June 2, 2023
Are you looking for new hearing aids? If you are new to the world of hearing aids or if it’s been a minute since the last time you were in the market, you may be surprised at the wide array of options available. Today, you have more choices around style, features, and hearing aid fashion than ever before. Don’t worry and don’t get overwhelmed! We are here to guide you through the process and help you find the best pair of hearing aids just for you.
Hearing Aids vs Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening technology can refer to any device that helps a person with hearing loss or a voice, speech, or language disorder to communicate. However, not all are created the same. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are portable systems that help individuals with hearing loss communicate with greater ease. However, unlike hearing aids, which amplify sounds, ALDs work is more focused often on separating speech from background noise or amplifying sounds from your TV or a public PA system to aid in specific hearing tasks.
A hearing aid is an electronic device you wear in or near your ear canal to help you hear in all sorts of everyday situations—during conversations, driving your car, exercising or in loud public settings. Ideally you’ll wear them from the time you wake up till the time you rest again to make sure you are alert and ready for what each day has to offer.
Types of Hearing Aids
There are many styles of hearing aids to choose from and the ones that are right for you depends on a few factors. This can include what you want out of your hearing experience, how you want them to look in your ear, and what amount of amplification power that you require. The most common style by far due to its versatility, amount of possible power and ease of use are Behind-the-Ear devices, where the hearing aid is tucked away behind the ear. Meanwhile people on the go may enjoy In-the-Ear hearing devices which sit in the outer ear. Meanwhile those looking for more discreet hearing aids will enjoy In-the-Canal and Invisible-in-the-Canal hearing aids. It is important to note that smaller hearing aids also at this point offer less power so are better suited for those with a mild to moderate hearing loss.
Digital Hearing Technology
Hearing aids have come a long way due in part to the integration of digital amplification to provide a consistently clear sound more and more often. This also allows sound to proceed based on your hearing exam to only amplify the sounds and tones you struggle with while allowing the rest to be heard with your existing hearing. Not only can they be custom programmed but they can enhance speech sounds, reduce distracting background noises, and increase clarity to the sounds you want to focus on the most.
Added Features
Not only are there a wide range of choices when it comes to picking the best hearing aids for you, but there are now added features available to improve and tailor your listening experience. For instance, if you are a musician, there are features devoted to hearing the subtle highs, middles and lows of music which aren’t required when amplifying speech. Others who are active may enjoy wind reduction, while the technologically savvy of us may enjoy wireless connectivity to your smartphone, stereo, and television.
Meanwhile, for those of us who often find ourselves in public venues such as auditoriums, lecture halls, theaters, or even public transit stations, you may enjoy hearing aids equipped with telecoils. The telecoil in the hearing aid will connect to a loop system installed in the building, allowing sound from a PA system to be streamed directly to your ears!
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid For You
When it comes to hearing aids, we know you have a lot of options. However, when you schedule a hearing exam and consultation with us, we are with you every step of the way. Together we will find the best hearing solution for you and make sure it’s a choice that continues to improve the quality of your every day, for years to come.