What are the Best Features of Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids have been used to support those who experience hearing loss since 1889. As you can imagine, they have been continuously remodeled or redesigned to incorporate new technological advancements. As a result, they are more effective and useful than ever!

Features of Hearing Aids

However, different styles of hearing aids – such as behind the ear (BTE) and ITE (In the ear) hearing aids contain different features. While your audiologist will likely suggest which style is most suited to your needs – you may want to keep an eye out for some of the following features when browsing. Noise reduction features: Many hearing aids will feature noise-reduction features so that you do not pick up too much unnecessary noise when using them. For example, while you may want to hear conversations or your TV more clearly, you probably don’t want to hear the rustling of the wind. ITE and ITC (in the canal) hearing aids receive minimal interference due to their placement within the ear and unique design. Rechargeable batteries: Hearing aids tend to come with batteries that have a long life so that you do not need to replace them often. However, you may want to keep an eye out for models that come with rechargeable batteries. Not only is this a little easier than having to replace them yourself, but it’s also better for the environment. You can purchase hearing aids with reusable batteries in various styles – whether you want an inner-ear model or behind-the-ear hearing aids. Omnidirectional vs. directional microphones: Hearing aids always feature some kind of microphone, which picks up sounds and converts them into a digital signal. This digital signal is then amplified through a large speaker – making it easier for those who have hearing loss to hear. There are two different kinds of microphones – omnidirectional and directional. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sounds from all around you, whereas directional microphones pick up sounds from directly ahead of you. The type of microphone you need may depend on the situation you are in or how much noise is around you. Most modern models of hearing aids contain a mixture of both microphones. For example, ITC or IIC hearing aids (invisible) often adjust automatically to different sound settings. Comfort: While the style of your hearing aids is important (especially for those who are on the lookout for discretion), it’s also important that they are comfortable – especially if you will be wearing them for large portions of the day. Typically, BTE hearing aids are often considered the most comfortable because the equipment sits outside of the ear instead of inside it. Volume control: When using your hearing aids, you may also want to ensure that you have some kind of control over the device’s volume. While some devices have built-in volume control capabilities, others require the user to press a button to adjust the volume. If you are still unsure as to what features you need from your device, be sure to consult with your audiologist. You may also, where possible, which to trial a few different styles out to ensure you have made the choice that works best for you.