You already know that you need to get hearing aids, so now what? Hearing aids are going to become an essential part of your life, so choosing the right type matters. If you find some hearing aids which are only available from the internet, then you can be sure they are likely to be pretty flimsy. If you truly think that you can buy a quality device for less from the internet, then the sacrifice will be how well you hear, and that’s your decision. When shopping for hearing aids, what sacrifices are you willing to make.
Those Internet Imitations
Cheap hearing assistance devices are not actually the bargain they seem to be. They are not really efficient and they don’t function that well. You have to buy new batteries so often that it ends up costing you a lot.
Amplifying sound is the only thing these poor-quality devices can do. You get a number of different technologies in a modern high-quality hearing aid which can be completely customized to your precise needs. You will lose out on quite a few essential features if you choose to buy a cheap internet device.
You have to see your new hearing aids for what they are – an investment in your future. Hearing impacts every facet of your life so it’s not the place to try and save money. If you are unable to afford quality hearing aids, there may be other ways to get them, so don’t settle for something that is less than what you really need.
Digital Vs. Analog
Digital hearing aids offer higher quality sound that is more reliable. Analog units are outdated and are not worth considering.
Reputable sellers don’t even carry analog hearing aids at this time. If you don’t know the difference you might confuse an analog device for a digital. Analog means the type of signal the hearing aid receives and the quality. The sound quality is very inconsistent with old analog devices.
Selecting The Perfect Features
When you go shopping for hearing aids consider the two aspects which are features and style. You want a comfortable style that provides features that make your life better. Some standard features to think about include:
- Telecoils
- Environmental noise control
- Bluetooth
- Directional microphones
- Rechargeable batteries
- Variable programming
- Remote controls
- Direct audio input
- Noise reduction
- Synchronization
- Wireless connectivity
Take Into Consideration The Different Styles
There are many styles available, as you will find out when you start researching hearing aids. That’s good news since it means that there is surely a style that will be ideal for you. The various styles of hearing aids include:
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Open Fit
- Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
To get a fairly good idea of each style just have a look at their names. BTE means “behind the ear” and that’s exactly where it goes. It connects to a clear tube and an ear-mold that rests at the opening of the ear canal.
As is apparent by the name, ITE devices go “in the ear”. It’s a single unit that goes in the opening of the ear canal. There is nothing behind the ear. ITC devices are very similar but go deeper inside the ear, making them less visible.
RIC and RIE, as the name suggests, have a receiver unit that rests in the ear and connects by a wire to a piece behind it. These hearing aids are not as obvious as a BTE.
Lastly, open fit units are BTE devices but instead of connecting to an ear-mold, a tiny tube goes into the ear canal. If you can’t deal with the feeling of having something stuck inside your ear, this format is a good choice for you.
Your job is to go over each of these options and determine which of them is most important to you. To give an example, if you use your phone or a computer a lot, you will probably want a device that has Bluetooth capability. If you listen to seminars and lectures, telecoil is an ideal way to go and you won’t have to keep shelling out money for new batteries if you get a hearing aid with a rechargeable one.
Lastly, Your Buying Options Should be Considered
You should go to a qualified retailer to buy your hearing aids, one that custom fits the devices and offers a free trial period. It’s hard to be confident that you are making the right decision if you don’t have a chance to try your hearing aids before you purchase them.
A quality hearing aid has a good warranty so be sure to check that out as well. 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 maybe labor?
Schedule an appointment with a hearing professional for a checkup and hearing test before you purchase your hearing aids. Your hearing issue might not call for hearing aids.