- FACTORS TO
CONSIDER
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- What should
you think about in buying hearing instruments ?
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- Following is
a list of seven factors to consider.
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- All other things
aside, your hearing instrument must be a good match for your
loss characteristics, fit comfortably and be adjustable, either
manually, by you, or automatically.
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- Read through
these factors and make some notes as to your priorities so you
can discuss them with your hearing professional.
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- Loss Characteristics
- The nature and
severity of your hearing loss will play a large role in determining
which hearing instruments are ultimately recommended to you.
Your hearing professional can help you understand your unique
loss characteristics, and explain the models that would best
suit your needs.
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- Lifestyle
- Consider your
life, work, free-time activities. What are the things you do
that are most affected by hearing loss? What are the things,
if any, that you’re not able to do because of a hearing
loss? Define your needs and set priorities. Your job may also
be a factor. If you work outdoors in the elements or travel frequently,
and are concerned about a hearing instrument’s durability,
you may want to consider a back-up instrument.
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- Technology
- Sound quality
is perhaps the most important consideration—it’s why
you’re even considering purchasing hearing instruments,
after all. Not every technological advance benefits every hearing
loss, and it’s safe to say that even basic hearing instruments
can deliver appropriate sound quality. Consult your hearing professional—he
or she will help you assess the level of sophistication you need
based on a range of issues.
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- Handling
- The smallest
hearing instruments are the most discreet, but they are, well,
small. If your eyesight or dexterity are less than what they
used to be, size may indeed matter. Alternatively, some new instruments
adjust automatically or via remote control. Your hearing professional
will instruct you as to your best choices.
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- Appearance
- Hearing instruments
come in a variety of sizes, from tiny, completely-in-the-canal
models to those that sit behind the ear. Many people are overly
concerned about appearance, and it’s wise to remember that
others will be far less aware of your instrument than you. Most
hearing instruments are quite discreet. Keep in mind that hairstyle
can also play a role.
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- Physiology
- Physical factors
can also influence your selection of a hearing instrument. The
shape and size of the outer ear and ear canal can make it difficult
for some people to wear particular styles. For example, if your
canal is extremely narrow, in-the-canal instruments may not work
for you. Your hearing professional will help determine which
hearing instrument options are appropriate for you.
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- One Ear or
Two ?
- Two ears are
better than one, since binaural, or two-ear hearing, is what
helps us determine where sounds are coming from, and to distinguish
between competing sounds more easily. If you have a hearing loss
in only one ear, you may be fine with one hearing instrument.
Age- and noise-related hearing loss tend to affect both ears,
but your hearing profile for each ear is probably different.
If there is a loss in both ears, then you will benefit more with
a binaural approach. In addition, some of the benefits of digital
technology require two hearing instruments.
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- Today, about
two-thirds of new purchasers opt for dual hearing instruments,
and as a group, they report a higher level of satisfaction than
purchasers of a single instrument. Discuss the pros and cons
with your hearing professional.
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- The Value
Equation
Improving your hearing and adding to your quality of life is
hard to put a price tag on.
While it might seem odd, it’s not really what’s inside
the piece of plastic that you’re paying for—it’s
how well the hearing instrument improves your quality of life.
The real value is what it’s worth to be able to fully engage
in your relationships, work and the activities you enjoy.
You may also want to think about what you value most in terms
of a hearing instrument’s features and benefits. How important
is vanity? How important is the latest technology? The equation
of price will depend somewhat on your priorities—and it’s
different for everyone.
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- Hearing instruments
generally run from several hundred to a few thousand dollars,
and pricing varies between hearing professionals. Typically,
costs reflect the amount of research and development that has
gone into the product as well as quality of the components, with
the smallest, most technologically advanced instruments at the
higher end of the pricing spectrum. However, you can also get
hearing instruments that provide a good benefit in a modest price
range.
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- Pricing may
or may not include the services of your hearing professional,
such as the testing, making of the earmold impression, fitting
of the instrument and follow-up care and service. In addition,
most hearing instruments come with a warranty and return guarantee.
See questions to ask your hearing professional for more information.
As when making any decision of considerable importance, do some
research and buy from a reputable source.
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- Get a referral
from your doctor or a friend who is satisfied with their experience.
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- If you are unsure
about the recommendations of your hearing professional, get a
second opinion or seek out more information. When you’re
comfortable, make the decision that feels best for you.
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