Getting The Most Out of Your Hearing Aids

A car isn’t really an impulse buy (unless you’re really wealthy). Which means you will most likely do a lot of research first. You look at reviews, you assess prices, and you consider gas mileage. (You’re on Google a lot.) It makes sense to do this amount of research. For most individuals who aren’t wealthy, it will take a while to pay off the thousands of dollars you will spend. So you want to make sure your investment is well spent.

You’ll be considering how your purchase best fits your lifestyle and also practical things such as safety, gas mileage, etc. What style of vehicle do you enjoy? How much room do you require for weekly supplies? How much power do you need to feel when you push down that accelerator?

So you need to have a close look at all of your options and make some informed choices in order to get the most from your investment. And that’s the same attitude you should have when selecting your hearing aids. They’re still an investment although they cost much 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 delivers the most for your lifestyle.

The advantages of hearing aids

The example of the benefits of purchasing hearing aids can be broadly compared with the example of buying a car. Hearing aids are a wonderful investment!

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

With all these benefits, it seems sensible 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 individuals may assume that they can only get a quality hearing aid if they get the highest-priced device.

And, to be certain, hearing aids can be an investment. Here are a couple of reasons why some hearing aids can be expensive:

• Hearing aids are made to include very advanced technologies, and they have to make those technologies as tiny as possible. That means you’re purchasing an extremely potent technological package.
• Hearing aids are also made to last for quite a while. Especially if you take care of them.

But that doesn’t mean the most expensive option will automatically work best. There are lots of factors to consider (including the extent of your hearing loss and, well, how much you can spend!) Some hearing aids will definitely last longer than others. But the price of the device isn’t always the deciding variable.

As with any other investment, hearing aids will require regular maintenance in order to continue working properly. Also, your hearing loss is unique to you and your hearing aids will have to be programmed to your exact requirements.

Get the correct hearing aids for your hearing loss

What options do you have? You’ll be able to pick from numerous different styles and types. We can help you identify which hearing aids will be best for your hearing requirements. Here are the choices you will have to choose from:

• Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC): For individuals who want their hearing aids to be hidden and also deliver high-quality sound, these hearing aids will be the best choice. The only problem is that they tend to have a shorter longevity and battery life. And some of the most state-of-the-art functions are typically missing due to their smaller size.
• In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC): These hearing aids are mostly discrete because they are molded to your ear canal. They will often have more high-tech functions being a bit bigger than CIC models. These devices are still rather small and some of the functions can be a bit difficult to manipulate by hand. If you want your hearing aid to be discrete but also include some advanced features, this type will be appropriate.
• In-the-Ear Hearing Aids: This style of hearing aid is molded to fit completely inside your outer ear. Two styles are available (full shell, which fits your whole ear, or half shell, which sits in the lower ear). These devices are more visible but can include advanced and powerful microphones, making them an excellent option for noise control or complex hearing issues.
• 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 pieces are connected by a small tube, but in general, it’s pretty non-visible. These devices are popular because they provide many amplification solutions. These types are a good compromise between visibility and power.
• Receiving-in-the-Canal (or in the Ear) Hearing Aids (RIC or RITE): This is a lot like BTE hearing aids, except the speaker bit sits in the ear canal. This makes them even less visible, with the added advantage of cutting down on things like wind noise.
• Open-Fit Hearing Aids: Open-fit hearing aids will let low-frequency sounds enter the ear even while you’re using the device. If you have trouble hearing higher frequencies but low-frequencies aren’t really a problem, these hearing aids will be a great fit for you. Though it works well for many individuals, it won’t be a good option for everybody.

How about over-the-counter hearing aids?

Another possibility to think about is OTC or over-the-counter hearing aids. OTC hearing aids work fine in general, much like OTC medications. But it’s likely that OTC hearing aids won’t have the power you require if your hearing loss is more advanced 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.

The best way to determine what type of hearing aid will be best for you, you should consult with us.

Upkeep and repair

Of course, once you’ve gone to all the trouble to select your perfect hearing aid type, you need to take care of it. This is, again, like a car which also needs maintenance.

So, now you’re thinking: how frequently should my hearing aids be assessed? Generally, you should schedule a regular upkeep and cleaning appointment for your hearing aids every six-to-twelve months. This gives you a chance to make sure everything’s working effectively and as it should!

You should also get familiar with your warranty. If and when you require repair, knowing what’s covered by that warranty and what’s not can save you some cash! A good warranty and regular maintenance will help your hearing last as long as possible.

Is there a hearing aid that’s the best?

There is no single best all-time hearing aid. If you go to see twelve different hearing specialists and request the “best” hearing aid, they may provide you with a dozen different models.

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 goes 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. Schedule a hearing test with us today!

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