According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, an estimated 28-million Americans could greatly gain from putting on hearing aids. Unluckily, the recent hearing aids statistics show that only three million hearing devices are used in the United States.
That said, it leaves many people with hearing loss devoid of any help. And unfortunately, a lot of people who experience hearing loss wait for at least 15 years until they buy their initial hearing aids.
What to Know Before Buying Hearing Aids
Now that you have decided to improve your life and hearing quality, what next? As an intelligent buyer, there are some things you must consider before you make a purchase. It is important to note that hearing aids come in different brands, sizes, shapes, styles and numerous features that might seem very puzzling if it is your first time. It is also vital to note that every variation alters the final costs of the hearing aid. So, even before buying one, it is essential to think of the following.
A Hearing Aid Won’t Bring Back Your Normal Hearing
When it comes to how you used to hear things, wearing a hearing aid will be different. You will notice a significant difference between the ways you used to hear things. Therefore, ensure that you have reasonable and practical expectations. Besides, even a good hearing aid will not restore normal hearing.
Size Doesn’t Matter
Size is the last thing that should concern you when choosing a hearing aid for your needs. Never let the small size puzzle you. In most cases, bigger doesn’t mean better, and in fact, some hearing aids might be small and stealthy and be very good when it comes to functionality. You might think that the small device won’t be as effective as the big ones; however, the mechanism in the small hearing aid is just as effective as the latter.
You Must Have a Hearing Test Done
The initial step of your curative journey is admitting that you need hearing aids. On the other hand, you will need first to consult your audiologist to make a hearing test. There are various stages of a hearing test that check your hearing capability. A pure-tone audiometry assessment is used to help identify the quickest frequencies you can or cannot perceive.
In contrast, people with regular hearing can perceive up to less than 25 decibels, technically the sound of a murmur. On the other hand, simple hearing loss means that you can hardly perceive the sound of a lawnmower, which is almost four times the sound of a whisper, 90 decibels.
In addition, pure-tone audiometry will help define the frequencies you can perceive well. For instance, some people cannot hear high-pitched or bass sounds. Also, other tests can be done to help determine word identification in a large crowd; all these results will help the audiologist create the perfect hearing aid that suits your needs.
Hearing Aids Must Suit Your Needs and Lifestyle
Everyone is different, and there is never a thing like one size fits everything. Hearing devices have various topographies that can aid enhance your experience only if they are tailored to suit your requirements. For example, some wearers might prefer a hearing aid with a wireless Bluetooth streaming feature that can unswervingly stream auditory files from their phones or TV to the device.
On the other hand, noise cancellation can be another preference for some people, especially those who labor in noisy environments. This function stops background sounds from disturbing your hearing. Some hearing aids have a noise cancellation feature that is expected to catch wind noises, for instance, in-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids.
The Best Hearing Aids Will Offer More Than Amplification
Make sure that you look for a style that will offer more than just a speaker. Try checking various available features, so you will know you are getting one that suits your needs. What do you want to achieve with the device? Begin by making a priority list and bring the list with you when shopping.
Know the Battery Life Span
A large unit hearing aid can be less stealthy but will likely cost you more. On the other hand, a small hearing aid will need small batteries that might need to be replaced often. So, when shopping, make sure that you take your time. This will help you choose the right hearing aid for your budget.
There Are Various Types of Hearing Devices
The main types of hearing aids are:
- In the ear
- Behind the ear
- In the canal
- Receiver in canal
There is a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a hearing aid; this is why you need to work with an experienced and trustworthy an audiologist. To learn more about Hear Again America, contact us at (877) 905-9493.