Any age can have hearing loss. It is regarded as a silent killer since it can cause mental decline and social seclusion. Finding the best hearing aid for you can be difficult, but they can help you completely enjoy life and restore part of your hearing.
When ought one to purchase a hearing aid?
Hearing aids are capable of much more than just restoring hearing. Long-term hearing loss may have negative effects on your mental and physical health. Your ability to hear better helps shield you from a variety of psychiatric conditions, such as cognitive decline, sadness, anxiety, and more. The hassle of getting a hearing aid is definitely worth it, but hold on.
It is common to experience a reduction in hearing high-frequency noises as one ages. Rapid deterioration at a young age or considerable hearing loss are alarming, especially if it impairs speech recognition. You should determine the source of your hearing loss in order to receive the proper treatment. The cause may be noise-induced hearing loss or an organic reason.
Although hearing aids can help with sensorineural hearing loss, if you have another form of hearing loss you may require a different sort of treatment.
What kinds of hearing devices are available?
Your personal tastes as well as the degree of your hearing loss will determine the type that is ideal for you. A type that doesn't obstruct your ear canal should be preferred if your hearing loss is only slight. You might want to stay away from hearing aids that sit behind the ear if you wear glasses. Remember that handling and upkeep of smaller ear pieces requires greater dexterity.
1. Behind-the-ear
Even though the Behind-the-Ear (BTE) model is larger than hearing aids that fit in the ear directly, it is less obvious than the larger ITE or ITC models. A clear plastic tube that is connected to an earmold that fits in the ear canal is used to deliver amplified sound into the ear.
2. Receiver-in-the-canal
Hearing aids with a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) are comparable to BTEs with the exception of the receiver's placement. Due to this, this model may be made smaller without sacrificing any power or functionality. For those who have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, these are the best options.
3. Earbuds
Hearing aids and genuine wireless earphones combine to create earbuds, which are both quite obvious and discreet. Since you adjust them yourself using a streamlined hearing test rather of consulting a specialist, many examples of this model aren't technically true hearing aids.
4. In-the-ear
An in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid is a special kind that completely encloses the concha or bowl of your ear. These are better options for persons with more severe hearing loss since they have more processing and amplification capacity than the smaller variants. They are also appropriate for those with poor dexterity.
5. In-the-canal
ITC hearing aids are a little bit bigger than CIC devices. You won't need to use an app or a remote control every time you want to change the programme or volume because they have controls built in. Models without a vent can obstruct the ears, which could make your own voice or chewing louder.
6. Completely-in-the-canal
The tiniest hearing aids available are completely in the canal (CIC) or invisible-in-the-canal (IIC). They are virtually unnoticeable because they are buried deep in the ear canal. The only thing that will protrude is a little plastic handle for inserting and removing the hearing aid.
Choosing a hearing aid
You might be asking how to choose the best hearing aid for you now that you have an overview of all your possibilities. The different brands and models haven't even been mentioned yet. Where to get your hearing aid adds still another layer of complexity.
How to choose a hearing aid
Keep the following in mind whether you choose a hearing clinic, a Costco Hearing Aid Centre, or any supplier of hearing aids:
1. Test out various hearing aid brands and styles to determine which ones you can use most effortlessly.
- Consider CIC, ITC, or RIC models if you have a mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Choose ITC, ITE, or BTE with an earmold and an assistive listening device if your hearing loss is more severe.
- Make sure to try on several sizes and designs of ear tips while trying on RIC or RITE type hearing aids to get the best fit.
- Put on your glasses or a mask while wearing your hearing aid.
- Choose a larger device with fewer pieces, such as an ITE or BTE with an earmold, automated features, and rechargeable batteries, if you have trouble handling small objects or with dexterity.
- A BTE model with an assistive listening device, basic functions, and an earmold may be a wise choice if you're disabled or housebound.
2. Ask about tinnitus remedies if you also have ringing in your ears.
3. Try out the mobile apps for those hearing aids once you've reduced the decision to a few particular types to determine which one you prefer.
4. A replacement may be provided if repairs take longer than expected. Inquire with your provider regarding warranty and maintenance requirements.
5. Finally, pick a model that can be fixed and accommodates future additions. While it is ideal to stop additional hearing loss, it isn't always achievable.
How to adapt to your new hearing device
Getting acclimated to your hearing aids will take some time. Wear them as frequently as you can to become accustomed to them and develop a habit, and utilise every function while the trial period is still in effect. Contact your audiologist if the hearing aids don't perform as expected.
Here are a few typical issues with hearing aids:
1. The hearing aid is uneasy to wear:
If you're wearing a custom earmold, this could take some time. Try out various sizes and types of ear tips if you're wearing a RIC-style hearing aid.
2. Your own voice is too loud:
Hearing aids that obstruct your ear canal, such CIC, ITC, or any devices with an earmold, frequently cause occlusion as a side effect.You can get used to this, but some hearing aids have cutting-edge technologies that do away with this impact. Inquire about your options with your audiologist.
3. Your hear feedback or artefacts in the sound:
your hearing aid may not be properly fitted or be clogged. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning directions when cleaning your hearing aid. In case the feedback continues, speak with your audiologist.
4. Background noise is too loud:
Perhaps your programme needs to be adjusted. You might not be able to achieve better results if you chose a less sophisticated hearing aid. Test out versions with two processors and AI.
5. You have a too quiet hearing aid:
Consult your audiologist if you are unable to change the volume on your own. They should be able to quickly resolve this.
The majority of problems can be resolved by getting acclimated to using and wearing your new hearing aids, but some call for professional help. As a significant investment that should last you for many years, hearing aids should be thoroughly tested during the trial or warranty period. Once you have hearing aids, look after them and test your hearing sometimes to make sure they are still functioning properly.
It's ideal to keep yourself as educated with your hearing aids and a new breakthrough in the technology. Ask your query via Book an Appointment today. For more information visit https://hearing.careinc.ca or you can call us today at (403)605-6300