What are ITC Hearing Aids
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are custom-fitted to sit comfortably in
5 Things to Consider When Buying Hearing Aids
You’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss and your audiologist has recommended you purchase hearing aids. Selecting the right hearing aids is an important task; you want to make sure the devices meet your hearing loss and personal needs. When selecting the right hearing aid for you, consider the five following tips to help you make your decision.
- How severe is your hearing loss? There are some tiny, super discrete hearing aids on the market for the self-conscious hearing aid user. However, these devices tend to only be suitable for mild-to-moderate hearing loss sufferers. If your hearing loss is more severe, you may find you need to choose a larger, more powerful hearing aid. If this concerns you, have a chat with your audiologist; there are some less visible options even for larger hearing aids.
- How is your ear health? Some of the smaller hearing aid types are more susceptible to blockages caused by fluid and earwax. If you suffer from excessive earwax or frequent ear infections you may find it’s more trouble than it’s worth to choose one of these models.
- Consider your dexterity. If you suffer with arthritis or any other condition that affects your dexterity you may find some of the smaller hearing aid models prove to be problematic. Smaller models usually mean smaller batteries and battery compartments, not to mention shorter battery life. It might be wise to opt for a larger model that will involve less frequent battery changes and have a more manageable size.
- Will your insurance cover the cost? Hearing aids range in price depending on the style of hearing aid you choose and any additional features you want. Most insurance providers will not cover the full cost of hearing aids, so you may want to find out what contribution they will make, if any, so that you can work out your budget before buying.
- Do you use electronic devices? Most hearing aids include technology that allows you to connect to electronic devices such as cell phones, music players and theater systems. Discuss your options with your audiologist if you think this is something you would consider.
Purchasing hearing aids will be an incredibly exciting and important step to bettering your hearing health and your life. It’s important to make sure you select the right device for your hearing loss needs and technology wants. Talk with your audiologist to find out more about the ins and outs of what hearing aid is best for you.
