Different Styles of Hearing Aids

OK, so you need hearing aids. Push away that image of big, clunky units sticking out of your ears! Many different styles of hearing aids are available today and chances are excellent you’ll find one that’s right for you. You’ll want to take a few things into consideration as you make your decision. Here are some tips to get you started.

Do some research

There are generally four styles of hearing aids. The smallest fit completely in the ear canal and are virtually invisible. Some people like the small size while others find it challenging to insert and remove these units. Also, because they’re so small, battery life is relatively short. The next size hearing aid is in the ear canal. These units sit in the “bowl” portion of your outer ear. In-the-ear hearing aids are a little larger and fit in your outer ear. Behind-the-ear hearing aids have units that sit around the outside of your ear with either an open fit or an earpiece for in the ear canal.

Discuss preferences and limitations

Perhaps you really want the smallest unit possible. However, your hearing loss requires a different style. With so many choices available, your audiologist will recommend the style(s) that will work best for your unique hearing issues.

Sometimes the shape of your ear plays a role in the type of hearing aids you can use. For example, if your ear canal is narrow or has an unusual shape, an invisible-in-canal unit probably is not an option. If you produce a lot of earwax or your ears drain a lot, that style also won’t work for you.

If you have arthritis or dexterity issues, you may find that a larger hearing aid offers you a better ability to insert and remove batteries. People with misshapen outer ears may find behind the ear hearing aids don’t sit correctly and aren’t an option.

Consider your test results

Certain styles of hearing aids work better than others when it comes to addressing specific hearing losses. For example, if your hearing loss is mainly in higher frequencies an in-the-year unit may make things sound muffled. Your hearing loss may require directional microphones, which are not available in smaller hearing aids. Behind-the-ear devices tend to work with just about any degree of hearing loss.

Features for your lifestyle

It’s pretty amazing to think about all the things today’s hearing aids can do. Some can connect wirelessly to telephones and televisions. Most are water resistant and some are waterproof. Directional microphones and digital noise reduction give you realistic sound. Automatic volume control allows the unit to determine whether or not you need sound softer or louder.

The many different styles of hearing aids not only give you a multitude of choices, but also work to improve your hearing and your quality of life.