What is the next move when you’ve realized that you need to buy hearing aids? Hearing aids are about to become an essential part of your life, so finding the right type makes a difference. There are different kinds of hearing aids out there including some pretty cheap ones that are found only on the Internet. If you really think that you can get a quality device for less money from the internet, then the sacrifice will be how well you hear, and that’s your decision. When searching for hearing aids, what sacrifices are you willing to make.
Those Internet Knockoffs
Hearing assistance devices which can be found on the internet are not really a bargain and their not really hearing aids. They are not efficient and they don’t work that well. You have to replace dead batteries so often that it ends up costing you a lot.
Amplifying sound is all these low-quality devices can do. Customization to your specific needs can be accomplished with the combined technologies found in a modern high-quality digital hearing aid. You can decide to go cheap and purchase one online but you will lose out on important features.
You need to understand that your new hearing aids will be an investment in your future. If you can’t hear very well it will make your life very overwhelming and could wind up costing you money, so it’s a bad choice to go cheap when purchasing hearing aids. There might be other ways you can get hearing aids if you can’t afford them, so make sure you get the ones you really need.
Digital Vs. Analog
Digital hearing aids deliver higher quality sound that is more dependable. If you run across analog hearing aids, move on and shop for the digital units, instead.
It’s likely that all of the hearing aids you see at a quality retailer will be digital. It’s worthwhile to know analog devices are out there, though, and to educate yourself about the difference. Analog means the type of audio signal the hearing aid receives and the quality of the sound. The sound quality is very inconsistent with analog units.
Finding The Perfect Features
When you go shopping for hearing aids consider the two elements which are features and style. You want features that make your life easier in a style that is comfortable. A few common features to consider include:
- Noise reduction
- Variable programming
- Wireless connectivity
- Rechargeable batteries
- Synchronization
- Directional microphones
- Direct audio input
- Bluetooth
- Environmental noise control
- Remote controls
- Telecoils
Think about the Styles
You will see, when you start researching hearing aids, that there are many styles to choose from. That is good news because it means there is undoubtedly a style that will be ideal for you. Some of the different styles are:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE)
- Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Open Fit
To get a pretty good idea of each style just have a look at the names. BTE hearing aids incorporate a piece that sits behind the ear. An ear-mold rests at the ear’s opening and has a clear tube which attaches it to the BTE.
As is obvious by the name, ITE devices go “in the ear”. It’s a single unit that rests in the opening of the ear canal. There is nothing behind the ear. ITC indicates “in the canal” and they are very much like ITE’s but ITC’s go further into the ear canal so you don’t see them so much.
RIC and RIE, as the name indicates, have a receiver unit that rests in the ear and connects by a wire to a piece that attaches behind it. Both styles are generally less conspicuous than BTE hearing aids.
As opposed to having ear-molds, open fit units, which are a type of BTE, have a thin tube that goes into the ear canal. Having something inside the ear is uncomfortable for some people. If this is the case, an open fit device, which has a little tube going into the ear from a BTE, would be the best choice.
Thinking about all of these options, you need to determine which style and options will fit your needs the most. As an example, Bluetooth is a great feature to have, especially if you talk on your smartphone or computer regularly. You will save money on replacement batteries if you get a model with a rechargeable battery and a telecoil is ideal for listening to lectures or seminars.
Lastly, Your Buying Options Should be Taken Into Consideration
A competent retailer that has a free trial period and offers custom fitting is the best place to buy your new hearing aids. Having a chance to try your new hearing aids before you purchase them will give you confidence that you are making the correct choice.
You also want to take a close look at the warranty which comes with the hearing aids. What kind of coverage does it come with? Will you get a new hearing aid if something goes wrong or will the warranty only cover parts and possibly labor?
Schedule an appointment with a hearing professional for a checkup and hearing test before you buy your hearing aids. There are several reasons you might observe a change in your hearing and they don’t all require hearing aids.
