How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid?

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Hearing aid melbourne

The people who experience hearing loss, face a great challenge in their day-to-day lives. Earlier, with no solutions in the medical world, hearing again was just a dream for them. But, thanks to the technology, it gave hearing aids that came as a boon!

Introduction of hearing aids really brought a ray of hope to everyone facing hearing loss, providing various features that enable them to hear like before.

There may be cases wherein a child is born with less hearing capacity or the other case where people develop this problem later due to loud noise and age. No matter what is the case, a hearing aid is the best solution!

Staying in a place like Melbourne where medical facilities are timely upgraded, it becomes easier to get the required treatment for hearing loss. But, before deciding over a hearing aid, it is advisable to opt for a hearing test in Melbourne.

Full hearing test including auditory processing assessments, full clinical assessments, hearing checks, and screenings can give you an idea about your hearing capacity. You will also know how immediate you should get a treatment for hearing loss!

hearing loss melbourne

Once done, the next step is to acquire some knowledge about hearing aids. Here is a complete guideline on types of hearing aids and test.

There are various types of hearing aids available that can affect the way you look and feel while wearing them.

Let’s focus on the major ones here.

Types of Hearing Aids

There are many types of hearing aids, specifically designed for discretion and comfort. There are few that matches your hair colour and skin tone. Following are the most popular ones:

1) Behind the Ear (BTE)

This is the most common and popular hearing aid as it is relatively easy to maintain it. It is suitable for everyone, regardless of the level of hearing loss. It is useful for moderate to severe hearing loss.

Features

  • Made up of the most advanced technology
  • Custom-fit ear mould which can be replaced independently
  • Easy-to-control interface.
  • Hassle-free operation
  • Unparalleled ease of listening
  • Fits all degrees of hearing loss
  • Less susceptible to moisture damage

Price Range: Approximately $1500 to $ 4500

2) In the Canal (ITC)

These hearing aids sit in the lower portion of outer ear bowl and serve a wider range of hearing losses from mild to mildly severe. These are available in various shapes and sizes – from full or half-shell models to completely in-the-canal devices.

Features

  • Comfort at its best
  • Easy to use
  • Natural hearing experience due to the microphone’s placement close to the eardrum
  • Longer battery life as they are slightly larger than others
  • Presence of directional microphones for better understanding in noisy surroundings
  • Manual controls

Price Range: Approximately $1050 to $4200

3) Completely in the Canal (CIC)

These type of hearing aids are inserted very deep into the ear canal. This feature allows the user to benefit from the localization characteristics. Usually opted for mild to moderate hearing losses, these hearing aids provide high cosmetic appeal.

Features

  • Custom-fit as per the shape of the ear canal
  • Comfort level is too high
  • Available in different skin tones to blend with the outer ear
  • Easy to use

Price Range: Approximately $1500 to $4000

4) Invisible in the Canal (IIC)

The latest type of hearing aids is the tiniest and even smaller than a CIC. Anyone suffering from a mild to moderately severe hearing loss should opt for this invisible hearing aids.

Features

  • Invisible hearing aids are ultra-discreet
  • Best for telephone usage
  • An absence of dust and debris
  • Presence of a remote control feature
  • Used majorly for cosmetic appeal
  • Acoustic transparency

 

Price Range: Approximately $1500 – $4700

How to Pick the Right Hearing Aid?

Right Hearing Aid

You can select the right hearing aid  based on the following factors:

  • Firstly, the selected hearing aid should be the best alternative to compensate for your hearing loss.
  • You should feel natural and comfortable wearing them.
  • Should assist you in hearing in quiet environments as well as in a noisy place.
  • Consider your lifestyle as it is a big factor in a hearing aid purchase. For instance, a sportsperson should select such hearing aids with special features and accessories that help them to run around easily.
  • Consider special features and decide as per your hearing requirements.
  • The cost of the hearing aid should suit your budget.

Depending on the features and your hearing loss level, you can zero down your selection of hearing aids. Choosing hearing aids in Melbourne is not as difficult as you have some great options.

Remember, a right kind of hearing aid is subjective. It will change from person to person depending upon the hearing loss and personal needs.

Published by aidshearing