Hearing aids are recommended for people with hearing loss. Many people with hearing loss opt to basically cope with their problem, missing out on conversations at parties or dialog in movies or TV shows, when they could regain their hearing with a hearing aid. If you have hearing loss, choosing the right hearing aid can make a big difference. There are many factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid, and our staff at HARMONY Center for Surgery of the Ears, Nose, and Throat will help you select the right one.
Before you can begin to compare hearing aids, our audiologist will first perform an assessment of the extent of your hearing impairment. There are seven degrees of hearing loss, ranging from normal to profound. Using appropriate diagnostic tests and methods, your level of hearing loss will be determined. The area of the spectrum of your hearing loss, whether to low- or high-frequency sounds, also is important when choosing hearing aids. Different devices target different frequency levels.
Your basic ear anatomy plays a part, too. For instance, if you have small outer ears you may be more comfortable with an in-the-ear aid. On the other hand, our audiologist may recommend a behind-the-ear device if you have smaller inner ears.
Your preference and lifestyle will also be considered as you choose a device. If you spend lots of time outdoors, we will show you the various aids equipped with wind-protection features. Or, if you are often in noisy settings, there are hearing aids that have the ability to block out background noise.