What is the next move when you’ve realized that you need to get hearing aids? Hearing aids will soon become an important part of your life so purchase wisely. There are many different kinds of hearing aids out there including some pretty flimsy ones available only on the Internet. It’s up to you to decide what you want from the device and how much you can afford to spend. What should you look for when investing in hearing aids?
Those Cheap Internet Imitations
Hearing assistance devices that are purchased from the internet are not really going to save you money and their not really hearing aids. They are very poor in quality and don’t perform very well. You have to replace dead batteries so often that it winds up costing a lot.
The only feature which these cheaper devices have is sound amplification. Customization to your exact needs can be accomplished with the integrated technologies found in a modern high-quality digital hearing aid. You will lose out on some important features if you decide to purchase a cheap internet device.
You have to appreciate your new hearing aids for what they are – an investment in your future. Hearing impacts every aspect of your life so it’s not the place you want to look to save money. There might be other ways you can get hearing aids if you can’t afford them, so make sure you get what you really need.
Analog Vs. Digital
Digital hearing aids deliver higher quality sound that is more reliable. It’s not even worth spending the time to look at analog units.
If you consult with a reputable hearing aid seller, all of the hearing aids will be digital. You have to be careful because analog devices are still in existence if you don’t know what to look for. Low-quality analog signals are what the older out-dated hearing aids process. With analog hearing aids, the quality of the sound isn’t consistent.
Looking For The Very Best Features
When you go shopping for hearing aids think about the two elements which are features and style. You want features that make your life better in a style that is comfortable. A few common features to think about include:
- Wireless connectivity
- Variable programming
- Bluetooth
- Remote controls
- Rechargeable batteries
- Directional microphones
- Direct audio input
- Telecoils
- Noise reduction
- Synchronization
- Environmental noise control
Take Into Consideration The Different Styles
There are numerous styles available, as you will realize when you begin researching hearing aids. There is definitely a style that will be right for you, and that’s the good news. Some of the different styles are:
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE)
- Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
- Open Fit
A pretty good definition of each style is provided by the names. BTE hearing aids include a piece that sits behind the ear. It connects to clear tubing and an ear-mold that sits at the opening of the ear canal.
Alternatively, ITE pieces sit, you guessed it, in the ear. It’s a single unit that goes in the opening of the ear canal. There is nothing that goes behind the ear. ITC indicates “in the canal” and they are very much like ITE’s but ITC’s go further into the ear canal so you won’t see them so much.
RIC and RIE, as the name indicates, have a receiver unit that rests in the ear and connects by a wire to a piece behind it. Both styles are typically less conspicuous than BTE hearing aids.
Rather than having ear-molds, open fit units, which are a type of BTE, have a little tube that goes into the ear canal. If you can’t deal with the feeling of something stuck inside your ear, this style is a good choice for you.
After taking all of these styles and options into consideration, it’s time to decide which one that will best fit your needs. Bluetooth functionality, for instance, is a feature you would want if you use your phone or a computer frequently. If you listen to seminars and lectures, telecoil is an excellent 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.
Finally, Consider Your Buying Options
You want to purchase your hearing aids from a qualified retailer, one that custom fits the devices and offers a free trial period. The truth is, when it comes to hearing aids, you can’t be certain until you try them, so having the opportunity to try them for a while is helpful.
A good warranty will come with a quality hearing aid, make sure to look for that. What kind of coverage does it come with? Do you get a new hearing aid if something goes wrong or does the warranty only cover parts and possibly labor?
Make an appointment with a hearing professional for a checkup and hearing test before you buy your hearing aids. There could be many reasons you might observe a change in your hearing and they don’t all require hearing aids.