Choosing to get hearing aids can be the first step to an improved quality of life. A 2022 survey found that most hearing aid owners report “regular quality-of-life benefits” from their devices.
Hearing aids help you better understand your friends and family, distinguish between speech and background noise and may even help your balance. Take a look at the process of getting hearing aids, from choosing between styles to enjoying their many benefits.
Choosing A Hearing Aid
Hearing aids come in different brands and style options. The two basic styles of hearing aids are in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE).
ITE devices are worn inside the ear canal. They are often nearly imperceptible and have the option to come in multiple different skin tones. BTE devices sit behind the ear with tubing inside the ear canal. Though larger than ITE options, they are also available in multiple colors.
Some more specific hearing aid styles include:
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
- In-the-canal (ITC)
- Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC)
In addition to different styles, certain hearing aids have features like Bluetooth®, rechargeable batteries and other features that might benefit your lifestyle.
Your audiologist will discuss these and other hearing aid options with you to ensure you get the device that best suits your needs.
Ear Impressions
Depending on your style choice, an impression of your ear may be taken to ensure a perfect fit for your hearing aids. To make the impression, your audiologist will place earmolds made out of hard or soft material in your ear to cure. The audiologists will send the impressions to the manufacturer to help create your custom hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Programming And Testing
Once your audiologist gets your hearing aids back from the manufacturer, they will program them to match your hearing needs. You will have additional appointments to test out the volume and frequency levels in your new devices so you can make the appropriate adjustments with the help of your hearing aid specialist.
Some devices allow you to reprogram your hearing aids via controls or apps. However, it is essential to initially program them with your hearing specialist to ensure optimal settings.
Enjoy Your New Hearing Aids
Once your new hearing aids are chosen, customized and programmed, you can enjoy their many benefits. Hearing aids can minimize background noise and amplify voices, so you can more easily order a hot fudge concrete at Ted Drewes or chat with friends at your favorite coffee spot.
Begin your hearing treatment journey by scheduling an appointment with an audiologist at Center for Hearing & Speech today.
