Choosing a hearing aid is difficult, especially if you are new to hearing aids. They are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and technological levels.
The first factor determining which hearing aid to purchase is your specific hearing loss, which can range from mild to severe. So, what's next? What do you want your personal hearing aid to be capable of, and how should it appear?
How should my hearing aid look?
According to the World Health Organization, 466 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss that is disabling. While some people like to show off their new hearing aid, others prefer that it not draw too much attention. That is entirely dependent on who you are! Hearing aids, like any other piece of clothing, can be customized in terms of style, color, and size (depending on your specific hearing loss). So consider what you want your hearing aid to say about you, or whether you don't want it to say anything at all.
Do I usually go out or stay in?
Do you prefer a night out at a restaurant or do you prefer to stay at home and watch TV? Hearing aids are as diverse as the people who use them. If you prefer to go out, you will be subjected to a lot of background noise, which is frequently where people have the most difficulty hearing conversation. So make sure you get a hearing aid that reduces background noise while also improving speech clarity. Maybe that's not so important if you prefer to stay in, quietly reading a book or conversing with a friend over tea.
Do I want to listen to music or watch TV through my hearing aid?
If you're a smartphone user, there's a good chance you'll appreciate Bluetooth hearing aids designed for connectivity. Many hearing aids now include Bluetooth 2.4GHz connectivity (Made for iPhone) that allows you to connect your iOS devices (Apple products) to your hearing aids directly. A solution for streaming directly from Android phones is also being developed, with the goal of releasing it in 2019. Until then, you'll have to stream from your Android phone using an assistive listening device, and the same goes for TV or radio. In any case, if you have 2.4GHz connectivity, you can control the audio streaming from your phone.
Do I want to manage my hearing aid with my smartphone?
Hearing aids can now do much more than just amplify sound. In fact, you can download apps for your smartphone that will allow you to personalize your listening experience using Artificial Intelligence or track your activity level, for example. These kinds of features are typically controlled by your smartphone. So, if you have one and enjoy using it, this could be a great way to add even more features to your hearing aid, in addition to the automatic sound features that vary from hearing aid to hearing aid.
Do I have trouble hearing soft sounds?
Loud sounds are usually not difficult for anyone to hear, but softer sounds such as birds chirping, the rustling of a newspaper, or even the soft voices of small children may be reduced in volume when you have hearing loss. They can even vanish completely! If you miss them, you should find a hearing aid that has a good capacity for soft, ambient sounds.
How is my working environment?
There is a significant difference between working on a construction site and working in a theatre or an office. That being said, your office could be quite noisy! Consider your work environment: do you require a hearing aid that significantly reduces unwanted background noise? Do you need one that can capture soft sounds or one that understands acoustics in large venues?
Where do I need to hear the most?
Do you participate in sports, or do you frequently host large lectures, attend religious services, or sail on the sea? Whatever your critical listening moments are, make sure your hearing aid captures them. Some hearing aids will have features that are ideal for sports, while others may be better suited to concerts. And some hearing aids can do almost everything! Just make certain that your new hearing aids can provide you with the best possible assistance during your favorite moments.
So, where do I begin...?
We recommend that you take a hearing test if you haven't already. Begin by taking a brief and completely free online test. If you do have impaired hearing, a hearing care professional can assist you in answering your questions and determining the best solution for you.
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