
5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Hearing Aids
If you are struggling with your hearing, you may have been recommended hearing aids to help. The world of hearing aids can be slightly confusing – you may not understand how hearing aids work – especially when you take into account the wide range of manufacturers, styles, and features on offer. If you’re unsure where to start, here are 5 key factors to consider when choosing hearing aids.
Directionality
When searching for the right hearing aids for you, you should pick one that features a directional microphone, allowing you to pinpoint the direction of hearing. Having the right directional microphone system will ensure that you hear more clearly and crisply. There are all sorts of directionality systems to pick from, such as fixed, dynamic, and adaptive, so doing your research is crucial.
Noise Reduction
Thanks to modern technology, most hearing aids today have some sort of noise reduction algorithm installed. If you often find yourself in noisy conditions, such as busy restaurants or traffic jams, it’s important that you’re able to reduce the background noise around you. Many hearing aids also include wind noise reduction, meaning that your system will be able to reduce the bothersome sound of rain and wind which can whistle over the microphone when you’re out and about.
Styles
There are many styles and shapes that hearing aids come in, so make the selection process that little bit easier by having a look at how they fit your ear. While some hearing aids fit behind the ear, others are custom built to fit snugly in your ear. The key factors that you will need to consider include comfort, personal taste, and the degree of your hearing loss.
Connectivity
Computers, smartphones, and televisions are the norm in the connected world we live in. With many modern hearing aids having the ability to connect directly to your devices, you will need to look at whether the hearing aids you like can work well in your home. If you have a smartphone, you may even be able to adjust your hearing aids, such as changing the volume or settings, without the need of having to touch them at all.
Feedback
No matter what level of hearing loss you have, many hearing aid users have had trouble with a phenomenon known as feedback. This is when the microphone is held too close to a speaker, causing a loud, high-pitch noise. Thankfully, all modern hearing aids come equipped with feedback control, though some devices are better than others. It’s best to check out hearing aids that have excellent feedback control, helping to make your hearing aids feel more comfortable on or in your ear. What’s more, they will be less noticeable to those around you, especially if you feel self-conscious wearing them in public spaces.
When searching for the right hearing aids, it can be all too easy to go with the first one you see. However, researching into directionality, the types of styles available, and feedback issues are just a few key factors to consider before purchasing your hearing aids.…