There can be a lot of things to research when you are purchasing hearing aids. Determining your level of hearing loss is the first thing you’ll need to study. You’ll need to get a hearing examination from an audiologist. Once you know what your grade of hearing loss is, you’ll be able to determine which type of hearing aid will best suit you.

You can pay anywhere from two or three hundred dollars to several thousand. Your needs and your budget will be major determining factors in the model you buy.

Data shows that hearing loss affects close to 30 million Americans. Those with normal hearing have a full range of hearing abilities. Those with hearing impairment can only hear sounds from a portion of that range.

Unilateral is the term used to describe hearing loss in one ear, and bilateral refers to both ears. This is the guide used in measuring loss of hearing in decibels:

Mild – 15 to 40 dB, Moderate – 40-60 dB, Severe = 60-90 dB, Profound = over 90 dB

BTE (Behind-the-Ear) hearing aids are the most versatile and cover the widest reach of loss of hearing. Even though they fit behind the ear, BTE’s are barely obtrusive. An earmold can be added to BTE’s to provide an even greater range of hearing, but this is also the most detectable type of aid. BTE’s with earmolds are also susceptible to wax and should be cleaned often.

In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids offer room for many features without the ‘plugged up’ feeling smaller models often have. The cons of ITE’s is that they are fairly visible and require regular wax cleaning.

ITC or In-the-Canal models are less detectable than In-the-Ear types. They need routine cleaning and have a battery life which isn’t quite as long.

CIC or Completely-in-the-Canal are the tiniest models you can buy. They are just about invisible. Those with arthritis may have difficulty holding them due to the extremely small size.

Hearing Aids are available in both digital and analog. Digital are more pricey, but offer additional features such as noise reduction and bluetooth compatibility.

PLD (Personal Listening Devices) are an excellent choice for budget concious shoppers. They are readily available online for two hundred dollars and up.

There are many brands of hearing aids from which to choose. iHear, ReSound, Phonak, and Oticon are among the leading ones. Each has a type and price to fit any budget or hearing impairment.

For more information about hearing aids, be sure to check out our site and our other articles.

HearMall is the leading source for hearing related information online for over 10 years. For help finding the proper hearing aid for you, visit our site today. You’ll discover a plethora of digital hearing aids and used aids.


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