If you’ve determined that you need to purchase hearing aids, what’s your next move? Hearing aids will soon become an important part of your life so purchase wisely. There are different kinds of hearing aids out there including some pretty cheap ones available only on the Internet. If you really think that you can get a quality device for less money from the internet, then the sacrifice is how well you hear, and that’s your decision. When shopping for hearing aids, what sacrifices are you willing to make.
Cheap Internet Imitations Are Not Actually Hearing Aids
Hearing assistance devices that are found on the internet are not really a bargain and their not actually hearing aids. They are very poor in quality and don’t perform very well. What you save on the device itself, you lose by having to constantly replace the batteries, and you will replace them a lot.
Amplifying sound is the only thing these low-quality devices can do. You get a number of different technologies in a modern high-quality hearing aid which can be completely customized to your specific needs. You will miss out on some important features if you choose to purchase a cheap internet device.
You need to realize that your new hearing aids are an investment in your future. It’s great to try to find a bargain, but it’s not a good idea when it involves something that impacts every aspect of your life like your hearing. There may be other ways that you can get hearing aids if you can’t afford them, so make sure you get the ones you really need.
Digital Vs. Analog
Digital hearing aids offer higher quality sound that is much more reliable. It’s not even worth spending the time to look at analog units.
If you shop at a reputable hearing aid retailer, all of the hearing aids will be digital. It’s worthwhile to recognize analog devices are out there, though, and to educate yourself about the difference. Low-quality analog signals are what the older out-dated hearing aids work with. The sound quality is very inconsistent with analog models.
Selecting The Ideal Features
There are actually two aspects to hearing aid shopping: features and style. You want features that make your life easier in a style that is comfortable. A few standard features to consider include:
- Noise reduction
- Direct audio input
- Remote controls
- Environmental noise control
- Synchronization
- Rechargeable batteries
- Bluetooth
- Wireless connectivity
- Telecoils
- Variable programming
- Directional microphones
Think about the Styles
When you start researching hearing aids, you’ll find out that there are lots of styles available. There is undoubtedly a style that will work for you, and that’s the good news. The various styles of hearing aids include:
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RIE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Open Fit
- Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
To get a pretty good idea of each style just have a look at their names. BTE hearing aids include a piece that sits behind the ear. A clear piece of tubing connects the BTE to an ear-mold which rests in the opening of the ear canal.
As is obvious by the name, ITE devices go “in the ear”. This device is at the opening of the ear canal and is just one unit. There is nothing that goes behind the ear. ITC devices are very similar but go deeper into the ear, making them less visible.
RIC and RIE, as the name indicates, have a receiver unit that sits in the ear and then connects by a wire to a piece behind it. These types of hearing aids are not as obvious as a BTE.
Rather than having ear-molds, open fit models, which are a kind of BTE, have a thin tube that goes into the ear canal. This style works well for people who don’t like the feel of something inside their ear.
After taking all of these styles and options into account, it’s time to choose the one that will best fit your needs. As an example, Bluetooth is a great feature to have, especially if you use your smartphone or computer regularly. You will save money on replacement batteries if you get a model with a rechargeable battery and a telecoil is great for listening to lectures or seminars.
Finally, Consider Your Buying Options
A qualified retailer that has a free trial period and that will custom fit the device is the best place to purchase your new hearing aids. Having the opportunity to try your new hearing aids before you buy them will give you confidence that you are making the best decision.
A good quality hearing aid has a good warranty so make sure you check that out as well. What does it cover? Some will only pay for replacement parts, some cover the labor, as well, and how about a new hearing aid if can’t be fixed?
Before buying hearing aids make an appointment with a hearing care specialist for a checkup and hearing test, also. There could be many reasons you might detect a change in your hearing and you may not even need hearing aids.