Before you decide on purchasing a hearing aid, there are several things you need to consider.
The staff at your local hearing center can help you decide which models will work best for your type of loss, but you also need to think about your preferences about visibility versus ease of use.
Models and Styles Completely-In-The-Canal - This is the least noticeable since it sits inside the ear canal.
However, the small size does not accommodate extra features like volume control or directional microphones.
In-The-Canal - Still fairly unnoticeable since it sits inside the ear canal, this model can accommodate extra features.
However, they may be hard to adjust due to their small size.
Half-Shell - Custom-molded to fit into the bottom of the bowl-shaped space in your outer ear.
These are easier to handle than in-the-canal models, but are definitely visible.
Full-Shell - Custom-molded to fit into the entire outer ear.
This model is especially effective for those experiencing severe loss.
It also has larger batteries, which tend to last longer and are easier to change.
Behind-The-Ear - An option for all ages, this aid features a microphone, which sits behind the ear and transmits sound to a speaker situated inside the ear canal.
Open-Fit - A small version of the Behind-the-Ear option, this device is less visible and used for those experiencing high-frequency loss.
Since the user should be able to hear low-frequency sounds without the help of an aid, the device does not plug the entire ear canal.
Before You Purchase With all these options available, you'll need to make sure you're getting the one that will benefit you the most: Visit a Doctor - A specialist at your local hearing center will be able to accurately evaluate what type of hearing loss you're experiencing.
Believe it or not, you may not even need to purchase an aid if your loss is due to excessive ear wax, infection, or possibly a tumor.
Get a Reference for a Local Audiologist - If your doctor cannot find a viable reason for your inability to hear well, he'll refer you to a specialist in audiology.
The specialist will be able to perform tests and determine the problem.
Once he's finished, he'll be able to recommend which device will best meet your needs and preferences.
Ask for a Trial Period - Just because the aid is comfortable and working well in the office, doesn't mean that you'll continue to be satisfied once you've gotten home and worn it a couple days.
On the other hand, if you have trouble with it in the office, you may grow used to your new device within a week or so.
Either way, it's nice to have a trial period for your ears to adjust and for you to decide if you like the device and want to keep it.
Think About the Future - What happens if your hearing continues to grow worse? Ask the hearing center staff if the model that you're planning to purchase will be able to keep up with any more loss that may occur over time.
The staff at your local hearing center can help you decide which models will work best for your type of loss, but you also need to think about your preferences about visibility versus ease of use.
Models and Styles Completely-In-The-Canal - This is the least noticeable since it sits inside the ear canal.
However, the small size does not accommodate extra features like volume control or directional microphones.
In-The-Canal - Still fairly unnoticeable since it sits inside the ear canal, this model can accommodate extra features.
However, they may be hard to adjust due to their small size.
Half-Shell - Custom-molded to fit into the bottom of the bowl-shaped space in your outer ear.
These are easier to handle than in-the-canal models, but are definitely visible.
Full-Shell - Custom-molded to fit into the entire outer ear.
This model is especially effective for those experiencing severe loss.
It also has larger batteries, which tend to last longer and are easier to change.
Behind-The-Ear - An option for all ages, this aid features a microphone, which sits behind the ear and transmits sound to a speaker situated inside the ear canal.
Open-Fit - A small version of the Behind-the-Ear option, this device is less visible and used for those experiencing high-frequency loss.
Since the user should be able to hear low-frequency sounds without the help of an aid, the device does not plug the entire ear canal.
Before You Purchase With all these options available, you'll need to make sure you're getting the one that will benefit you the most: Visit a Doctor - A specialist at your local hearing center will be able to accurately evaluate what type of hearing loss you're experiencing.
Believe it or not, you may not even need to purchase an aid if your loss is due to excessive ear wax, infection, or possibly a tumor.
Get a Reference for a Local Audiologist - If your doctor cannot find a viable reason for your inability to hear well, he'll refer you to a specialist in audiology.
The specialist will be able to perform tests and determine the problem.
Once he's finished, he'll be able to recommend which device will best meet your needs and preferences.
Ask for a Trial Period - Just because the aid is comfortable and working well in the office, doesn't mean that you'll continue to be satisfied once you've gotten home and worn it a couple days.
On the other hand, if you have trouble with it in the office, you may grow used to your new device within a week or so.
Either way, it's nice to have a trial period for your ears to adjust and for you to decide if you like the device and want to keep it.
Think About the Future - What happens if your hearing continues to grow worse? Ask the hearing center staff if the model that you're planning to purchase will be able to keep up with any more loss that may occur over time.
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