Hearing Aids

There is such a wide and vast array of hearing aid brands and styles to choose from that it can make your head spin.  It can be difficult and time consuming choosing the right company to purchase from, as well as the type and style of hearing aid that is best for you.  So, where do you start?  Your first stop is to your health care professional to get your hearing tested.

Your doctor will perform a series of tests to find out what type of hearing loss you have.  He must also determine if the problem is in your ear or if there is some other reason that you can’t hear as well as you used to.  The degree of hearing loss and the location are just as important, as it will determine which hearing aid type and style works best for your situation.

Once the doctor has come to a conclusion about your hearing deficit, you must decide what would be most comfortable for you to wear.  There are two categories of hearing aids, analog and digital.

Analog hearing aids work by amplifying the sound that emits from your environment.  The digital type uses a small computer located inside of the device that is programmed to distinguish from the different types of sound received from your environment, as well as where the sound is coming from. Depending on your preferences and degree of hearing loss, you have choices on the style of hearing aid that is right for you.

CIC: Fits completely inside the ear canal and is practically invisible.  The ear canal must be large enough to accommodate this type of device. This hearing aid is suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.  Because they are very small, they are not usually recommended for people with dexterity difficulties.

ITC: These are a little larger than the CIC aids, and also fits into the ear canal.  These type aids a suited for mild to moderate hearing loss.

ITE: Fits visibly at the entrance of the ear canal.  It uses a larger amplifier and has more features.  This aid works for a wider range of hearing deficits.

BTE: Fits behind the ear, has a larger amplifier, and is the best type for children. This type gives more amplification due to the larger battery and stronger amplifier.

Important factors in choosing the right hearing aid:

Degree or extent damage
Adequate size of ear canal
Age – most hearing aid styles are not recommended for children
Cost of the aid, maintenance, and repairs
Lifestyle
Convenience and ease of use

When you find the best hearing aid that fits your needs, time is is needed to get used to wearing them, particularly if you are wearing an aid for the first time.  You will need to have patience while fittings and adjustments are made.  After all is said and done, your new hearing aid will provide for a better hearing experience and increase the quality of your life.

Barb Hicks is a registered nurse and highly regarded writer who loves to share her knowledge. She is a featured writer on Clivir.com where she post more articles about Hearing Impairment Causes and Conductive Hearing Loss Treatments.

Between Widex Aikia and Simens Aitis e2e which hearing aid is better?

I need help in deciding which hearing aid i should get. Any advice?

Answer
I am an audiologist and I don’t currently fit widex or siemens, however both are very good manufacturers. I wish I knew more about the particular models you are considering, but I don’t. However, in general WIDEX is usually the best aid in my opinion. They are a great manufacturer and always put out great products. I have had some issues with siemens aids in the past. And I actually have hearing loss and have worn siemens aids and had problems with my own aids as well.