Getting The Most From Your Hearing Aids

A car isn’t really an impulse purchase (unless you’re really wealthy). Which means you will most likely do a ton of research first. You take a good look at things such as gas mileage, price point, and customer reviews. (You’re on Google a lot.) It makes sense to do this amount of research. You’re about to drop tens of thousands of dollars on something and spend years paying it off (unless, again, you are really wealthy). So you want to make sure your investment is well spent.

You’ll be thinking about how your purchase best fits your lifestyle and also practical things such as safety, gas mileage, etc. What type of vehicle do you enjoy? How much room do you require for weekly supplies? How fast do you want your car to be?

So you need to have a close look at all of your possibilities and make some informed decisions in order to get the most from your purchase. And when you’re picking out new hearing aids, it’s essential to have this same attitude. 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, in general, as well as what provides the most for your lifestyle.

The advantages of hearing aids

The example of the benefits of investing in hearing aids can be generally compared with the example of purchasing a car. Hearing aids are pretty awesome!

Yes, they help your hearing, but for most individuals, the advantages are more tangible than that. With a pair of hearing aids, you can stay involved with 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 engaging in conversations with friends.

With all these benefits, it stands to reason that you’d begin to ask, “How can I make my hearing aids last longer?” You don’t want those benefits to go away.

Do more costly hearing aids work better?

There might be some people out there who would assume that the most effective way to make your hearing aid work better and last longer is to simply purchase the most expensive device possible.

And, to be certain, hearing aids can be an investment. There’s a reason why some hearing aids are costly in the first place:

• Hearing aids are designed to contain very sophisticated technologies, and they need to make those technologies as small as possible. So the package you’re paying for is very technologically potent.
• Hearing aids are also designed to last for quite a while. Particularly if you take care of them.

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

As with any other purchase, hearing aids will need regular maintenance in order to continue working properly. Also, your hearing loss is unique to you and your hearing aids will need to be calibrated to your specific needs.

Get the appropriate hearing aids for your hearing loss

What options do you have? You’ll be able to choose from several different types and styles. You can work with us to determine which ones are best for you and your hearing needs. But in general, here’s what you’ll have to select from:

• Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC): For individuals who want their hearing aids to be discrete and also provide high-quality sound, these hearing aids will be the best choice. The only trouble is that they tend to have a shorter longevity and battery life. And some of the most sophisticated features are usually missing because of their smaller size.
• In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC): These hearing aids are mostly hidden because they are molded to your ear canal. They will typically have more high-tech features being a bit bigger than CIC models. Some of these functions can be somewhat tricky to manipulate by hand (because the devices are still rather small). If you want your hearing aid to be discrete but also contain some sophisticated features, this type will be appropriate.
• In-the-Ear Hearing Aids: These devices are also molded to your ears. No part of the device sits in your ear canal, it all fits in your outer ear. Two styles are available (full shell, which fits your whole ear, or half shell, which fits in the lower ear). These devices are more visible but can contain advanced and powerful microphones, making them a great option for noise control or complex hearing problems.
• Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE): The speaker of this device sits 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 fairly discrete. These devices are popular because they offer many amplification choices. These kinds are a great compromise between power and visibility.
• Receiving-in-the-Canal (or in the Ear) Hearing Aids (RIC or RITE): This is a lot like BTE hearing aids, except the speaker part fits in the ear canal. They have the advantage of minimizing wind noise and are usually less visible.
• Open-Fit Hearing Aids: Even when you’re wearing the device, low-frequency sounds can still get into the ear. If you have trouble hearing higher frequencies but low-frequencies aren’t really a problem, these hearing aids will be a good fit for you. Though it works well for many people, it won’t be a good choice for everyone.

What about over-the-counter hearing aids?

Another possibility to think about is OTC or over-the-counter hearing aids. OTC hearing aids work okay in general, much like OTC medications. But if your hearing loss calls for a set of more powerful hearing aids or more specialized hearing aids, OTC devices may fall somewhat short. Prescription hearing aids can be calibrated to your specific hearing needs which is an option generally not available with OTC hearing aids.

The best way to find out what kind of hearing aid will be best for you, you should consult with us.

Maintenance and repair

After you choose the best hearing aid for your hearing requirements, taking care of it is essential. This is, again, like a car which also needs upkeep.

So, now you’re thinking: how frequently should my hearing aids be assessed? In general, 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 order.

You should also become familiar with your warranty. You will save some cash when you are familiar with what is and isn’t covered. A good warranty and regular upkeep will help your hearing last as long as possible.

Is there a hearing aid that’s the best?

There isn’t a single greatest all-time hearing aid. Every hearing specialist may have a different model that they feel is the best.

Which hearing aids match your hearing loss needs will be the ones that are best for you. Just like with a vehicle, 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 choosing the hearing aid that’s best for you if you are well informed beforehand. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today!