What is the next move when you’ve realized that you need to buy hearing aids? Hearing aids will soon become an essential part of your life, so selecting the right type matters. High-quality hearing aids can be purchased from a hearing aid specialist, while the cheaper flimsy ones can only be found on the internet. It’s up to you to decide what you want from the device and how much you can afford to spend. When shopping for hearing aids, there are some sacrifices that you should be ok with, but is your hearing one of them?
Those Cheap Internet Knockoffs
Hearing assistance devices which can be purchased from the internet are not really a bargain and their not actually hearing aids. They are very low-quality and don’t work very well. You have to replace dead batteries so often that it winds up costing a lot.
Amplifying sound is all these poor-quality devices can do. Customization to your exact needs can be accomplished with the integrated technologies found inside of a modern high-quality digital hearing aid. Several essential features will be sacrificed if you decide to purchase a cheap online device.
You have to appreciate your new hearing aids for what they are – an investment in your future. If you can’t hear very well it will make your life very hard and might end up costing you money, so don’t go cheap when purchasing hearing aids. If you can’t afford quality hearing aids, there may be other ways to get them, so don’t settle for something that is less than what you really need.
Analog Vs. Digital
Digital hearing aids deliver higher quality sound that is much more reliable. Analog units are outdated and are not worth considering.
It’s likely that all of the hearing aids you see at quality retailers will be digital. It’s worthwhile to know analog devices are out there, though, and to understand the difference. Low-quality analog signals are what the older hearing aids process. With analog hearing aids, the quality of the sound is very inconsistent.
Selecting The Perfect Features
When you go looking for hearing aids consider the two aspects which are features and style. You want a comfortable style that provides features that make your life easier. Some standard features to think about include:
- Direct audio input
- Variable programming
- Telecoils
- Wireless connectivity
- Rechargeable batteries
- Remote controls
- Bluetooth
- Environmental noise control
- Directional microphones
- Synchronization
- Noise reduction
Take Into Consideration The Different Styles
There are lots of styles available, as you will find out when you get started researching hearing aids. There is most definitely a style that will meet your needs, and that’s the great news. Some of the different styles are:
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Open Fit
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE)
- Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
A pretty good description of each style is provided by the names. BTE hearing aids incorporate a piece that sits behind the ear. An ear-mold sits at the ear’s opening and has a clear tube that connects it to the BTE.
As is apparent by its name, ITE devices go “in the ear”. It’s a single unit that sits in the opening of the ear canal. Nothing goes behind the ear. ITC means “in the canal” and they are very similar to ITE’s but ITC’s go further into the ear canal so you can’t see them so much.
RIC devices and RIE hearing aids have a “receiver in the canal” and a “receiver in the ear” respectively, which are then connected to a piece behind the ear. These hearing aids are less conspicuous than a BTE.
Lastly, open fit units are BTE devices but instead of connecting to an ear-mold, a thin tube goes into the ear canal. Having something inside the ear is uncomfortable for some people. When this is the case, an open fit unit, which has a thin tube going into the ear from a BTE, would be the best choice.
Looking at all of these options, you need to choose which style and options will fit your needs the most. Bluetooth functionality, for instance, is a function you would want if you talk on your phone or a computer regularly. If you listen to seminars and lectures, telecoil is a great option and rechargeable batteries will save you money on replacement batteries.
Finally, Consider Your Buying Options
A certified retailer that has a free trial period and that will custom fit the device is the best place to get your new hearing aids. It’s difficult to be confident that you are making the right choice if you don’t have the opportunity to try your hearing aids before you purchase them.
A quality hearing aid has a good warranty so make sure you check that out as well. What does it cover? Will you get a new hearing aid if something goes wrong or will the warranty only cover parts and possibly labor?
Before picking out hearing aids make an appointment with a hearing care professional for a checkup and hearing test, also. Your hearing issue may not even call for hearing aids.