How to Get The Most From Your Hearing Aids

A car isn’t really an impulse buy (unless you’re very, very wealthy). So a lot of research is most likely the first step you take. You check out reviews, you assess prices, and you evaluate gas mileage. Google is your best friend these days. This level of research is logical! For most people who aren’t rich, it will take a while to pay off the thousands of dollars you will spend. So you want to make certain your investment is well spent.

Not only do you look at the objective factors (gas mileage, safety, etc), but you’ll also think about best fits for your lifestyle. Is there a particular style of vehicle you really like? Do you require a lot of space to carry things around? How much pep do you want to feel when you press down that gas pedal?

In other words, to get the most from your new car, you have to examine your options and make some choices. And when you’re selecting new hearing aids, it’s essential to have this same mindset. They’re still an investment although they cost much less than a new car. Determining which device will best fit your lifestyle and which device works best overall, is the best way to get the most out of your investment.

The benefits of hearing aids

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

Yes, they help your hearing, but for most people, the advantages are more tangible than that. With a pair of hearing aids, you can stay connected to the people in your life. You’ll have an easier time chatting with the clerk at the pharmacy, listening to a tale about dinosaurs over dinner with your grandkids, and enjoying conversations with friends.

It’s only logical that you would want to make your hearing aids last as long as you can given all of the benefits. You don’t want those benefits to go away.

Do more expensive hearing aids work better?

Some individuals may assume that they can only get a quality hearing aid if they get the most expensive device.

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

• The technology inside of a hearing aid is very small and very advanced. So the package you’re paying for is very technologically potent.
• Hearing aids are also designed to last for a long time. If you take good care of them this is particularly true.

But the most costly model won’t necessarily be your best fit or work the best. How profound your hearing loss is and, obviously, your budget are a couple of the factors to consider. Some hearing aids will definitely last longer than others. But that isn’t always dictated by how expensive the device was in the first place.

In order to keep your hearing aids in tip-top working condition, as with any other investment, they will require regular care and maintenance. What’s more, your hearing aids will need to be tuned to your ears and calibrated for your unique level of hearing loss.

Be sure you get the best hearing aids for you

What options do you have? You’ll be able to choose from several different types and styles. We can help you determine which hearing aids will be ideal for your hearing needs. But generally, here’s what you’ll have to select from:

• Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC): These types of hearing aids can deliver high-quality sound and are typically very discrete (perfect for individuals who want to hide their hearing aids). But with this type of hearing aid, battery life, and overall lifespan is usually shorter. The small size also means you won’t get some of the most sophisticated functions.
• In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC): These hearing aids are mostly hidden because they are molded to fit your ear canal. They will often include more high-tech features being a bit bigger than CIC models. Some of these features can be somewhat tricky to manipulate by hand (because the devices are still rather small). Still, ITC models are ideal for individuals who require more features but still want to be discreet.
• In-the-Ear Hearing Aids: This type of hearing aid is molded to fit completely in your outer ear. Two types are available (full shell, which fits your whole ear, or half shell, which sits in the lower ear). If you have complex hearing problems or need more powerful noise control, the more sophisticated 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 little tube that connects the two elements is still pretty discrete. These hearing aids provide many amplification choices making them quite popular. When you want the best of both visibility and power, these devices will be the perfect option.
• 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. They have the advantage of decreasing wind noise and are generally less visible.
• 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. If you have difficulty hearing higher frequencies but low-frequencies are not really an issue, these hearing aids will be a good fit for you. Though it works well for many individuals, it won’t be a good option for everybody.

Pros and Cons of over-the-counter hearing aids

Another option to think about is OTC or over-the-counter hearing aids. The problem is that OTC hearing aids are kind of like OTC medications, they work okay in a basic sense. But if your hearing loss calls for a set of more powerful hearing aids or more specialized hearing aids, OTC devices could fall somewhat short. Prescription hearing aids can be calibrated to your particular hearing needs which is an option generally not available with OTC hearing aids.

The best way to figure out what type of hearing aid will be best for you, you should talk with us.

Repair and maintenance

After you decide on the ideal hearing aid for your hearing requirements, taking care of it is crucial. This is, again, like a car which also needs maintenance.

So, now you’re thinking: how often should my hearing aids be assessed? You should have your hearing aid cleaned and properly maintained every six months to a year. This gives you a chance to make sure that everything is working effectively and as it should!

It’s also not a bad idea to be somewhat familiar with your device’s warranty. If and when you require repair, knowing what’s covered by that warranty and what isn’t can save you some money! So now you’re wondering: how do I make my hearing aids last longer? The answer is usually simple: good maintenance and a great warranty.

Is there a hearing aid that’s the best?

There’s no single best hearing aid. Every hearing specialist might have a different model that they think is the best.

The secret is to find the best hearing aid for you and for your personal requirements. 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 the more you know beforehand and the better informed you are, the easier it will be to get the hearing aids that are perfect for you. Call us to schedule a consultation today!

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