Selecting a hearing aid that is suited for your level of hearing loss is crucial for ensuring you get the maximum benefit from amplification. With so many different types of hearing aids on the market, it can be confusing trying to determine which one is right for you. This article provides an overview of the different levels of hearing loss and recommendations for choosing an appropriate hearing aid style and technology level based on your audiogram results.
Understanding Hearing Loss Levels
Hearing loss is categorized into different levels depending on how much difficulty you have hearing different volumes of sound. These levels include:
Mild Hearing Loss
People with mild hearing loss have trouble hearing soft sounds and voices. They may struggle to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. Mild hearing loss typically results in a 15-40 dB loss in hearing sensitivity. People with this level of loss can benefit from basic hearing aids to amplify sounds they are missing.
Moderate Hearing Loss
Moderate hearing loss causes difficulty hearing and understanding regular speech. A 40-70 dB hearing loss means softer speech can be inaudible. People with moderate hearing loss rely heavily on hearing aids to improve speech understanding. More advanced hearing aids can be helpful.
Severe Hearing Loss
People with severe hearing loss rely a great deal on lipreading, even with hearing aids. They may be able to hear loud sounds and voices if the person speaks very clearly. A 70-95 dB loss indicates that most speech frequencies are inaudible without amplification. For people with severe hearing loss, powerful hearing aids are recommended.
Profound Hearing Loss
With a profound 95+ dB loss, even amplified sounds and speech are unclear. People with profound hearing loss may not get much benefit from traditional hearing aids, but they may opt for cochlear implants.
Hearing Aid Styles
There are several basic hearing aid styles, each suited for different levels of hearing loss and lifestyles.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
CIC aids fit deep in the ear canal, which makes them pretty much invisible. Size severely limits power, so they only work for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They require good dexterity to insert and remove.
In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
ITC aids fit partially in the ear canal for a less visible option. They work for mild to moderate hearing losses, and the smaller size can pick up less wind noise. However, it can be difficult to adjust due to the deeper positioning.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
ITE aids fit completely inside the outer ear bowl. They are customized for each person’s unique ear shape. ITEs are good for mild to severe hearing loss, but their small size limits their power. They are one of the most discreet options.
Receiver-in-Canal/Ear (RIC/RITE) Hearing Aids
RIC/RITE aids have a small case behind the ear connected by a thin wire to a speaker placed inside the ear canal. They work well for mild to severe hearing losses. The smaller size of the ear makes them more discreet.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE aids hook over the top of the ear and direct sound down into the ear canal through a custom earmold or thin tube with an earbud. They are suitable for all levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound. BTEs can hold more components and are typically more powerful than other styles.
Hearing Aid Technology Levels
Hearing aids come in different technology levels, ranging from basic devices to advanced smart hearing aids. Consider your hearing needs and budget when selecting which level is right for you.
Basic Hearing Aids
These budget-friendly hearing aids simply amplify all sounds. They do not distinguish between speech and background noise, which can make it hard to focus on conversations with loud surroundings. Basic digital hearing aids work well for mild hearing losses.
Advanced Hearing Aids
Mid-range hearing aids utilize digital sound processing to analyze and adjust sounds based on one’s hearing loss profile. Features like noise reduction help the wearer focus on speech in noisy situations. Feedback cancellation prevents whistling. Multiple settings help optimize amplification for different environments. Advanced hearing aids work well for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Premium Smart Hearing Aids
Premium-level hearing aids act like tiny wearable computers, using advanced processing to mimic the way our brains process sound. They continuously analyze the listening environment and automatically adjust settings for optimized hearing. Features like Bluetooth connectivity allow you to stream audio directly from smartphones and media devices. Premium smart hearing aids provide the most benefit for moderate-to-profound hearing losses. However, the high-tech features come at a higher cost.
Tips for Trying Hearing Aids
The first step is to get a professional hearing evaluation. The results of your audiogram will guide your hearing aid selection. Audiologists can make product recommendations tailored to your hearing needs.
Next, you’ll want to consider your lifestyle and cosmetic preferences. Your job, hobbies, and desired aesthetics may be factors in choosing a style and size. Once you’ve done this, you can then begin to trial hearing aids. Reputable providers offer trials of up to 60 days, so you can test hearing aids in real-life situations to find the best match. Remember that no matter which device you choose, it’s important to give it time. It takes brain adjustment to get used to hearing aids, so persistence through the trial period is recommended.
Once you have settled upon a device, make sure to take a look into the financing options available. Hearing aids are an investment, but payment plans can make them more affordable. Insurance and rebates sometimes apply too, so these are worth looking into.
Finding the optimal hearing aids suited for your individual hearing loss and preferences is essential for getting the most benefits from amplification. Working with a trusted hearing healthcare professional will help narrow the choices and ensure you select a style and model of hearing aid that will improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life.
Also read: Why are Hearing Aids So Expensive?
