What is the next move when you’ve realized that you need to invest in hearing aids? Hearing aids will soon become an essential part of your life, so choosing the right type makes a difference. Quality hearing aids can be purchased from a hearing aid specialist, but the cheaper flimsy ones can only be found on the internet. If you really believe that you can buy a quality device for less money from the internet, then the sacrifice will be how well you hear, and that’s your decision. What should you expect when investing in hearing aids?
Cheap Internet Knockoffs Are Not Really Hearing Aids
Hearing assistance devices that are found on the internet are not really going to save you money and their not really hearing aids. They are very poor in quality and don’t perform very well. What you save when you buy the device itself, you end up losing because you have to constantly replace the batteries, and you will replace them a lot.
These cheap devices will amplify sound, which is one basic function of hearing aids but they don’t do anything else. Customization to your specific needs can be accomplished with the integrated technologies found inside of a modern high-quality digital hearing aid. Several essential features will be sacrificed if you choose to buy a cheap online device.
Your new hearing aids are an investment in your future and you need to see them that way. It’s great to try to find a bargain, but not when it comes to something that affects every aspect of your life like your hearing. If you are unable to afford good quality hearing aids, there may be other ways to get them, so don’t settle for something that is less than what you really need.
Digital Vs. Analog
Digital hearing aids deliver higher quality sound that is much more dependable. If you come across analog hearing aids, move on and shop for the digital units, instead.
It’s likely that all of the hearing aids you find at a quality retailer will be digital. If you don’t know the difference you might confuse an analog device for a digital. Analog means the type of audio signal the hearing aid gets and the quality of the sound. Analog hearing aids have major problems with consistent sound quality.
Choosing The Very Best Features
When you go shopping for hearing aids consider the two elements which are features and style. You want features that make your life easier in a style that is comfortable. Some standard features to consider include:
- Wireless connectivity
- Noise reduction
- Remote controls
- Variable programming
- Directional microphones
- Synchronization
- Bluetooth
- Telecoils
- Rechargeable batteries
- Environmental noise control
- Direct audio input
Take Into Consideration The Different Styles
You will discover, when you get started researching hearing aids, that there are many styles to choose from. That is good news since it means that there is absolutely a style that will be perfect for you. The various styles of hearing aids include:
- Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Open Fit
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
A pretty good definition of each style is offered by the names. BTE means “behind the ear” and that’s exactly where the piece goes. A clear piece of tubing attaches the BTE to an ear-mold that rests in the opening of the ear canal.
Did you already work out that ITE hearing aids go “in the ear”? This device goes at the opening of the ear canal and is just one unit. Nothing attaches behind the ear. ITC indicates “in the canal” and they are very much like ITE’s but ITC’s go further into the ear canal so you won’t see them so much.
RIC devices and RIE devices have a “receiver in the canal” and a “receiver in the ear” respectively, which are then connected to a piece behind the ear. These types of hearing aids are less conspicuous than a BTE.
Rather than having ear-molds, open fit units, which are a kind of BTE, have a thin tube that goes into the ear canal. This style is a good choice for anyone who doesn’t like the feel of something inside their ear.
After going over all of these options, it’s time to choose which style and options will best fit your needs. Bluetooth capability, for instance, is a feature you would want if you use your phone or a computer frequently. You will save money on replacement batteries if you get a model with a rechargeable battery and a telecoil is ideal for listening to lectures or seminars.
Lastly, Your Buying Options Should be Taken Into Consideration
Most qualified retailers will custom fit the device and give a free trial period. That’s where you want to go to buy your hearing aids. It’s difficult to be confident that you are making the right choice if you don’t have the opportunity to try your hearing aids before you buy them.
A quality hearing aid has a good warranty so make sure you look into that as well. What’s covered? Will you get a new hearing aid if something goes wrong or will the warranty only cover parts and possibly labor?
Schedule an appointment with a hearing professional for a checkup and hearing test before you buy your hearing aids. Some changes in your hearing don’t call for purchasing hearing aids.