As the selection of hearing aids continues to grow, more people can find devices to match their hearing needs. But with so many options, technologies and features, how are you supposed to figure out which hearing aids might work for you?
Professional Audiology will help you through this process from start to finish – and even past the finish line. We’ll ensure you are able to make an informed decision and end up with the best devices for your specific hearing needs.
Determining which hearing aids might be right for you comes down to figuring out which ones will best contribute to your overall hearing success. Hearing aids are certainly integral, but many other factors are involved.
Ultimately, you want hearing technology and treatments to help you to hear better. This is particularly important in situations where you notice hearing challenges and to improve your overall health and mental well-being.
Here are the top factors that contribute to success in hearing care.
It can be difficult to motivate yourself to take this first step, but it lays the groundwork for all that follows. Only by booking a hearing test can you take control of your situation and start on the road to success. Here’s what happens during a hearing test.
Proper hearing aid fitting is essential. This process ensures your devices match your hearing loss and are optimized for your ears and hearing needs.
It can take time to get used to wearing new hearing aids. Committing to wearing hearing aids and follow-up appointments are integral to achieving success.
The support of your family or community can make a huge difference in your experience using hearing aids. Staying positive in the face of doubt and worry will also help you maximize the benefits from the hearing treatments you pursue.
Even when the factors that contribute to success in hearing health are clear, there can still be challenges that need to be worked through. This includes choosing which hearing aids will be the best choice for you, both physically and monetarily.
There are many styles and technologies of hearing aids available for you to choose from. Some of the differences include:
Some common styles include behind-the-ear (BTE) devices that rest outside the ear, in-the-ear (ITE) devices that fit just inside and in-the-canal (ITC) devices, which fit more deeply inside the ear. Further variations of these styles are available as well.
The technology of hearing aids refers to the processing ability of the built-in microcomputers. It can also refer to advanced programs that deal with the processing and output of sounds. Some of these programs are capable of blocking out unwanted background noises and boosting the sound you want to hear.
A wide range of features are available to choose from in modern hearing aids. These include options like Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect your hearing aids directly to devices like your TV or stereo. There are also features to consider like controlling your hearing aids through the use of smartphone apps.
As there is a large range in technologies and features for hearing aids, a large range in pricing also exists. The average cost is usually between $1,200 and $3,600 per device.
At Professional Audiology, the cost of hearing includes more than just the devices. You also get professional programming and fitting you will receive from our clinicians and ongoing support and any future adjustments that might be needed.
Figuring out which hearing aids will be the right ‘fit’ for you depends on more than just personal preference. An audiologist can help figure out just what technologies and features will best suit your specific hearing needs.
The first step you can take is to get a hearing test. Knowing what to expect from a hearing test can help in making the initial decision to book one. An audiologist will perform a number of tests that will depend on your needs. These might include examining your ears, speech testing and pure-tone testing.
After your hearing test, your audiologist will be able to give you recommendations, outline the options available to you and review what you can expect from each one. We want to work with you so that we can match you with the absolute best gear for your situation.
We make sure there’s never any pressure for you to make a decision on what steps you should take in your hearing health journey. We are here to answer any questions you might have on all aspects of hearing health.
Even if you select the best hearing aids for your needs, it may still take time to get used to them.
If you decide that hearing aids are the right option for you, then you will want to ensure you receive the best fit possible, as this can play a major role in the overall effectiveness of your experience.
It is important to know that there will likely be a period of adjustment as you get used to your new hearing aids. Your brain will take some time to get used to the new devices, similar to how your eyes can take time to adjust to a new prescription. Some tips for streamlining this process include making sure your hearing aids are fitted properly, starting out simple with at home one-on-one conversations, and using them consistently.
Professional Audiology will make sure you are taken care of through every step of the process. You can always ask us any questions.
Find more info on what to expect from every stage of the hearing care process.
Visit Professional Audiology Clinic at our central Edmonton or Sherwood Park locations!
Edmonton - Hys Centre
11010-101 Street NW, Unit #107
Sherwood Park – Emerald Hills Office Tower
8005 Emerald Drive, Unit #827 (second floor)
Evening appointments available.