A hearing is a device used to amplify sounds to compensate for hearing loss. The basic components of a hearing aid are a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. Apart from its intended function, a hearing aid provides a boost to one’s confidence, helping to eliminate awkward situations in a conversation.
There are several models available at a wide range of features and prices, so obtaining a model that exactly suits your needs and your budget should not be a problem. For many people, aesthetics plays a big part in what kind of hearing aid to get. Be aware though that there are some hearing loss conditions that will limit your choices.
It’s standard practice to get an audio test if you think you need a hearing aid so that the exact range of hearing loss can be determined. Sometimes, what seems like progressive hearing loss is a correctable issue, such as an infection or wax buildup.
These are the factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid:
- Style – CIC (completely-in-canal), ITC (in-the-canal), ITE (in-the-ear), BTE (behind-the-ear), RIC (receiver-in-canal), RITE (receiver-in-the-ear), or open fit. These styles have their own set of advantages and disadvantages and may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on the condition of your hearing loss.
- Lifestyle / operating environment – the type of hearing aid that will be best for you depends on where you spend most of your time. In a noisy work setting, a noise cancellation feature will be important, while a hearing aid that emphasizes clarity will be one that a musician will highly appreciate. If background music is something that you need at work or play, then are already are models that can connect to a Bluetooth-enable device to stream music.
- Specific features – hearing aids will contain a range of features, including noise reduction, directional microphones, telecoils (for telephone compatibility), rechargeable batteries, control synchronization (in cases of dual hearing aids), Bluetooth compatibility, remote controls, variable programming, and environmental noise cancellation.
- Cost – depending on whether or not your health insurance will cover the cost, one will be need to consider the combination of features one really needs, and ones that would be nice to have but can do without. Determining these necessary features will be the work of the audiologist.
If you are looking for the best hearing aids in Victoria BC, contact The Hearing Care Clinic in Royal Oak.
C3B – 100 Aldersmith Place
Victoria, BC
V9A 7M8
250-590-1118
