Hearing Aids Canada: How to Choose The Right One
If you or any of your loved ones are suffering from hearing loss, you must’ve googled these tiny devices. Hearing aids are amazing for helping improve hearing and general lifestyle.
Now buying a hearing aid depends on a number of factors.
Like your age, preference, extent of hearing loss, budget, vision, and your life. Here are some factors to consider before you pick one off the shelves.
How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid
Now there are some factors you definitely need to keep in mind before buying a hearing aid. Features, types, prices, and looks are just some of the attributes you must consider for buying the hearing aid that suits you best.
So, here we’ve put together a few features worth considering before you head out:
Types of Hearing Aids
There are two main types of hearing aids:
- Behind the Ear
- Inside the Ear
Let’s take a look at each:
Behind the Ear (BTE)
- These are quite large.
- Very comfortable; great for wearing for long hours.
- This is the most preferred type of hearing aid Canada.
- Best for mild as well as severe hearing loss.
- Available in a variety of sizes and styles.
- It can get clogged by earwax.
- These include additional features like volume adjustments, etc.
In the Ear Hearing Aid
- Fit perfectly inside the ear completely obscured from view.
- Very small in size.
- Ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- There’s a risk of these getting clogged by ear wax.
Battery Life
Batteries are very important for hearing aids—some last for 72 hours, while others can go up to ten days before they run out.
The battery life depends on capacity and usage.
You can also opt for rechargeable batteries if changing them on and off is more of a hassle. Plus it’s more economical too.
Charging is easy and works the same way you charge your earplugs.
Price
The prices for hearing aids Canada typically start from $1200. However, they vary depending on the type, quality, and style of the hearing aid.
The upper limit for the price, though, is $4400. Hearing aids in this price range have the most features and are very advanced.
So, you need to balance out the price and the features. So, if you make a checklist of the features you want and cross out those you really don’t need, you can reach a mid-level range for the hearing aid price.
Other Features
Bluetooth
Bluetooth functionality is great if you or your loved one’s using the aid love music or like to take calls on the go.
With Bluetooth, you can connect to other devices and enjoy music, take calls on the go and, enjoy your favorite movie audio.
Remote Control
Some hearing aids come with remote control. So it’s easier to change the settings without taking the aid out of the ear or even touching it.
You can even use your mobile as a remote controller for some devices to tweak the settings.
Warranty
A warranty can be an added advantage. You’ll find many hearing aids that come with a specified warranty for the parts and labor.
Wind Noise Reduction
Although all hearing aids have noise reduction features, some refined forms reduce the wind noise. That greatly improves the sound quality of the device.
How Hearing Aid Works
The hearing aids have three components. All these work in line to help those who have trouble hearing.
1. Microphone
The sound waves are first intercepted by the microphone. The sound is converted into electrical signals here.
2. Amplifier
The amplifier amplifies or strengthens the sound and then sends it to the human ear.
3. Speaker
The speaker converts the electrical signal back into the sound and sends it to the ear canal, so the receiver gets the message.
Conclusion
Buying a hearing aid that fits and suits you is not an easy task.
While it may seem tempting to just go to a hearing aid expert to buy a device, it’s not advised.
Always visit a doctor first to know the actual cause of the hearing loss and the extent of the damage. Sometimes a hearing aid isn’t a solution, but the condition can be treated otherwise.
However, if it still comes down to getting a hearing aid, do your homework and buy the one with the features and attributes that suit your style and condition best.