Hearing Aids: What To Consider When Selecting A Device For Your Needs
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The most important factor to consider when selecting hearing aids is “where do I spend most of my time? and what do I what to achieve with the hearing aids? Different levels of hearing aid technology are suited to different listening situations. Those who spend most of their time at home, in quiet situations with small groups or 1:1 conversation will most likely manage with lower levels of hearing aid technology. Those who spend their time in large groups, in busy social settings, meetings, active workplace etc will benefit from higher levels of hearing aid technology with more features for processing background noise including increased noise reduction ability.
Style of hearing aid:
Hearing aids come in different styles including in-the-ear and behind-the-ear devices. Certain styles are more appropriate than others depending on your degree and type of hearing loss, your ability to manage small parts (dexterity) and personal preferences such as cosmetics and Bluetooth availability.
Battery Vs Rechargeable:
Rechargeable hearing aids are quickly becoming the most popular choice these days given the benefits of rechargeable technology to the environment, convenience of use and safety around children. Rechargeable hearing aids can be a great option for those who struggle to manage very small hearing aid batteries and those who have young children or grandchildren.
Bluetooth/connectivity:
Most hearing aids have Bluetooth available now with the exception of very small in-the-ear devices. Bluetooth allows the user to connect their hearing aids to their mobile phone and stream phone calls to their hearing aids so they can hear phone conversations more clearly without the need to use loudspeaker. Different hearing aid manufacturers are suitable for different models/brands of smart phones. If you have difficulty hearing on the mobile phone and would like to access this feature, it’s important to consider your mobile phone and ask your audiologist which hearing aid manufacturer would be compatible.