If you’ve begun looking into hearing aid options and choices for yourself or a loved one, you may find the decision-making process to be quite overwhelming. There are so many different brands, styles, and features, that it can be almost impossible to figure out which option is best.
The short answer is that it varies, and there isn’t one, or even a few hearing aids that can truly be considered “the best”. It largely depends on the individual patient’s hearing loss and specific needs. For example, a person with a severe hearing loss will typically require a more powerful, and potentially larger model of hearing aid, than someone with a mild hearing loss. Some types of hearing aids are easier to handle and maintain than others, and this can be considered if someone has difficulties with using their hands and fingers.
Apart from the physical style of hearing aid, the devices are also available in a range of different “technology levels”. More advanced levels of technology, albeit more expensive, will be able to perform better in more challenging environments, such as a noisy restaurant. If a patient tends to be mostly at home and just needs to hear things like one-on-one conversations and the TV a bit better, than often a more basic level will suit that person well.
Lastly, there are many different brands of hearing aid manufacturer. The truth is, they’re mostly all excellent and at the forefront of research and development in improving their technology. Some brands may offer a certain feature or style that another brand may not offer, and that can be considered when recommending a specific manufacturer for a patient. The sound quality can also sometimes differ between manufacturer, and some people may prefer the sound of one brand over another.
Based on the above, hearing aid options can therefore be broadly divided into three major categories:
To be best informed and prepared for your journey into the world of hearing aids, it would be helpful to gain a deeper understanding of some of the key differences between these categories. I’ll cover each of these in more detail in separate blog articles.
However, rather than the physical device itself, one of the most critical factors for success with a hearing aid is the audiologist who will be fitting the device for your ears. To do well with hearing aids and ensure optimal benefit, the devices must be prescribed and fitted properly by a qualified professional, using best practices.
Ultimately, the best hearing aid is one that you will be happy to wear and has been chosen considering your hearing loss, needs, goals, and lifestyle. A qualified audiologist should be considering all of this when making a recommendation and will help you in your final decision of which hearing aid to proceed with. In other words, it isn’t so much about “which hearing aid is best”, but rather, “which hearing aid is best for you”.
If you'd like to learn more about the kind of hearing care we provide for our patients at Finchley Hearing, please explore our website and feel free to get in touch with any questions.
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