With so many hearing aids on the market today, it’s easy to assume that any choice will work, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Not every hearing aid fits every ear or every type of hearing loss.
And if you’re wearing hearing aids that don’t seem quite right, or if you’re shopping for your first pair, you need to consider some crucial factors.
Let’s dive into how to know if you’re using the wrong hearing aid and how to find the right one.
Understand the Different Styles of Hearing aids
There are several hearing aid styles, each suited to different needs.
- CIC and IIC (Completely-in-Canal and Invisible-in-Canal) hearing aids are the tiniest and most discreet.
They’re a good fit for mild to moderate hearing loss and offer minimal wind interference.
However, they use small batteries that need frequent replacement, can’t fit onboard controls, and are more prone to earwax issues.
- ITC (In-the-Canal) models are still compact but allow room for basic controls like a volume button. They’re a solid middle ground but can be challenging for people with dexterity concerns.
- ITE (In-the-Ear) hearing aids come in half and full shell styles, making them more visible but more powerful.
Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, they may offer rechargeable options and better microphone placement, though they’re more prone to wind noise and wax buildup.
- RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) models are among the most popular today.
These place the main unit behind the ear and connect to a speaker inside the canal.
They’re excellent for mild to severe hearing loss, offering Bluetooth, directional microphones, and rechargeability in a design that remains discreet.
- BTE (Behind-the-Ear) hearing aids are the largest and most powerful, often used for severe to profound hearing loss.
They’re durable and feature-rich, but are more visible and require custom earmolds and maintenance.
IF your Hearing Aids Have these Features, You’ve Found The Best
Many hearing aid manufacturers use different names for similar features. Here’s what truly makes a difference:
- Noise reduction helps filter out background sounds while preserving speech clarity. Premium models usually handle this best.
- Microphone design plays a big role in performance.
Directional microphones focus on what’s in front of you, ideal for conversations in busy places.
Smaller aids often lack room for this feature.
- Rechargeable vs. disposable batteries comes down to convenience.
Rechargeables are easier for most users, but disposable batteries may last longer per use.
- Bluetooth connectivity allows for streaming phone calls, TV, or even music directly into your hearing aids.
While helpful, they aren’t necessary for everyone and may be overwhelming.
If you prefer simplicity, look for hearing aids with app controls or a remote instead of navigating complex buttons or screens.
Sync Performance with Your Sweet Lifestyle
Not everyone needs a top-tier hearing aid.
If you live a quiet life at home, a basic or mid-range device might serve you well.
But if you’re social, active, or spend time in noisy environments, investing in a higher-end model with more channels and better sound processing may be worth it.
A study from the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research found that premium hearing aids significantly improve speech understanding in difficult listening situations, but offer less noticeable benefits in quiet environments.
In a nutshell, pick the right performance level for your lifestyle.
Hearing Loss Level Does Matter
Your hearing aid needs depend on whether your hearing loss is mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
- Mild to moderate hearing loss gives you the most options, from tiny CICs to robust RIC or BTE devices.
- As hearing loss becomes more significant, you’ll need a device that can house a more powerful speaker and battery.
- That often means going with a larger model, custom earmolds, or stronger amplification to avoid feedback and distortion.
It’s also worth noting: smaller hearing aids have smaller batteries.
If your hearing loss is more severe, those small batteries may drain quickly, adding both cost and hassle.
How to Know If You’re Wearing the Wrong Hearing Aid?
If your hearing aid doesn’t feel comfortable, sounds unnatural, or doesn’t help in the situations that matter most to you, it may not be the right device for your needs.
Here are some red flags:
- Your voice sounds echoey or unnatural.
- You can’t follow conversations in noisy places.
- Your batteries run out constantly.
- You feel overwhelmed by the technology, or underwhelmed by the performance.
Never settle for frustration.
How to Sync Performance to your Sweet lifestyle?
The perfect hearing aid isn’t the smallest, newest, or most expensive, it’s the one that matches your hearing loss, daily routine, and comfort with technology.
If you’re not sure where to start or if your current hearing aids aren’t cutting it, we can help.
At Treble Health, we provide personalized hearing consultations, expert fittings, and ongoing support to ensure your hearing aids work for you.
Click the link in the description to schedule your free consultation with a Doctor of Audiology.
We’ll help you explore your options and find a solution that delivers real results.
