Getting the best hearing aids for your lifestyle is a lot like buying a new home or car.
First, think about the feature that is most important to you. Then write down a list of the hearing aids that have that can’t-live-without feature.
This narrows your selection so that you can consider other important elements. It ensures you absolutely love your next set of hearing aids.
Which hearing aids have the features you can’t live without?
Best Hearing Aids for Severe Hearing Loss
If you have severe hearing loss, the best hearing aids for you are likely a traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) rather than an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid.
These are larger because they have a larger battery to accommodate your advanced hearing loss needs, but they’re still much, much smaller, and more discreet than hearing aids were just 15 years ago.
Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
10% of people have tinnitus that doesn’t go away.
If your hearing loss is accompanied by a ringing or other tone in the ear, there are hearing aids made specifically to address this problem. Many modern hearing aids can be programmed to emit a tone that cancels out your tinnitus tone.
You’ll no longer hear it.
If you have even mild tinnitus, it’s important to ask your hearing expert about the best hearing aids for tinnitus because hearing aids will last you 10 or more years. If the tinnitus gets worse in the next few years, you’ll already have hearing aids that can take care of it.
Best Hearing Aids for People Who Love Technology
If you use a smartphone, smart TV, or advanced home sound system, then you fall into this category. Be sure to look for hearing aids with Bluetooth.
Bluetooth wirelessly connects the microphone on a compatible phone, TV, or sound system directly to your hearing aids, eliminating background noise so that calls, music, and programs are as clear as possible.
Best Hearing Aids for the Arts & Cultural Events
If you love theater, inspirational speakers, symphony orchestra concerts, or other types of events held in auditoriums, then ask about hearing aids that have a telecoil. Many auditoriums, concert halls, and museums are now wired with hearing loops to help the hearing impaired to enjoy the performance.
Through your tiny copper telecoil, wirelessly connect your hearing aid to the sound system to bring the voices and/or music straight to your ears.
Best Hearing Aids for People Who Take Public Transportation
Never miss your stop again. Hearing loops are also on many taxis, buses, and commuter trains, so if you rely on public transportation, consider investing in this feature.
Best Hearing Aids for Working Out & Sports
Whether you jog or exercise in the gym, working out produces a lot of extra airflow as you move faster than you would otherwise. Wind can make some hearing aids whistle. To reduce this effect, ask about hearing aids that have a mold that fits snuggly in the ear.
Traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) prevent both feedback and the wind-caused whistle. You may be tempted to get a mini-behind-the-ear that has a tube going into the ear instead of the earmold, but be aware it’ll likely pick up more feedback and wind sounds if you’re exercising vigorously.
Another benefit of the BTE and CIC for working out is that they’re better at picking up directional sounds. That’s important if you’re jogging on the street or playing sports.
Just hearing sound isn’t enough if you can’t tell where it’s coming from.
Best Hearing Aids for Swimming
Do you spend days at the beach or in the pool? Then finding the best hearing aids for swimming is a top priority.
When working with a hearing aid vendor, ask to only be shown models that are waterproof. Don’t fall in love with hearing aids only to find out they don’t support your fun in the sun lifestyle.
Best Hearing Aids for… You
Learning about these advanced hearing aid features helps you find the best hearing aids for you and your lifestyle. You’ll always hear at your best. To explore your hearing aids options, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist.