The world of hearing aids is full of options.
Now that your looking into it you are realizing that you need to do some research and get some guidance.
Your local hearing center will certainly have the knowledge of what is out there, still it would be nice to have a bit of knowledge.
Let us look into the types of hearing aids out there.
Of course your level of hearing loss is going to determine which aid is best for you, but there are still options.
The point of a hearing aid is to amplify sound.
Generally speaking hearing aids all have that in common.
What is different is how they look, feel and the degree they turn up the sound in your world.
Unfortunately the smaller, and less visible aids are more expensive and may not be as powerful.
Let us explore a few styles your local hearing center may offer.
In the canal aids are the most discreet option.
Some even tucking in completely.
They can only help if your hearing loss is mild to moderate.
These are not ideal for children.
This type has advantages as well as disadvantages.
This type won't pick up wind noise as easily since it's protected in your ear.
You might even find it's easier to chat on the phone with friends with this model.
You may also find it goes through batteries quickly and that it doesn't offer features you might want.
Since the unit is tiny things like volume control are unlikely.
In the ear full shell option, or a smaller version half shell, is good for people with all levels of hearing loss.
As it sits out of the canal in the bowl of your ear it is visible to others.
It may pick up wind sounds.
However, this unit would have longer battery life and might be easier to insert.
It would also have a full range of features including volume control.
A behind the ear model is going to be one of your larger options.
It's also going to be helpful with any severity of hearing loss in children and adults.
This unit is more discreet than it once was.
Open fit for example is much smaller, but uses similar technology of a tube in the ear canal to direct sound to the patient.
It is so small however; it lacks some controls like volume.
This smaller version is not ideal for patients with a severe loss.
Now that you have an idea what is out there you will want to visit your hearing center to determine what is best for you.
Technology is always changing offering patients more options.