Hearing Aid Ratings - Hearing Aid Reviews

Whilst trying to find a hearing aid instrument for our mother, we found a lot of interesting facts that could possibly help others get to know more about the world of hearing loss. Here we will show how we did the hearing aid comparisons and some hearing aid ratings. Join us in the quest of reviewing and comparing the best hearing aids.

The Choices in Hearing Aid Products

By Ashley King

Once you've done your hearing assessment and have determined that you'll need a hearing aid, you'll have to figure out the types of hearing aid products that you have to choose from. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss and the frequency that you'll be wearing the aid, you can find a variety of options that will suit your lifestyle. Here are a few choices to consider.

One of the first things you'll want to determine is the type of technology that you'll want to use with your hearing aid. Conventional analog devices will automatically increase the volume of any sound that you will hear, and you'll have the option of making some adjustments when necessary. This is the most basic form of hearing aids, and is usually the most affordable.

The most advanced types of hearing aids, however, are digital. This device will adjust automatically depending in the level of noise around you, and your audiologist will have to use special software to program the hearing aid so that you will be able to hear clearly in all types of situations. You can even 'change the channels' of your hearing aid and can use the directional microphones in the device to get rid of background noise. The clarity of all the sounds you hear is also extremely advanced and you can purchase most models in discreet styles.

You might also be able to choose the style of hearing aid you use. "In the ear" hearing aids are mainly used for people with mild or moderate hearing loss, so you will know whether or not you are eligible for this type of device after visiting with your doctor. As the name suggests, these devices fit inside the ear canal, which means they are virtually impossible to see. This type of hearing aid is also the hardest to adjust, since it is rather small, and placing it too far in the ear could cause damage.

You may need to consider a hearing aid that fits behind the ear. There are two pieces to this device; a plastic ear tip that is custom made to fit inside of the ear, and the ear mold, which is connected to the actual hearing aid using a small tube. These aids come with an on and off switch in most cases, and are used for patients who have profound hearing loss. This is one of the hearing aid products that are mainly used for children as well.

There are other hearing aid products you will need to accompany your device as well. For example, be sure you know where you can get ear rings and replacement pads and tubes for your hearing aid. These small devices may wear thin quickly, particularly if you are purchasing the hearing aid products for a child. You can purchase ear rings in packages of 40 for under $20, and coils, which help to remove hearing aid dampers, in packs of 5 for just $12.

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