Hearing Aids -Different Types And Which To Buy

Hearing aids have two broad categories – analog and digital. Analog are the least expensive but are less customizable as digital models which use several technologies to give near-normal hearing. Hearing aid placement can be Behind-The-Ear (BTE), In-The-Ear (ITE), In-The-Canal (ITC) or Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC). BTE is the largest of the four, but is versatile as it can be used by people with mild or severe hearing loss. Preference for BTE models stems from the absence of the stopped up feeling which are more pronounced with in ear types. ITE models, although smaller, but are detectable just the same.

These are preferred by the elderly because of their ease of use and longer battery life. Its size also allows for better feature customizability. The smallest of the bunch and the most expensive are the ITC and CIC types. They are also the least conspicuous which is why a lot of people prefer them. However, because they are small and have limited battery life they are not exactly the best choices for the elderly and those with severe hearing loss.

Developments in the technologies used in these hearing aids make it possible for patients with hearing loss to appreciate speech and sound at a level that is close to that of normal hearing. These features include, noise reduction, feedback cancellation and directional microphones. The introduction of multiple compression channels and memories in digital models afford its users increased adaptability to a variety of listening situations.

There is no single best hearing aid because ultimately it is your level of hearing loss and requirements which will determine the most appropriate and most advantageous model. It goes without saying that the hearing aids’ cost will also be contingent on these parameters and because there are several models and technologies available, the price range is quite wide. Reading hearing aid reviews can assist you in selecting the best brands and the best hearing aid type for your needs. More than hearing aid reviews though, it is still best to seek the opinion of your audiologist.

A hearing aid’s cost should not only be the main consideration when shopping for one. The risk of additional hearing loss from too much amplification is quite high among substandard and poorly fitted hearing aids. It is to your best interest to buy FDA approved hearing aids, and to have them properly fitted by a licensed hearing healthcare professional.

Age and other factors often result to varying degrees of hearing loss. The best hearing aids available can help you regain that much-needed aural faculty. For more hearing aid reviews, click here. More resources and hearing aids reviews can be found here.

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