Which type of hearing aid is right for me?

The idea of a very inconspicuous hearing aid worn in the ear or in the ear canal may be appealing, but the smallest hearing aid is not always the best. The following gives you some ideas about the type of hearing aid that may suit you. Remember that you will have a chance to discuss your individual needs in detail at the time of your hearing assessment.

In- the-ear or behind the ear?

You should consider in-the-ear if: -

• If you have mild or moderate hearing loss
• If you would like to have an inconspicuous hearing aid

You should consider behind-the-ear if: -

• You have a very severe hearing loss and require very high power
• You have ears that are prone to discharge or wax and are likely to cause blockages in an in-the-ear aid
• You have a severe hearing loss and wish to use the loop system
• You have near normal loudness perception but poor speech clarity which would then benefit from an open fitting

How small can the hearing aid be?

An in-the-ear aid can be almost invisible, but if you are considering a very small aid you should consider the points mentioned below.

A very small hearing aid may not be a good idea if: -

• You have a severe or moderately severe hearing loss
• If you would have problems manipulating very small controls
• If you are inclined to produce large amounts of wax which may block the hearing aid
• If you wish to use the loop system

Should I consider a remote control hearing aid?

Some aids have a separate control unit which is about the size of a credit card that allows adjustment of the hearing aid settings by remote control.

You should consider remote control if: -

• You would like to be able to choose different listening programmes for different sound environments
• You would like to be able to make very fine and accurate adjustments to tone and volume setting.
• You do not think you would be inconvenienced by having to carry the remote control unit with you
• You would like to match your hearing aids with a mobile phone using Bluetooth technology

This type of hearing aid offers considerable benefits in difficult listening situations if you do not feel that you would be too inconvenienced by the use of a remote control.

Should I choose an automatic hearing aid with no user controls?

Some of the most advanced hearing aids are pre- programmed at The Hearing Care Centre in accordance with your hearing levels and will respond automatically to background and other sounds making user adjustments unnecessary.

You should choose an automatic hearing aid if:-

• You would find it difficult or inconvenient to adjust volume and other controls
• You want a hearing aid that will improve your hearing with the minimum fuss or bother
  
  
  
  
  

Whatever type of hearing aid you prefer, we will be able to advise and guide you in your choice and the above information is intended only as a guide. Your initial hearing assessment will give us a fuller understanding of your difficulty and help us recommend a suitable solution.

For further information us on our freephone number

0800 028 6179

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