortable because they involve more miniature transmitters than other models.
Wireless Connectivity:
Wireless connectivity is fast becoming one of the most important factors when choosing a hearing aid. Before Bluetooth devices, people with hearing aids avoided wearing headphones in public because they would have to remove their hearing device every time they wanted to switch between modes, which can cause embarrassment.
Today, Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids are designed to be compatible with smartphones and other mobile devices. Having compatibility with your smartphone means that you can stream music or podcasts directly from your phone to your hearing aid.
Digital Vs Analog:
Analogue hearing aids are cheaper than digital hearing aids, but they don’t offer customization options and can be less effective for people with more severe hearing loss.
Digital hearing aids are the most advanced of all hearing aids. They use digital technology to process sound. Digital Technology makes them more accurate than analogue hearing aids. Digital hearing aids are also easier to customize than analogue ones because they can be adjusted based on users’ needs.
Professional Needs:
Does your job require you to hear conversations at a distance? If so, you need a directional microphone; on the other hand, if you work or live in a noisy environment, you need a hearing aid with excellent noise reduction. And in case you travel a lot, you should go for extended batteries.
Final Verdict:
It can be challenging to find a hearing aid that matches your personal needs, though it is worth the effort. When buying a hearing aid, it is essential to research what factors matter most. There are many different types of aids that have various features. Seek guidance from those who have been through the process before when deciding, along with paying attention to the things you find essential when picking out a hearing aid that suit your needs, lifestyle, and ear shape best.
Still, if all this information feels too overwhelming, never hesitate to take professional advice. We at POH Hearing solutions are always available to help. Feel free to make an appointment with one of our expert Audiologists to help you make the right decision.
