Many types of hearing aids exist. So which is best for you? Find out what to consider when choosing a hearing aid.

Perhaps you've thought about getting a hearing aid, but you're worried about how it will look and wonder whether it will really help. Knowing more about the hearing aid options available to you, what to look for when buying a hearing aid, and how to break it in may help to alleviate some of your concerns.

All hearing aids contain the same basic parts to carry sound from the evironment into your ear. However, hearing aids do come in a number of styles, which differ in size and the way they are placed in your ear. Some are small enough to fit inside of your ear canal making them virtually invisible. Others fit partially in your ear canal. Others sit behind your ear.

The following are common hearing aid styles.

• Completely In The Canal (CIC)

Completely in the canal hearing aids are molded to fit inside your ear and can improve mild to severe hearing loss in adults.

A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid:

• is the least noticeable in the ear
• is less likely to pick up wind noise because the ear protects the instrument
• is easy to use with the telephone
• uses smaller batteries
• typically work fully automatic
• may not fit well in smaller ear canals

An in-the-canal hearing aid: (ITC)

• An in-the-canal hearing aid fits partially in the ear canal, but not as deeply as the completely-in-the-canal aid. This hearing aid can improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.
• Is minimally visible in the ear
• Is easy to use with the telephone
• Includes features that won't fit on a completely-in-the-canal

• Half Shell

A larger version of the in-the-canal hearing aid, the half shell is custom molded and fills the lower half portion of the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear. This style is appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss.

• Includes features noted for in-the-canal hearing aids
• Is bigger than an in-the-canal hearing aid
• Is a little easier to handle than the smaller hearing aids
• Fits most ears

• In the Ear (full shell)

An in-the-ear (full shell) hearing aid is custom made and fills most of the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear. This style is helpful for people with mild to severe hearing loss.

An in- the- ear hearing aid:

• Is more visible to others
• May be more likely to pick up wind noise
• Features, such as volume control are easier to adjust
• Is generally easier to insert into the ear
• Uses larger batteries, which typically last longer and are easier to handle

• Behind the Ear (BTE)

Behind-the-ear hearing aids hook over the top of your ear and rest behind the ear. The hearing aid picks up sound, amplifies it, and carries the amplified sound to an ear mold that fits inside your ear canal. This type of hearing aid is appropriate for mild to profound types of hearing loss and for people of all ages.

A behind-the-ear aid:

• Range from large, most visible type of aid, to smaller, streamlined and barely visible versions
• Is capable of more amplification than are other hearing aid styles
• Is less susceptible to ear wax damage

• Open Fit

These are very small behind-the-ear devices. Sound travels from the instrument through a small tube or wire to a tiny dome or speaker in the ear canal. These aids leave the ear canal open, so they are best for mild to moderate high-frequency losses wherelow-frequency hearing is still normal or near normal.

An open-fit aid:

• Is the most natural sounding
• Is less visible
• Doesn't give a plugged or occluded feeling
• Tends to be the most automatic of all hearing aids

Hearing aid electronics control how sound is transferred from the evironment to your inner ear. All hearing aids amplify sound, making them louder according to your hearing loss so that you can hear them better. Most hearing aid manufacturers now only produce digital hearing aids - analog hearing aids are being phased out.

With digital technology, a computer chip converts the incoming sound into digital code, then analyzes and adjusts the sound based on your hearing loss, listening needs, and the level of the sounds around you. The signals are then converted back into sound waves and delivered to your ears. The result is sound that's finely tuned to your hearing loss and listening preferences. Digital hearing aids are available in all styles and price ranges.

Some hearing aid options improve your ability to hear in specific situations:

Directional Microphones-

These microphones pick up sounds coming from in front of you better than coming from behind or beside you. This technology improves your ability to hear when you're in an environment with a lot of background noise. Typically you'll have both a regular microphone and a directional microphone, so you can switch between the two types. Some hearing aids automatically switch between the regular and directional modes.

Telephone Adapters-

This technology, also referred to as Telecoil T Switches, makes it easier to hear when talking on the telephone. The telecoil eliminates the sounds from your environment and only picks up the sounds from the telephone. Some hearing aids switch automatically when the phone is held up to the hearing aid, while others require flipping a switch.

Bluetooth Technology-

Some new hearing aids can transmit sound from Bluetooth devices, such as Bluetooth cell phones. These hearing aids require an interface that wirelessly picks up the Bluetooth signal from Bluetooth compatible devices and transmits the signal to the hearing aid. You do not have to hold the phone to your ear or hearing aid to hear the sounds.

Remote Controls-

Some hearing aids use a remote control that makes volume control adjustments or other changes without touching the hearing aid. The remote may also make other adjustments, such as activating the directional microphone or increasing the noise reduction. Some hearing aids can actually use your telephone or cell phone as a remote control.

When looking for a hearing aid, explore your options to understand what type of hearing aid will work best for you. Also:

• Get a check-up. See your doctor to rule out correctable causes of hearing loss, such as earwax, an infection or a tumor, and have your hearing tested by a hearing specialist.
• Contact a reputable hearing specialist. A good hearing specialist works with you to find a hearing aid that best fits your needs and desires. This person will test and evaluate your hearing,take an impression of your ear canal, choose the most appropriate aid, and adjust the device to fit wel.
• Ask about a trial period. A hearing aid should come with an adaptation period. It may take you 1 or 2 months to get used to the device and decide if it is useful. Have the seller put in writing the cost of a trail and whether this amount is credited toward the final cost of the hearing aid.
• Check for warranty. Make sure the hearing aid includes a warranty that covers both parts and labor for a specified amount of time.
• Beware of misleading claims. Hearing aids can't restore normal hearing or eliminate all background noise. Beware of advertisements or salespeople who claim otherwise. Plan for the expense. The costs of hearing aids varies widely-from several hundreds to several thousand dollars. Professional fees, remote controls and other hearing aid options may cost extra. Talk to your hearing specialist about your needs and expectations. If cost is an issue, good instruments are still available at reasonable prices. Some private insurance policies cover part or all of the cost of hearing aids, but you need to check with your policy to be sure. Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids.

After the Purchase - Breaking In Your Hearing Aid

Getting used to a hearing aidtakes time. Your listening skills should improve gradually as you become accustomed to amplification. The sound you hear is different because it's been modified to bring you a full range of hearing back. Even your own voice sounds different when you wear a hearing aid.

When first using a hearing aid, keep these points in mind:

• Although hearing aids can make a substantial improvement in your life, hearing aids won't return your hearing to normal.
• Allow time to get used to the hearing aid. It may take several weeks or months before you're used to the hearing aid. But the more you use it, the more quickly you'll adjust to amplified sounds. Over time, you will adjust to the device and enjoy your enhanced ability to hear and communicate in a variety of situations. By wearing your hearing aid regularly and taking good care of it, you'll likely notice signifigant improvements in your quality of life.

• Use care when handling your hearing instrument.
• Store it in a dry, safe place
• Turn off your hearing instrument when it's not in use. Remove the battery if it won't be used for an extended period.
• Change batteries regularly to avoid running out of power.
• Remove earwax from your hearing instrument regularly.
• Use a small brush or the soft cloth that came with your hearing aid for cleaning. Ask your hearing professional for assistance if necessary. Never insert tools into the sound outlet- it could damage the receiver.
• Remove your hearing Instrument when in the shower, swimming, or when using a hair dryer, hair spray, or other types of spray
• Replace the filters in your hearing instrument regularly to avoid collected wax or dirt.

A Licensed Hearing Health Professional at Hearing Advantage will conduct a personalized consultation to determine the hearing instrument that's right for you. That will include a comprehensive hearing assessment, making an impression of your ear canal, choosing the most appropriate technology, and fitting the device to your personal specifications.

Service and follow up care are important to the quality of your hearing experience. look for a dependable hearing professional who has been trained by a hearing instrument manufacturer to provide the reliability and quality you deserve.

Financing is an important issue in making any medical decisions. Hearing Advantage takes pride in providing finnancial support to fit every individual budget. We offer 12 month 0% financing as well as 5 year payment options. We work around your budget to provide a better quality of life for you and your loved ones!