The design and technology of hearing aids have advanced rapidly in the past few decades. There are many different kinds of hearing aids available today to meet the needs of consumers in terms of comfort, cost, and aesthetics. There is a minor drawback to this, though. Nowadays, the number of players offering these kinds of items is skyrocketing, and some of them are making false claims. Hence, consumers are at a loss as to which is the best choice for the elderly. In this article, we’ll present some guidelines that experts have shared.
Hearing loss and how hearing aids function
Once a senior is diagnosed with hearing loss, he or she must see an audiologist. This is a specialist doctor with the necessary qualifications, training, expertise, and instruments to assess the severity of hearing loss. One should avoid purchasing hearing aids for seniors without first consulting an audiologist. The audiologist will educate the patient on the various types of hearing aids available on the market today.
All hearing aids have three major components: an amplifier, a microphone, and a speaker. The microphone absorbs sound from various sources. The absorbed sound is subsequently transformed into electrical signals, which are boosted by the amplifier. The amplified sound is subsequently transmitted to the inner ear via a speaker.
Types of hearing aids
As of right now, there are essentially four categories of hearing aids:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
For those with medium hearing loss, this kind is best. An ear-level BTE device is inserted. A connecting tube connects the compartment behind the ear to the earmold, the portion of the aid that is inside the ear. There are controls, a battery box, and a microphone in the BTE compartment. They are also easy to use, maintain, and last a long time.
- In-the-ear (ITE)
For those who have medium to severe hearing loss, this variety is also excellent. This aid’s components are all inside the ear, as the name suggests. The outer region of the ear is filled with a shell that contains these. Compared to ITC hearing aids for seniors, they are typically greater. They have an optional telecoil feature and are simple to use. During phone calls, the telecoil facilitates simpler communication.
- In-the-canal (ITC)
People with mild to moderate hearing loss should use this type; those with severe hearing loss should avoid using it. In this case, the aid is inserted into the ear canal. This is made out of an all-plastic, lightweight casing that houses the parts. It is simple to maintain and operate. It is the most comfortable type compared to others because it is customized to the individual’s ear shape and size.
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
Those with mild to severe hearing loss should use this type. This is the smallest kind of assistance in comparison to the others. This is a gadget that is placed into the ear canals and looks like a receiver. The receiver is tiny, and the connecting tube is hardly seen either.
Things to consider when buying hearing aids
Now that you’ve learned about hearing aids and their various forms, let’s look at some important factors to consider when purchasing hearing aids for seniors:
- Assess the condition: Not all hearing aids are the same. They are designed to treat a variety of diseases or conditions. The majority of them are for age-related hearing loss, although some are for tinnitus and others for dementia. That is why it is critical to first identify the issue causing hearing difficulty. An audiologist is an expert who will accurately evaluate the ailment and then propose the appropriate type of hearing aid.
- Ensure user-friendliness: Hearing aid users vary greatly. People’s preferences for a specific type of aid can vary depending on their exposure to technology, the level of their hearing loss, their profile, and their communication needs. Therefore, the chosen type must be pleasant for the user.
- Programming assistance: Modern digital hearing aids for seniors allow you to program or adjust characteristics like volume, frequency, intensity level, noise attenuation, and maximum power output. The programming or personalization is vital since the severity of hearing loss varies from person to person and even ear to ear. The programming can be performed by either the manufacturer or an audiologist.
- Ensure technical assistance: Hearing aids today are highly specialized technological equipment. To repair them, qualified and trained personnel are required, just as with any other device. Make sure the manufacturer provides technical help in the city where you live. This will ensure a timely fix.
Conclusion
The evolution of hearing aid technology has provided consumers with a plethora of options to address hearing loss. However, with this abundance comes the challenge of navigating through false claims and determining the most suitable choice. Consulting with an audiologist is essential to accurately diagnosing hearing loss and identifying the most appropriate types of hearing aids for seniors. Factors such as comfort, user-friendliness, programmability, and the availability of technical support should be carefully considered to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction with the chosen device.
