Getting The Most From Your Hearing Aids

If you aren’t very wealthy, a car really isn’t an impulse buy. So a great deal of research is most likely the first step you take. You check out reviews, you compare prices, and you evaluate gas mileage. (You’re on Google a lot.) This amount of research makes sense! For most people 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 it’s worth it!

Not only do you consider the objective factors (gas mileage, safety, etc), but you’ll also give thought to best fits for your lifestyle. What style of vehicle do you enjoy? How much room do you require for weekly groceries? How much power do you need to feel when you press down that gas pedal?

Put another way, to get the most out of your new car, you need to evaluate your options and make some decisions. And that’s the same attitude you should take when choosing your hearing aids. They’re still an investment although they cost a lot less than a new car. Figuring out which device will fit your lifestyle best and which device works best in general, is the best way to get the most from your investment.

The benefits 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 people, 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 be able to more easily follow conversations at the dinner table, listen to your grandchildren tell you about fascinating dinosaurs, and chit-chat with the cashier at the grocery store.

With all these benefits, it seems sensible 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 individuals out there who would assume that the best way to make your hearing aid work better and last longer is to simply purchase the most expensive device possible.

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

• The technology inside of a hearing aid is very small and very sophisticated. That means you’re paying for a very potent technological package.
• They’re made to be long-lasting. Especially if you take care of them.

But that doesn’t mean the most costly option will automatically work best. There are a lot of variables to consider (including the degree of your hearing loss and, well, how much you can spend!) Do some hearing aids last longer than others? Certainly! But the price of the device isn’t always the deciding variable.

In order to keep your hearing aids in good working condition, as with any other purchase, they will require routine care and maintenance. What’s more, your hearing aids will have to be tuned to your ears and adjusted for your distinct level of hearing loss.

Make sure you get the best hearing aids for you

So, what are your options? When it comes to hearing aids, you’ll have a number of different styles and kinds to pick from. We can help you figure out which hearing aids will be ideal for your hearing needs. Here are the options 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. The small size also means you don’t get some of the most modern functions.
• In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC): These hearing aids are mostly discrete because they are molded to your ear canal. Because they’re slightly larger than CIC models, they may contain more high-tech functions. Some of these functions can be a bit tricky to adjust by hand (because the devices are still quite small). If you want your hearing aid to be discrete but also include some sophisticated features, this style 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 the entirety of your ear, or half shell, which sits in the lower ear). If you have complex hearing problems or need more powerful noise control, the more advanced technology and larger microphones will make these hearing aids a great option.
• Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE): The speaker of this device fits in your ear and the more bulky electronic part sits behind your ear making them the best of both worlds in a way. The little tube that connects the two parts is still rather discrete. These hearing aids are popular because they provide many amplification options. These kinds are a great compromise between visibility and power.
• Receiving-in-the-Canal (or in the Ear) Hearing Aids (RIC or RITE): This is much like BTE hearing aids, except the speaker part fits in the ear canal. They have the advantage of minimizing wind noise and are generally less visible.
• Open-Fit Hearing Aids: Even when you’re wearing the device, low-frequency sounds can still get into the ear. This makes them suitable for individuals who can hear those low-frequencies fairly well (but have trouble with high-frequency sounds). Though it works well for many individuals, it won’t be a good option for everyone.

Pros and Cons of over-the-counter hearing aids

Over-the-counter hearing aids (or OTC hearing aids, to keep inundating you with acronyms) are yet another option to think about. The problem is that OTC hearing aids are kind of like OTC medications, they work fine in a basic way. But it’s likely that OTC hearing aids won’t have the power you need if your hearing loss is more pronounced or complex. In general, OTC hearing aids can’t be specifically programmed to your hearing in the same way that prescription hearing aids can.

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

Repair and upkeep

After you decide on the best hearing aid for your hearing requirements, taking care of it is crucial. This is, again, like a car which also needs maintenance.

So, now you’re thinking: how often should my hearing aids be checked? In general, you should schedule a regular maintenance and cleaning appointment for your hearing aids every six-to-twelve months. This gives you a chance to be certain everything’s working effectively and as it should!

You should also get familiar with your warranty. You will save some cash when you are familiar with what is and isn’t covered. So now you’re wondering: how do I make my hearing aids last longer? The answer is usually simple: good upkeep and a strong warranty.

So… what is the best hearing aid?

There’s no single best hearing aid. Every hearing specialist may have a different model that they think is the best.

The key is to find the best hearing aid for you and for your personal requirements. Some individuals will go for a minivan, others for an SUV. It all just depends, and the same is true for hearing aids.

But you will have an easier time finding the hearing aid that’s best for you if you are well informed beforehand. Schedule a hearing test with us today!