Which is the best Hearing Aid?
Every Hearing Aid user must have asked this question to his dispenser before finalising, “Which is the best Hearing Aid?” The simple answer to this question is “The best Hearing Aid” is the one that suits your needs Let us help you to choose the right one.
We are happy that you have made a decision to use Hearing Aids, the general procedure at your Hearing Aid Dispenser’s clinic will start with a detailed study of your Audiogram or your Audiometric report to determine the Type of Hearing loss and the degree, or percentage of Hearing Loss in one’s ears.
Select the right Hearing Aids
Once your Audiologist or Dispenser has studied your Audiogram, he or she will select an appropriate Hearing Aid from the wide range available from the manufacturers.
Your Hearing Aid Dispenser has access to the technical specifications and the performance parameters of the Hearing Aids.
Each model will differ in specification like Power output, Gain, compression etc. Your dispenser will match the specifications of the Hearing Aids to the requirement as per the Audiogram.
While your Hearing Aid Dispenser will ensure that the Hearing Aid offered is technically suitable for you, what is more important is whether the Hearing Aid suits your lifestyle?
Why choosing Hearing Aids to fit your Lifestyle is important ?
While all Hearing Aids will technically deliver sound, your lifestyle should determine the style of the Hearing Aid. The right style will ensure that the Hearing Aid does not become an inconvenience. Make sure to discuss your lifestyle with your dispenser. Below are some of the common lifestyles, check where you fit in.
Common Lifestyles for Hearing Aid users
We can classify the Common Lifestyles into 3 broad categories.
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Hearing Aids for Professionally Active Lifestyle.
Hearing Loss is now affecting people in their 40’s, most professionals start handling senior level responsibilities at this age, any handicap at this stage will reduce their growth prospects. Yet they should not avoid using Hearing Aids as they may miss on discussions in the meetings.
The 2 main factors for selecting the type and style of Hearing Aids.
a. Visibility
b. Features
Visibility
For professional reasons, it is understandable that people do not want others to know that they are using a Hearing Aid. Not a major issue as the latest Digital technology has enabled manufacturers to reduce the size of the Hearing Aids such that they are totally invisible.
The following Hearing Aids are advisable for working professionals.
- Invisible in Canal or IIC Hearing Aids
These style of Hearing Aids slide deep into the Ear Canal, they are not visible at all. A nylon pulling string is provided so the user can pull them out when not needed.
- Completely in the Canal or CIC Hearing Aid
A CIC or Completely in the Canal Hearing Aid is slightly larger than an IIC. It also fits into the Ear Canal but not as deep as the IIC. In a majority of the cases, a CIC is also acceptable.
- In The Canal or ITC Hearing Aids
The ITC style of Hearing Aid is slightly larger than a CIC type, the face plate or the front portion is slightly visible, it can be covered cosmetically with the hair falling over the ears to avoid people noticing it. The major advantage is that ITC Hearing Aids can cover very high losses.
- Receiver In the Canal or RIC/RITE
The RIC or RITE (Receiver in The Ear) type of Hearing Aid has a very thin wire leading to the Ear, it is almost invisible or can be covered by the hair in case of ladies. These Hearing aids can suit people with profound losses also.
Features
The new technology offers a host of features, it all depends on your budget. Besides the regular noise cancellation and anti-feedback features, we would recommend Auto Acclimatization or a Remote control and Bluetooth connectivity.
Auto Acclimatization will help the Hearing Aid automatically change its setting as the user moves from one environment to another. If this feature is priced high, a Remote Control will do the job equally well. The Remote control can be carried in the pocket and used to change the volume, program without drawing much attention.
Bluetooth connectivity is equally important as mobile phone calls can be directly streamed to the user’s ears without external disturbances.
2. Hearing Aids for Socially active Lifestyle
A socially active lifestyle is when the user is professionally retired but socially active. The user visits clubs, attends social get-togethers and other outdoor sports activities.
Visibility.
We estimate that the user with this type of lifestyle is close to 60 years. At this age visibility might not be an issue for everyone. People who are conscious about the cosmetic appeal can select Hearing Aids from the options given above for the professionally active users.
For those who are not very conscious but at the same time would like some convenience can opt for the BTE type.
Behind The Ear or BTE
These types of Hearing are also quite small and are concealed behind the Ear. The only visible parts are the tube which carries the sound to the Ear and the Ear mould.
This style is advisable for the elders as they are easy to handle and operate. The elders do not have to depend on anyone to help them put on and use these Aids.
Features.
Socially active users who generally attend get-togethers also require features which can pick speech or sound signals while chatting in a group. Features like Noise reduction and anti-feedback are necessary. Study the features available and select the ones which benefit the most.
3. Retired Lifestyle
People leading a retired or semi-retired lifestyle are the ones who are generally at home but occasionally attend social and cultural functions.
Visibility
While visibility might not be an issue at this age, importance should be given to handling. The user should have steady hands to handle the small Hearing Aids like the IIC, CIC and ITC. These are made of an acrylic material which is brittle. If dropped on the hard floor the outer shell can crack or break. The Hearing Aids have to be sent back to the manufacturer for re-shelling and repairs.
A BTE or a RIC/RITE is advisable.
Features
The Hearing Aids can have the basic features which are available in most of the Hearing Aids. Though we call it basic, these Hearing Aids are multi-channel and have multiple program settings. The Program or setting can be changed while having a conversation or while watching TV.
The use of Hearing Aids can enhance the life of the Hard of Hearing person, one does not have to give up any of the enjoyable activities. Not using Hearing Aids can affect health, recent studies suggest that neglect of hearing Health leads to depression among the elders. We hope our advice has helped you choose the best Hearing Aid for yourself or your loved ones.
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