Hearing Aids – By Lifestyle
To learn more about hearing aid options, look them up by
Technology
This brief overview shows some of the possible range of technologies for each technology category:
Premium
- 15+ channels
- Adaptive directional microphones
- Multiple programs that are automatic or accessible by a remote control
- Advanced data logging and self learning
- Telecoil and/or Bluetooth link to phone, TV
- Inter ear communication
- All sizes and styles included
Advanced
- 8+ Channels
- Directional microphones
- Manual or remote accessible listening programs
- Data Logging
- Telecoil
- All sizes and styles included
Economy
- 4+ Channels
- Fixed directional microphones
- Limited manual or remote listening programs
- Telecoil
- All sizes and styles included
The audiologist will assist you in choosing the best technology for your needs. Remember that the level of technology and the style of hearing aids will be related to your lifestyle, level of hearing loss and cost concerns. Styles are limited for severe and profound hearing loss.
Lifestyle
One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is, “What is the best hearing aid?” That is a very difficult, if not impossible, question to answer. The more appropriate question you want answered is, “What is the best hearing aid for me?” In an attempt to make your research more thorough and purchasing decision easier, we will make recommendations based on our patients’ hearing aid experiences, lifestyle characteristics, and hearing needs. To make best use of this unique hearing aid review, contact one of our Hearing Solution Center to have your Lifestyle Profile analyzed, and further enhance your hearing aid purchase. Below are three common lifestyle characteristics:
Premium
- You are in group meetings, both social and business.
- You enjoy going to restaurants, movies, plays, concerts, etc.
- You frequently participate in outdoor recreation.
- You have job demands that are stressful and require critical listening and communication.
- You are retired, but more active than ever – always “on the go.”
- You are a longtime hearing aid user looking for the ultimate technology upgrade.
- You settle for nothing but the best in anything you buy.
Advanced
- You are in occasional group settings, including restaurants.
- You have critical job demands, yet you’re not closing multi-million dollar deals.
- You enjoy watching television but it’s frustrating because you miss conversation.
- Time spent with friends, family, and grandchildren is becoming difficult.
- You’re retired and active, but not traveling the world as others may be.
- You want the most “bang for the buck” in today’s hearing aid technology.
- You want your next pair of hearing aids to be an upgrade yet easy to use.
Economy
- You expect value but still want the latest technology available.
- You are not involved in many group or noisy surroundings.
- Much of your time is spent at home, watching TV and in one-on-one conversations.
- Today’s economy digital hearing aid technology give value and function. You may fit any of the two lifestyles noted above, but yet the cost of those devices may be slightly out of reach. The worst thing you can do is to not seek help as a result.
| Select the style and size that is right for you. Certain styles are best for certain hearing needs | |
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New receiver in the canal hearing aids will include all levels of technology and can be small behind the ear options for many. |
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Behind the ear aids have the most flexibility for more moderate and severe degrees of hearing los |
| Custom molded hearing aids are one piece and molded to the individual contours of each person: | |
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Full Shell |
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Half Shell and Canal |
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CIC: Completely in the Canal |
| Photos courtesy of Widex | |
