{"id":973,"date":"2019-11-15T14:02:45","date_gmt":"2019-11-15T22:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/?p=973"},"modified":"2020-11-13T09:36:40","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T17:36:40","slug":"a-guide-to-choosing-hearing-aids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/a-guide-to-choosing-hearing-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Choosing Hearing Aids"},"content":{"rendered":"

While hearing loss is common in Portland, there is a silver lining: about nine out of 10 people diagnosed with a hearing impairment can benefit from hearing aids. But when it comes to choosing a pair, many feel overwhelmed. With so many different styles, it\u2019s hard to know where to begin!<\/p>\n

Narrowing Down Your Hearing Aid Choices<\/h2>\n

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Hearing loss<\/a> is one of the most widespread physical health problems in Oregon. It ranks third, after arthritis<\/a> and heart disease. An estimated 48 million Americans suffer from some degree of hearing impairment, and they aren\u2019t all old\u2014only about one-third of patients are over age 65. Hearing aids don\u2019t only help the majority of people affected hear more effectively; they can also delay or prevent a range of physical, social and psychological health complications ranging from loneliness and depression<\/a> to dementia and an increased likelihood of falls.<\/p>\n

Picking out a hearing aid<\/a> is a daunting prospect for many, however. You should always consult with a Portland audiologist before beginning the process; a professional hearing specialist will determine the type and severity of your impairment, important factors in selecting the right hearing aids for your particular needs.<\/p>\n

There are other considerations when it comes to choosing hearing aids. These include:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hearing aid style<\/h3>\n

With few exceptions, hearing aids of the past were large and bulky. Some people were reluctant to wear them for fear that hearing aids would make them appear old or frail. Digital technology took off in the early 2000s, ushering in a new generation of smaller, sleeker hearing aids. Some of today\u2019s devices are so small they\u2019ll fit entirely within your ear canal, making them virtually invisible to others. Some people aren\u2019t comfortable wearing them so deeply in their ears, but there are plenty of other styles to choose from<\/a> including half-shell, full-shell, behind-the-ear and open fit. Each has advantages and disadvantages; you\u2019ll want to choose a pair that is well suited to your type and degree of hearing loss, is easy for you to control and that you find cosmetically appealing. Your Portland audiologist can help discuss the attributes of each style.<\/p>\n

Internal electronics<\/h3>\n

The design of your hearing aids directly impacts their cost and performance. Two devices might resemble one another closely, but they won\u2019t necessarily work the same\u2014it all depends on what is \u201cunder the hood,\u201d so to speak. Most hearing aids today are digital, with internal circuitry designed to filter out background noise and eliminate many problems that affected older hearing aids, such as feedback and distortion. Again, you\u2019ll want to choose hearing aids that are powerful enough to address your specific hearing needs.<\/p>\n

Options<\/h3>\n

As with any major purchase, you\u2019ll be able to select from a variety of different options depending on your needs and desires. This will largely be dictated by your lifestyle; features that appeal to patients who have active social lives and enjoy nights out on the town probably won\u2019t be as necessary for those who mostly spend quiet evenings at home. Some of the most popular options available today are:<\/p>\n