After you complete a hearing test, if a hearing loss is detected, our team will be able to prescribe the best hearing aids for your specific needs. They are experts in diagnosing hearing loss and have a deep knowledge of all the different hearing aids available that can offer you the greatest level of hearing acuity and comfort.
Customization is key
Personalized programming of hearing aids is the single most important factor in determining how successful these devices will be in the treatment of your hearing loss. For example, a group of patients may all have the same diagnosis, yet each requires a different setting on their individual devices. Of all the adjustable settings available, the two critical customizations for any successful hearing aid treatment are:
- Physical fit of the device, where a hearing aid is chosen or adjusted to conform to your specific bodily dimensions. For behind-the-ear devices, this means selecting the appropriate size of domes and tubes. For in-the-ear devices, customization is done by creating a mold of your ear canal to ensure the best possible fit.
- Acoustic fit of the device, where settings on the hardware such as frequency, volume, power output, intensity, and noise reduction are fine-tuned to offer you the optimal hearing experience.
Size matters
As hearing loss is a sensitive topic and likely a source of embarrassment for people, it should always be dealt with as discretely as possible. It is natural then, for people to also want devices that are equally discrete and well-hidden. Luckily in this day and age, there are countless options available, offering sleek designs and attractive finishes. Behind-the-ear hearing aids now feature much slimmer frames and can be ordered in colors that match a person’s hair, making them almost unnoticeable. In-the-ear devices that are placed directly within the ear canal have also significantly reduced in size to the point where they are not visible when completely inserted. For those who might feel self-conscious about wearing a hearing aid these days, the vast selection of discrete styles and options should put their mind at ease.
Rechargeability is paramount
With advances in battery technology, gone are the days of constantly swapping out tiny button batteries for new ones. You can now simply recharge your hearing aids as you would your cellular phone or other personal electronic devices. Although these models often initially cost 10-15% more than the traditional battery-operated models, you will be saving much more in the long run on battery expenses.
Choose open-fit hearing aids when possible
Open-fit devices are high-end units that boast near-invisibility when worn but are best suited for people experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. They are behind-the-ear devices but share a similar visibility profile with in-the-ear hearing aids thanks to their tiny body and thin translucent tube, which extends a speaker into the canal. Another advantage of open-fit devices is that they do not require molds of the ear canal to function properly and can be worn and tested on the spot as opposed to waiting weeks to try out a custom-fitted model. Their greatest feature, however, lies in their superior comfort and sound production. This is also due to their moldless design, which does not obstruct the ear canal and allows natural sound to enter along with amplification from the speaker, providing the user with a much more lifelike sound experience.
Consider smartphone connectivity
Almost everyone owns a smartphone these days, so why not take full advantage of its Bluetooth capabilities by pairing it with the new connectivity options available in modern hearing aids? With the push of a button, you can stream phone calls, music, podcasts, or audiobooks straight into your hearing aid. Bluetooth technology is notorious for quickly draining power; however, manufacturers are in the process of incorporating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which should alleviate this issue.
Telecoil technology may be beneficial
No matter what your hearing aid budget is, the addition of a telecoil (t-coil) may give you a better return on your investment by providing better sound quality in more difficult listening situations and giving you greater access to the world around you. T-coils can extend your listening range by looping into public sound systems and improve your listening experience by removing unwanted background noise. Now, with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, all public assembly areas with sound amplification (movie and live performance theaters, courthouses, public classrooms, meeting rooms) must be equipped with assistive listening systems. Hence, there are plenty of opportunities for utilizing your new t-coil hearing aids.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are ready to experience the benefits of hearing loss treatment, contact us today! We provide comprehensive hearing services and we look forward to helping you on your journey to better hearing.