Choosing your hearing aid
After you've determined that you can benefit from having a hearing aid, you will need to select the aid that you feel will work best for you. First you should consider the types of hearing aids available and your particular hearing needs, your lifestyle and your budget. It is also important that you ask the right questions and can express concerns, so that you get the best professional guidance possible. Don't hesitate to question your audiologist. After you've decided to buy a hearing aid (or two) then this is the next important decision that you must make.
What are the different styles of hearing aids?
There are three basic styles of hearing aids. The styles differ by size,
their placement on or inside the ear, and the degree to which they amplify
sound (see figure on page 1). 
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids consist
of a hard plastic case worn behind the ear and connected
to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The
electronic parts are held in the case behind the ear. Sound
travels from the hearing aid through the earmold and into
the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild
to profound hearing loss.
A new kind of BTE aid is an open-fit hearing aid. Small, open-fit aids fit behind the ear completely, with only a narrow tube inserted into the ear canal, enabling the canal to remain open. For this reason, open-fit hearing aids may be a good choice for people who experience a buildup of earwax, since this type of aid is less likely to be damaged by such substances. In addition, some people may prefer the open-fit hearing aid because their perception of their voice does not sound “plugged up.”
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In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely inside
the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss.
The case holding the electronic components is made of hard plastic. Some
ITE aids may have certain added features installed, such as a telecoil,
a small magnetic coil that makes it easier to hear conversations over
the telephone. ITE aids usually are not worn by young children because
the casings need to be replaced often as the ear grows.
Canal aids fit into the ear canal and are available
in two styles. The in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is made
to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear canal. A completely-in-canal
(CIC) hearing aid is nearly hidden in the ear canal. Both types are used
for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Because they are small, canal aids may be difficult for a
person to adjust and remove. In addition, canal aids have
less space available for batteries and additional devices, such
as a telecoil. They usually are not recommended for young children
or for people with severe to profound hearing loss because their
reduced size limits their power and volume.
Do all hearing aids work the same way?
Hearing aids work differently depending on the electronics used. The two main types of electronics are analog and digital.
Analog aids convert sound waves into electrical signals, which are amplified. Analog/adjustable hearing aids are custom built to meet the needs of each user. The aid is programmed by the manufacturer according to the specifications recommended by your audiologist. Analog/programmable hearing aids have more than one program or setting. An audiologist can program the aid using a computer, and the user can change the program for different listening environments—from a small, quiet room to a crowded restaurant to large, open areas, such as a theater or stadium. Analog/programmable circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids. Analog aids usually are less expensive than digital aids.
Digital aids convert sound waves into numerical codes, similar to the binary code of a computer, before amplifying them. Because the code also includes information about a sound’s pitch or loudness, the aid can be specially programmed to amplify some frequencies more than others. Digital circuitry gives an audiologist more flexibility in adjusting the aid to a user’s needs and to certain listening environments. These aids also can be programmed to focus on sounds coming from a specific direction. Digital circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids.
Which hearing aid will work best for me?
The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the kind and severity of your hearing loss. If you have a hearing loss in both of your ears, two hearing aids are generally recommended because two aids provide a more natural signal to the brain. Hearing in both ears also will help you understand speech and locate where the sound is coming from.
You and your audiologist should select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Price is also a key consideration because hearing aids range from hundreds to several thousand dollars. Similar to other equipment purchases, style and features affect cost. However, don’t use price alone to determine the best hearing aid for you. Just because one hearing aid is more expensive than another does not necessarily mean that it will better suit your needs.
A hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. You will want to wear your hearing aid regularly, so select one that is convenient and easy for you to use. Other features to consider include parts or services covered by the warranty, estimated schedule and costs for maintenance and repair, options and upgrade opportunities, and the hearing aid company’s reputation for quality and customer service.
What questions should I ask before buying a hearing aid?
Before you buy a hearing aid, ask your audiologist these important questions:
- What features would be most useful to me?
- What is the total cost of the hearing aid? Do the benefits of newer technologies outweigh the higher costs?
- Is there a trial period to test the hearing aids? (Most manufacturers allow a 30- to 60-day trial period during which aids can be returned for a refund.) What fees are nonrefundable if the aids are returned after the trial period?
- How long is the warranty? Can it be extended? Does the warranty cover future maintenance and repairs?
- Can the audiologist make adjustments and provide servicing and minor repairs? Will loaner aids be provided when repairs are needed?
- What instruction does the audiologist provide?
Conclusion
To make the best decision about which hearing aid to purchase, you need to rely on your hearing professional for guidance. But being an informed buyer will help you by knowing more about the available options, and to be able to know which questions to ask in this process. With the right preparation and an understanding hearing professional, you will be on the way to better hearing in no time.