A hearing aid that works best for you depends on the type of hearing loss you have and the severity of your hearing loss. An audiologist will help you find a hearing aid that is in your budget, but also meets the specific needs for your hearing loss. Read on to find out more.

What Is a Hearing Aid?

The ear is a complex organ that uses tiny hairs and tiny bones to transfer and process the sound waves that enter the inner ear so the brain can read them. Over time, the cilia of the inner ear that direct the sound become damaged and the quality of hearing is reduced.

Since the cilia does not grow back, a hearing aid is eventually needed to enhance the sounds coming into the outer ear artificially. A hearing aid is made of a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker. The microphone receives the signal, which is then amplified and sent to the cochlea.

Why Are Hearing Aids an Investment for Your Health?

For starters, hearing aids don’t use re-usable technology; each hearing device is manufactured specifically for a line of hearing aids, but the chips and technology are non-transferable. Additionally, hearing aids are optimized to suit different needs and preferences. Hearing aids offer various features designed to be beneficial to a range of needs, so it’s important to consider which ones are most important to you. The most common features you’ll have to choose from include:

Bluetooth connectivity
Feedback reduction
Directional microphones
Tinnitus masking
Multisettings
Remote access

Before you make a decision on which hearing aid is better for your type of hearing loss, ask your audiologist about these features to see what suits you best.

What to Look for In a Hearing Aid

There are many different hearing aids on the market, and they offer different functionality. It’s important to research hearing aid properly before investing, so you know you’re getting the best hearing aid for your needs. It’s a good idea to consult an audiologist to get the right idea for your type of hearing loss and the features that you may need.

A hearing aid should have programmability; you should be able to adjust the settings to suit your individual requirements to help with comfort and to improve life quality. Style is also important. Do you want an in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-canal (ITC) styles of hearing aid? Also, check for extras the device offers.

How to Find Affordable Hearing Aids

The best way to find a suitable hearing aid is to start with your individual requirements, talk to an audiologist and get a concrete idea of your hearing loss. Also, take your lifestyle into consideration. With this information your audiologist can help you find the right hearing aid for you and your needs.

How to Operate a Hearing Aid

After you find a hearing aid that suits your style and budget, it’s time to learn how to use it. Even a hearing aid on the lower end, you will need to learn how it functions and home to care for it before installing it and heading out into the world.

If you buy the earpiece from your audiologist, they will be able to demonstrate how it works and how to clean and maintain it. A hearing aid is fragile, but it’s also regularly handled – it must be taken out each night and placed in a location where it cannot be damaged.

When to Seek Help for Your Hearing

If you have noticed changes in your hearing and you haven’t had an audio check-up in a long time, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with an audiologist. During your appointment, you will be asked to undergo a series of test to determine your hearing levels.

Some people put off these appointments because they can lead to a hearing device, but if you are having trouble hearing what people are saying or have been turning up the TV too loud, then it can seriously affect your quality of life. Hearing aids are an investment for you hearing health and everyday life.

If you search for hearing aids, you’re likely to find models and brands that feature the latest technology but working with an audiologist you can find the hearing aids you need within your budget. Find your exact hearing requirements and search for devices to match your needs and lifestyle. To learn more about how to find an affordable hearing aid contact Portland Audiology Clinic, LLC by calling us today at (503) 227-3668.

How To Find An Affordable Hearing Aid