As you clock 45 years, studies have shown that there is about a one in five chance that you will suffer from a form of hearing loss. What’s even more troubling is that the probability rises as you age. But, that aside, hearing loss can hamper your normal way of living, making you susceptible to injuries, balance issues, depression, cognitive decline to name a few issues with hearing loss. If you have a hearing loss and are looking for the best hearing aid for your needs, here are some helpful tips.

1. Choose The Right One

Perhaps, you have decided to get a hearing aid but worried that the many varieties out there can easily confuse you. All hearing aids have similar parts that collect sound from the environment. However, they do come in a plethora of styles that revolve around size and how they can fit in your ear. Some are so petite and somewhat invisible while others partially cover your ear canal. The following are the most common ones today.

• Completely in the canal – fashioned to fit inside your ear canal aptly, they perfectly befit those adults whose hearing is impaired. They are the least noticeable, less likely to pick up the wind, are battery-powered and are devoid of those extra features. It suits anyone with mild to moderate hearing problems.
• In the canal – custom-made to fit partly in the ear canal and can enhance mild to moderate hearing loss. While they may not suit people with small ears, they can be easily used with telephone and come with a host of features.
• Half-shell – call it the smaller version of the In the Canal, this one is made to fill the lower portion of your ear’s bowl-shaped area. It’s ideal for mild to moderate hearing problems.
• In the Ear – this hearing aids fill a larger portion of your outer ear’s bowl-shaped part. It isn’t so great as it may pick up noise and is somewhat visible. However, since it comes with additional features including sound adjustment knob, anyone with mild to moderate hearing problems can bank on it.
• Behind the Ear – just hook this hearing aid over the top of your ear, and it will amplify sounds. It is the largest hearing aid and often suits people with all types of hearing problems.
• Other type includes Open fit – less visible and uses batteries.

2. Hearing Aid Options

The most recent technologies employed in making hearing aids make some of them better when used well. Some improve your hearing abilities in selected situations, as highlighted below.

• Directional microphones – they come in handy in an area with lots of background noise as small microphones are aligned on the hearing aid for a better sound reception.
• Telephone adapters – you can easily listen to your phone as a technology called “telecoil” eliminated any unnecessary sounds from the environment. Some of them switch on automatically while others flipping a simple switch.
• Bluetooth technology – you may have seen them, perhaps the most recent inventions that wirelessly pick up signals from a Bluetooth device.

Before You Purchase

• Explore your options so that you can find the best that suits you and your budget.
• Ensure that you find a board-certified hearing aid dispenser for your hearing aid consultation.
• Trial periods are meant for your own good. Ask for them.
• Warranties, How long?
• Finally, buy a hearing aid that will help you for years.