If you’re new to wearing hearing aids, you most likely have some questions. Lucky for you, we have the answers! Keep reading to explore some frequently asked questions about hearing aids!
Q: How does a hearing aid work?
A: Hearing aids are equipped with tiny microphones that can pick up the sounds around you and convert the sounds to electrical energy. The electrical energy is amplified and sent back to a speaker, which delivers the modified sound to your ear. Hearing aids are now so advanced that they can adjust the sound amplification based on your hearing needs!
Q: What different kinds of types of hearing aids are there?
A: There are three basic types of hearing aids: Completely-in-the-canal aids, In-the-ear aids, and Behind-the-ear aids. Amplifiers are non-medical assistive listening devices.
Amplifiers are hearing devices that are not medical; they are not personalized to your hearing needs. Instead, they are small devices with a microphone, speaker, and amp that amplify sounds at all frequencies. They are not designed for someone who has hearing loss, but rather, for those who would like additional amplification in specific settings.
If you think you have hearing loss, you may want to consider upgrading to a hearing aid that will be specifically programmed by a hearing professional for your personal hearing loss needs.
The Completely-in-canal aids are almost impossible for others to see. It is molded to fit your ear canal and goes completely inside your ear, as the name suggests.
A Behind-the-ear aid hooks over the top of your ear and rests behind it. All of the electronic parts are housed in the part that sits behind your ear and sound is routed into your ear canal via a clear tube.
A subtype of Behind-the-ear aids is the Receiver-in-canal hearing aid. This style also sits behind the ear, and a tiny wire connects to a receiver inside your ear canal. Our Clara hearing aid is a Receiver-in-Canal hearing aid, and the Clara model can even connect to your phone, mp3 player, or TV via Bluetooth technology!
Q: What steps should I take before purchasing a hearing aid?
A: If you have hearing loss and believe you need hearing aids, go to your regular doctor and get a checkup! Sometimes hearing loss can be caused by a buildup of earwax, an infection, or other factors.
If your doctor determines that your hearing loss cannot be solved by antibiotics or a good ear cleaning, make an appointment with an audiologist. An audiologist will help you assess your hearing, and can assist in choosing the best type of hearing aid for you.
Once you determine which hearing aids are the best fit for you and your ears, take part in a trial period. Audicus offers a 45-day trial period with a money-back guarantee, so you can be sure your hearing aids are working for your lifestyle! And remember, this trial period is important so you can get accustomed to wearing your new hearing aids. You may hear sounds that you haven’t heard before, and it can take a little while to get comfortable.
Q: How do I know which hearing aid is right for me?
A: The severity of hearing loss varies from person to person, and it’s important that you choose the best hearing aid for you. After you visit the audiologist, they will be able to tell you what your range of hearing loss is. This range is important for deciding on a hearing aid.
Purchasing a hearing aid can be serious business, and will take you time and research so that you can find a product that works for you. Audicus offers high-quality hearing aids that are versatile to fit many lifestyles and ranges of hearing loss—come check them out! We also offer round-the-clock customer service, so don’t hesitate to ask us questions. Together, we can manage your hearing loss and find the best hearing aids for you.