Once you confirm that you have hearing loss the next step seems so overwhelming.
The options are vast and confusing.
Hopefully your audiologist will walk you through your choices and discuss the benefits of each.
Not every type of hearing aid will be ideal for you.
There is a model that will fit every budget.
A completely in-the-canal choice is ideal for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
It will cost more and it may have shorter battery life.
Being in the ear, this type will not pick up wind noise.
This type will not offer much in the way of extras like microphones and volume control.
There is another in-the-canal option that would carry similar benefits, but doesn't go completely in the canal.
This option offers some of the volume control and microphone features, but is difficult to adjust.
These devices are easy to use with a telephone and because of their positioning they will be the most discreet option.
In-the-ear half-shell sits in the bowl of your ear.
This can help patients with mild to severe loss.
It will offer more features than in-canal options and because of its bigger size you will be able to adjust features.
In-the-ear full-shell is custom-made.
This option fits in the bowl area of the outer ear.
Battery life will be longer with these options.
This option will get a fair amount of wind noise.
This type of aid is going to be less discreet, but it may cost less.
Behind-the-ear models are the most visible.
They are larger, but this means they last longer with larger batteries.
This type is less expensive, and features will be easier to control.
It will help patients with mild to severe hearing loss, though it will be less discreet, and will pick up wind noise.
The cost of this aid and the fact that it goes behind the ear may make this ideal for growing children.
Another behind-the-ear model, known as open-fit, is also available.
It goes behind the ear with a tube to a speaker in the ear canal.
This hearing aid leaves the canal open.
This reduces wind noise and is less visible, but it has smaller batteries and lacks the extra features.
This type is best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Hearing amplification has come a long way.
We have a wide array of products that work in different ways to offer patients what they need.
All hearing aid technology amplifies sound so that a patient can hear.
There is an option for all price ranges.
Make sure to ask your audiologist any questions and be sure to discuss warranties.