Improve Your Quality of Life with The Right Hearing Aid
Hearing loss is a recipe for social isolation and loneliness. Hearing better keeps you engaged and enables you to connect with the world around you. Therefore, patients with hearing problems should consider using hearing devices to improve their communication, ease of understanding, social participation, emotional stability, and overall quality of life. The guide below provides great insights as to why hearing aids are of such importance.
How Do Digital Hearing Aids Work?
Modern hearing devices leverage the latest technology to improve hearing. They can be customized to suit individual personal needs and a wide variety of hearing challenges. Digital hearing aids come with automatic programs that suit different environments, change with disruptive background noise, and amplify speech.
Digital hearing devices have three major components. They include a microphone, loudspeaker, and a processor. The microphone picks up sounds and acoustic signals and transmits them to the processor. The processor amplifies and converts the signals into numerical codes, which are then sent by the loudspeaker to the ear.
What Types of Hearing Aids Are Available?
Working with a hearing expert makes it easy to find a suitable hearing aid from various hearing aid models. There are two main types of hearing aids:
- Analog Hearing Aids – they convert sound signals into electrical waves and amplify to the ear.
- Digital Hearing Aids – they convert sound signals into numerical codes and amplify them into the ear.
Hearing aids are also available in three styles. They include:
- In-Canal Hearing Aids – these hearing devices fit inside the ear and are hard to see. They help in alleviating mild to moderate hearing problems. However, due to their size, they can be difficult to adjust and remove.
- In-the-Ear Hearing Aids – they fit completely inside the outer part of the ear. They feature a plastic case that contains the electronics and suit patients with mild to severe hearing loss.
- Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids – they sit in a plastic case behind the ear. The plastic case moulds to fit into the outer ear and directs sound waves to the ear.
What Are the Best Hearing Aids?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when searching for the best hearing devices. Working with an audiologist or visiting a hearing clinic near you will help you find a quality hearing aid that works for you. The right hearing device will depend on:
- The severity of hearing loss
- Lifestyle
- Age
- Cost
- Prevailing medical conditions
- Comfort
Hearing Aid Prices in Canada
The cost of hearing devices in Canada depends on various factors. However, the level of technology needed to support your hearing loss is a major determinant. Hearing devices with advanced technology and features will cost more. Insurance or medical coverage also determines the final cost of hearing aids. Typically, the least expensive hearing devices can go for $1200, while the most expensive can cost up to $4400.
Factors Contributing To The Cost When Buying Hearing Aids
How Do Hearing Aid Batteries Work?
Hearing aids require functioning batteries to work properly. Except for rechargeable devices, typical hearing aid batteries are small, one-time, disposable zinc-air cells that work in the presence of oxygen. Zinc-air batteries are activated by oxygen and should last for ten days before requiring replacement. The type of hearing aid, the environment that you live in, the kind of battery, and the number of hours that you use the aids daily determines hearing aid battery life.
Rechargeable hearing devices, on the other hand, function just like rechargeable batteries. Instead of throwing away the batteries after using, you will have to charge the hearing aid using a charging pod. This makes it environmentally friendly and affordable.
How to Extend the Life of Your Hearing Aid Batteries
Hearing Solutions for People with Conductive, Severe or Profound Hearing Loss
Patients with hearing difficulties caused by defects in the middle ear or suffering from one-sided hearing problems should consider using bone-anchored hearing devices. These devices send sound signals directly to the inner ear by sending vibrations through the bone, bypassing both the outer and middle ear.
On the other hand, individuals with severe hearing loss stemming from the inner ear should consider cochlear implants to better their hearing abilities. Cochlear implants take up the hearing functions of the inner ear. The only drawback is that both options will require surgery.
How to Get a Hearing Aid
Compared to physical clinic visits, purchasing hearing aids without going for hearing tests either over the counter or online might seem like an easy alternative. However, this takes away the opportunity to work with hearing aid experts who assure you get quality hearing aids that work best for you. To ensure you receive a hearing aid that meets your needs, consider the following:
- Do your research to understand the types of hearing aids available on the market.
- Visit a hearing clinic near you for a hearing test and try various hearing aids models.
- Work with a hearing expert to choose a hearing aid that meets your hearing needs.
- Allow your hearing professional to adjust the aid to suit your hearing deficiencies.
- Go home with your hearing devices. Make sure to observe every recommendation provided by a hearing aid specialist. If they don’t fit or work as you need them to, return and choose another type.
Getting Hearing Aids Repaired
Hearing devices require special attention and care for long-time functionality. However, they might require troubleshooting or repair occasionally. If you notice slight issues with your hearing aids, consider the following options:
- Quick Fixing – routine check-up and cleaning can help simple problems. You can do this personally or take it to your local hearing expert.
- Hearing Aid Repair – if your hearing devices stop working, repairing your hearing aid might be the best option. Consult hearing clinics working in partnership with manufacturers for this. You can benefit greatly if your aids are still under warranty.
- Hearing Aid Replacement – this suits hearing devices that are damaged beyond repair. Consider replacing your aids if they show visible damage or are more than three years old.
FAQs
What is the Average Price of Hearing Aids in Canada?
Hearing aids available on the market come at varying prices. Prices in Canada average between $1200 and $4000 per unit. You can check various hearing aid comparison tables for a better understanding.
What is the Best Hearing Aid Today?
Different people have different hearing challenges. This means that your best choice of hearing device may not suit another person’s hearing difficulties. You should consider several factors to find the best hearing aid that suits your specific hearing challenges. Work with your local hearing aid expert to find the best hearing aid that suits your needs.
Will Hearing Aids Help Tinnitus?
An estimated 6 out of 10 people with tinnitus feel better with hearing aids. However, the effectiveness of this relief varies from one person to another. Patients without hearing difficulties should try hearing aids with a tinnitus sound generator for better effectiveness. Consulting hearing aid professionals can also help in finding the right solution for tinnitus.
How Often Should I Replace My Hearing Aids?
Regular hearing testing is of much importance to patients with hearing problems. You should consider yearly testing, and a test as soon as you experience changes in your hearing. These changes may lead to the need for new hearing aids or adjustments to your current devices. Following this, hearing aids should be replaced after 3 to 5 years as well.
Find the Right Hearing Aid from Bravo Hearing
Hearing aids are a perfect solution for individuals with hearing loss. However, finding the right hearing aids can be challenging, especially with the anxiety that comes with losing your hearing ability. If you are experiencing this, we can help you find the right hearing aid. Contact us and schedule an appointment to get the right device for you.
