How Bad Does Your Hearing Have to be to Get a Hearing Aid

DIRECTIONALITY

The hearing aid device is equipped with a system of microphones that make it easier for you to hear what is going on around you, particularly when it comes to conversations. Microphones can come in several different types. Adaptive systems take into account all of the noise around you and focus in on the immediate conversation. Fixed microphones remain pointed on one area, generally right in front of you. Dynamic systems can alternate between listening all around you to focusing on a fixed location. When consulting with your audiologist, find out if the models you are looking at require you to face the person who is speaking or if the settings change automatically.

NOISE REDUCTION

Today’s hearing aids do more than make sounds louder. Modern devices help to reduce the volume of background noise while simultaneously raising the volume of speech. Some hearing aids are better than others at addressing loud background sounds from wind and traffic, so be sure to bring this up with your hearing professional if you are often in environments with a lot of background sound.

STYLES

There are a variety of hearing aid styles. Some go behind the ear with a speaker in your ear canal (RIC) while other behind-the-ear models transmit the sound through a small tube (BTE). Still other types can be custom-made to fit in your ear. Which hearing aids you ultimately receive depends on a number of variables: your degree of hearing loss, what is most comfortable and easiest for you and even your own personal taste.

CONNECTIVITY

If you use a computer or a smartphone, you may be interested to learn that many of today’s hearing aids can connect to these via Bluetooth. Some even allow you to tweak settings with your phone instead of needing to fumble with tiny buttons on the hearing aid itself.

FEEDBACK

No doubt, you have winced at the screeching sound made by someone’s hearing aids. Fortunately, today’s devices are equipped with feedback control that keeps that noticeable squeak to a minimum. However, some models are better than others at doing this, so be sure to ask your audiologist if the device you are looking at has a feedback cancelation circuit instead of just turning down the volume to lessen feedback.

Hearing aids are a major purchase that can make a significant difference in the quality of your life. For that reason, it makes sense to see a hearing professional you trust who is willing to thoroughly answer any and all of your questions. It’s the best way to ensure that the devices you ultimately choose are the best at meeting your needs.