Everything To Know About Getting Hearing Aids
Having hearing problems is a severe medical issue, and those dealing with it understand the troubles and challenges it brings in their everyday lives. However, you can ensure this problem does not interfere with your daily life functions with a bit of care. Hearing aids can be costly, but they drastically transform your life for the good, especially for people experiencing significant or complete hearing loss.
But when should you get tested? Which type of hearing aid should you use? Let’s try answering all these questions and more.
Get a Hearing Test:
If you’ve experienced problems related to hearing, healthcare professionals recommend a diagnostic test. This will provide an accurate understanding of how severe your hearing loss is and whether hearing aids are required or not. A diagnostic hearing test also informs you of any alternative cause of hearing problems like injury, wax build-up or infection. You could also be referred to an ENT specialist called an otolaryngologist, Or advised of further tests. This is done in case the patient is observed as having:
- Uneven or asymmetrical hearing loss
- Vertigo
- Unusual hearing loss patterns
- Pain
- Ear discharge
Types of Hearing Aids:
With a professional opinion and diagnostic test results, you can also get help in choosing the hearing aid that is best for your lifestyle and requirements. Usually, patients are looking for a hearing aid that meets the following criteria:
- Aids with your particular hearing loss issue
- Matches your lifestyle
- Fits within your budget
- Feels comfortable to wear for long periods
There are various types of hearing aids, depending on the specific requirements and hearing loss problems. Some devices are fitted behind the patient’s ear, some over the external ear. Others also fit inside the ear canal and are practically invisible. However, these are expensive as high-precision craftsmanship is required for developing, designing and crafting them. The primary hearing aid categories are:
- BTE (behind the ear)
- ITC (in the ear)
- CIC (completely in the canal)
- ITE (in the ear)
- RIC (receiver in canal)
Every hearing aid type has its advantages and disadvantages. Some customers might not like that ITC hearing aids block the ear’s airflow. Others might like that ITC aids enable easy mobile or headphone usage and are barely noticeable.
Read about 7 Reasons Why Investing In A Good Hearing Aid Will Improve Your Quality Of Life
Factors to Consider While Choosing Hearing Devices:
- Background noise filtering: If your work or personal life has a noisy environment or requires regular interaction with people, you need a device that can filter background noise.
- Smartphone connectivity: A smart hearing device can help you control the hearing device using a smartphone app. In some cases, you also don’t need additional headsets for calls, etc.
- Degree of visibility: Certain devices are practically invisible but can cost significantly more than slightly more bulky or visible devices.
- Rechargeable battery: If you want a hearing device that doesn’t leave a large carbon footprint, choose a hearing device that uses rechargeable batteries instead of one-time-use batteries.
- Level of comfort: Each hearing aid feels different while wearing. Try out various devices at a store or a clinic and find which one is the most comfortable for your requirements.
Prioritise your Preferences:
As mentioned above, there are various levels of preferences. However, you have a budget to stick to as well. Whichever hearing aid you choose should have all the features you want and fit in your budget; if your budget is not a restriction, you can choose from a wide range of features and styles that will provide superior functionalities and show off your unique style.
Choose Hearing Devices that Match your Lifestyle:
While choosing your new hearing aid, especially if it’s your first, there are several lifestyle factors to consider too. When your hearing starts deteriorating, you gradually avoid various social situations and environments. With a hearing aid, you get your old social life back, so you must assess which problems you want to go back to and what your hearing aids should help you do.
If you spend time talking on the phone to your family or friends who live far away, you should opt for a hearing device Blue tooth compatible with your smartphone. If your work environment is noisy and bustling, you might need an assistive listening device in addition to your standard hearing device.
Adjusting to New Hearing Aids:
Getting a new hearing aid means you will start hearing too many things too quickly. At first, it can also seem like everything is too loud. Adjusting to new hearing devices can take time. Your mind will slowly accustom itself to block out specific noises such as footsteps, the rustling of clothes etc. With proper professional assistance, your hearing aid can be adjusted for your particular hearing problem.
Hearing loss is not treated solely with hearing devices. Every person has a unique lifestyle, and their diverse requirements and backgrounds. For the right solution to your auditory system issues, consult an expert in the field first and determine how severe your problem is. Once you’ve taken that first step, the rest of the journey becomes more manageable.
