Getting The Most From Your Hearing Aids

If you aren’t very wealthy, a car really isn’t an impulse purchase. Which means you will probably do a lot of research ahead of time. You look at reviews, you compare prices, and you consider gas mileage. (You’re on Google a lot.) This amount of research is logical! For most individuals who aren’t wealthy, it will take a while to pay off the thousands of dollars you’re about to spend. So you want to make sure it’s worth it!

Not only do you look at the concrete factors (gas mileage, safety, etc), but you’ll also think about best fits for your lifestyle. Is there a specific type of vehicle you really enjoy? How much room do you require for weekly supplies? How much pep do you want to feel when you press down that gas pedal?

So you need to take a close look at all of your options and make some informed choices in order to get the most out of your purchase. And that’s the same mindset you should have when choosing your hearing aids. They’re still an investment although they cost a lot less than a new car. And getting the most out of your investment means determining which devices work best, overall, as well as what provides the most for your lifestyle.

The benefits of hearing aids

In just the same way that you can discuss the benefits of a car in a very general way, you can also discuss the benefits of hearing aids in a similarly general way. Hearing aids are pretty great!

Yes, they help you hear, but for most individuals, the benefits are more tangible than that. With a pair of hearing aids, you can stay connected to the people in your life. You’ll be able to better follow conversations during dinner, listen to your grandkids tell you about fascinating dinosaurs, and chit-chat with the cashier at the supermarket.

With all these benefits, it makes sense that you’d start to ask, “How can I make my hearing aids last longer?” You want to keep those benefits going!

Are higher quality hearing aids always more expensive?

Some people might assume that they can only get a quality hearing aid if they get the highest-priced device.

Hearing aids are certainly an investment. There’s a reason why some hearing aids are expensive in the first place:

• The technology inside of a hearing aid is really tiny and very sophisticated. That means you’re getting a very potent technological package.
• They’re designed to be long-lasting. Particularly if you take care of them.

But that doesn’t mean the most expensive option will automatically work best. How severe your hearing loss is and, of course, what you can afford are a couple of the variables to consider. Some hearing aids will undoubtedly last longer than others. But that isn’t always dictated by how costly the device was in the first place.

In order to keep your hearing aids in good working order, as with any other investment, they will need routine care and maintenance. What’s more, your hearing aids will need to be tuned to your ears and calibrated for your distinct level of hearing loss.

Be sure you get the correct hearing aids for you

So, what are your choices? You’ll be able to pick from numerous different styles and types. We can help you figure out which hearing aids will be best for your hearing needs. Here are the options you will have to choose from:

• Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC): These kinds of hearing aids can deliver high-quality sound and are typically very discrete (perfect for people who want to hide their hearing aids). The only problem is that they tend to have a shorter lifespan and battery life. The small size also means you don’t get some of the most modern functions.
• In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC): These hearing aids are custom molded to fit your ear canal, which makes them mostly hidden. Because they’re a little larger than CIC models, they may contain more high-tech features. Some of these features can be a bit tricky to manipulate by hand (because the devices are still rather small). If you want your hearing aid to be discrete but also have some advanced features, this style will be ideal.
• In-the-Ear Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are also molded to your ears. No part of the device sits in your ear canal, it all fits in your outer ear. A “half shell” version sits in your lower ear and a “full shell” version fits totally inside your ear. If you have complex hearing problems or need more powerful noise control, the more advanced technology and larger microphones will make these hearing aids the perfect option.
• Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE): The speaker of this device fits in your ear and the more bulky electronic part goes behind your ear making them the best of both worlds in a way. The small tube that connects the two elements is still rather discrete. These devices are popular because they provide many amplification solutions. These types are a great compromise between visibility and power.
• Receiving-in-the-Canal (or in the Ear) Hearing Aids (RIC or RITE): With this model, the speaker part sits in the ear canal but they are otherwise a lot like BTE models. This makes them even less visible, with the additional advantage of cutting down on things like wind noise.
• Open-Fit Hearing Aids: Open-fit hearing aids tend to allow low-frequency sounds to enter the ear even while you’re using the device. This makes them suitable for individuals who can hear those low-frequencies fairly well (but have trouble with high-frequency sounds). It’s not a good option for all types of hearing loss, but it does work well for many individuals.

What about over-the-counter hearing aids?

Over-the-counter hearing aids (or OTC hearing aids, to keep inundating you with acronyms) are yet another option to consider. The problem is that OTC hearing aids are sort of like OTC medications, they work okay in a general way. But it’s likely that OTC hearing aids won’t have the power you need if your hearing loss is more pronounced or complex. Prescription hearing aids can be fine-tuned to your specific hearing needs which is a feature generally not provided by OTC hearing aids.

No matter what kind of hearing aid you choose to invest in, it’s always a smart plan to consult us about what might work best for your particular requirements.

Repair and upkeep

After you choose the best hearing aid for your hearing requirements, taking care of it is crucial. Just like your car requires oil changes now and then.

So how often will your hearing aids need to be assessed? Generally, you should schedule a routine upkeep and cleaning appointment for your hearing aids every six-to-twelve months. By doing this you can be sure everything is in good working condition.

You should also get familiar with your warranty. You will save some money when you are aware of what is and isn’t covered. A good warranty and regular maintenance will help your hearing last as long as possible.

So… what’s the best hearing aid?

There’s no single best hearing aid. If you go to twelve different hearing specialists and ask for the “best” hearing aid, they may provide you with a dozen different models.

Which hearing aids fit your hearing loss needs will be the ones that are best for you. Just like with an automobile, for some an SUV will be the right choice, and for others, a minivan will best fit their lifestyles. It all just depends, and the same is true for hearing aids.

But you will have an easier time finding the hearing aid that’s right for you if you are well informed beforehand. Schedule a hearing test with us today!