Your hearing loss type in relation to hearing aid styles

When thinking about the different hearing aid styles available (hearing aids that go behind the ear or in-the-ear) it's important to know that not all styles of hearing aids are suitable for all types of hearing losses. The severity of a person's hearing loss and its relation to specific frequencies, can determine if certain styles will work for a person or not. For example, some individuals may not have hearing loss suitable for in-the-ear styles, while for others, these styles actually work the best.

Therefore, it's important to think about different available styles not only from size and cosmetics, but also in relation to the type of hearing loss you may have, and what is going to perform the best for your hearing needs.

Hearing aid technology levels and your hearing goals

Understanding the scenarios where enhancing your hearing is most important for you, is undeniably the most significant factor to take into account prior to purchasing hearing aids. Expectations vs outcomes matter more than people think - therefore it's important to pick a hearing aid which is going to perform to the level you require of it. 

Lower-end technology hearing aids are highly effective for one-on-one conversations, watching TV, talking on the phone, and engaging with soft-spoken individuals. Nonetheless, while they do enhance your hearing in environments with background noise, this capability will be limited in lower-end models. For many people, such as the very elderly, this may not be an issue at all, but for others, it may not address their primary hearing issues.

Therefore, it's important lifestyle and hearing expectations are considered in detail when deciding on which technology level is best for you.

Preferences on ease of use 

Hearing aids can be made as simple or as complex as a person likes - with modern hearing aids now having the options of phone call streaming, app and button controls, tinnitus masking, along with the choice of disposable and rechargeable batteries, it's important to think about whether you are the type of person that prioritises simplicity and ease of use, or someone who prefers performance, control and customisation of your hearing aids. Do you want hearing aids you can just put in the ears each day and just forget about them? Or are you a bit of a tech geek, and user control is important for you?

Alternatively, for people with dexterity and mobility issues, ease-of-use may be a very important factor. For example, going for an in-the-ear hearing aid, or rechargeable hearing, allowing for simplicity in use.

Commitment to the process and following of correct use

Using hearing aids is most effective when the individual is genuinely motivated to enhance their hearing. For many people just beginning their journey with hearing aids, it’s common to require a few weeks to a month to get their head around using them. This can be frustrating for many, but this adjustment period is entirely normal and nearly always overcome.

Additionally, it requires dedication to incorporate wearing them daily. While not everyone needs to wear hearing aids continuously throughout the day, most people do. So be prepared for this. When starting out with hearing aids, due to brain neuroplasticity, infrequent and incorrect use of hearing aids is among the most detrimental things a person can do. 

Therefore, it is crucial for anyone beginning hearing aid use to ensure one’s motivation levels should be at the very least, moderate.