For many, hearing aids are an essential, necessary and extremely beneficial part of their life. For those who experience hearing loss, they can really make a huge difference in partially restoring the hearing, no matter if you have mild or severe hearing loss. Hearing aids come in a few different types, and all of them have pros and cons. But are hearing aids in general a good idea? We’ve taken the time to talk about a few of the concerns that patients often have when deciding to get a hearing device.
If your audiologist has recommended you buy your first hearing aid, you may be struggling with whether or not you really need one. For many with hearing loss, it can be hard to accept that you require a bit of outside help, or you may worry about the costs involved, whether insurance will cover it, or the stigma involved with a hearing aid.
These are all legitimate concerns, as well as the fact that hearing aids cannot block out background noise, often do not adequately amplify noise from far-away distances and cannot separate speech from noise in crowded, loud areas, which can be frustrating for the listener. Depending on the type of hearing aid you’ve chosen, you may have issues with the fit, with comfort or finding one that accommodates your specific needs.
That sounds like a lot of issues with one little device, but the truth is, many of these worries and concerns can be taken care of easily, or managed. Let’s go over some of these.
Types of hearing aids
For example, there are many different types, styles and varieties of hearing aids, so your audiologist will work with you to find the one that fits perfectly within your ear while also restoring as much of your hearing as it can, comfortably and efficiently. You’ll undergo a hearing test to determine the severity of hearing loss and then the audiologist will recommend a device based on your specific needs. You’ll likely be able to try out several different ones to make sure you are comfortable with the hearing aid that is best for you.
While it’s true that hearing aids aren’t miracle workers who can block out pesky background noise or allow you to hear from miles away, they can and do partially restore much of a person’s hearing, which makes it worth it for most people. You’ll be blown away at how much you can hear with your hearing device as opposed to not having one at all. And again, each different type of hearing aid – including the in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE), and in the canal (ITC) all offer different types of amplification for different severities.
Each one has a specific function for different types of hearing loss. All of them are easy to manage at home, small enough to be discreet, and easy to use. The issues that some hearing aids cause, such as amplifying background noise, not separating different types of noise, can learn to be managed in time. You’ll soon become adept at adjusting to your hearing aid and those issues won’t be that much of a bother. If they do continue to annoy you, you can speak with your audiologist about trying a different hearing aid.
Budgeting for hearing aids
If cost is a concern, your audiologist can likely help you find an affordable hearing device, arranging payment plans if you’re not able to utilize your insurance. Hearing devices come in a wide variety of price points so you can find one that works within your budget. Be sure to mention your cost concerns upfront with your audiologist.
As far as comfort and aesthetics go, your audiologist understands that you want something that doesn’t annoy or irritate your ear, that’s easy to wear and manage on your own and that isn’t bulky or visible, causing you embarrassment. Most types of hearing devices are small and almost invisible, especially the ITE and ITC models. They can be easily concealed and will be custom-fitted so you can be comfortable at all times, giving you the privacy, peace of mind and comfort you deserve while restoring your hearing.
Many patients with hearing loss have seen great results with the use of a hearing aid. But whether or not one can help you is entirely your decision. If you’re in need of a hearing aid, contact the incredible team at The Hearing Doctors at (630) 315-2899 to discuss your options, arrange for a hearing test and to learn more about the pros and cons of a hearing device.
