Buyer’s Guide To Hearing Aids – Know The Best Type For You
Tuesday, August 9th, 2011Hearing aids have two broad categories – analog and digital. Analog are the least expensive but are less customizable as digital models which use several technologies to give near-normal hearing. These hearing aids can be placed behind the ear (BTE), inside the ear (ITE), in the canal (ITC) or completely in the canal (CIC).
Although BTE models are the most conspicuous of the four, they are great for all levels of hearing loss. Because these are placed behind the ear, they don’t give that somewhat occluded feeling inherent to in the ear models. ITE models are smaller but are just as conspicuous. These are preferred by the elderly because of their ease of use and longer battery life. Its size also allows for better feature customizability. ITC and CIC models are placed directly into the ear, and are the smallest kinds available. They are also the least conspicuous which is why a lot of people prefer them. However, because they are small and have limited battery life they are not exactly the best choices for the elderly and those with severe hearing loss.
Several technologies have been incorporated into these hearing aids to provide its users clean and crisp sound and speech. Noise reduction, feedback cancellation and directional microphones are just some of these features. The introduction of multiple compression channels and memories in digital models afford its users increased adaptability to a variety of listening situations.
There is no single best hearing aids because ultimately it is your level of hearing loss and requirements which will determine the most appropriate and most advantageous model. It goes without saying that the hearing aids’ cost will also be contingent on these parameters and because there are several models and technologies available, the price range is quite wide. Hearing aids reviews can help you determine the best manufacturers and the best hearing aids for your case. Still, discussing several hearing aid reviews with your audiologist is both safe and prudent.
A hearing aids cost should not only be the main consideration when shopping for one. The risk of additional hearing loss from too much amplification is quite high among substandard and poorly fitted hearing aids. It is to your best interest to buy FDA approved hearing aids, and to have them properly fitted by a licensed hearing healthcare professional.
