What is the best hearing aid?
Friday, November 14, 2008 – 0 Comments
This is a question we get asked every day by numerous people, and it’s not the easiest question to answer. If you’re like me, when it comes to making a big purchase I like to research my options. I also like to read user reviews and independent product reviews. With hearing aids, however, you may find an occasional user review, but there is no such information source pertaining to independent product reviews. Let me explain why.
There are two major components Hearing Professionals use when selecting a hearing aid for someone – the hearing test results and the lifestyle of the individual. Assuming the proper hearing aid selection addresses the person’s hearing loss and provides the appropriate features for their lifestyle, a good foundation is then set to start evaluating hearing aids. However, the one aspect nobody knows when predicting hearing aid success is the “auditory processing” of the amplified sound when it travels from the inner ear to the brain. This can vary greatly from person-to-person.
For example, let’s say you take 10 people with similar lifestyles and the same hearing loss, and fit them all with the same hearing aids. Every person will experience something completely different as they begin wearing the hearing devices. Some people will absolutely love them, some will think they’re terrible, and others will fall somewhere in the middle. For those that don’t receive proper benefit, does that mean the hearing aid is not a quality device? Absolutely not! It simply means that for some reason that particular set of hearing aids wasn’t right for them. This subjectivity and unique personal listening preferences, which we all have, is why you won’t find a ranking of the “best hearing aids”.
Occasionally there are studies in our industry that examine certain features and their benefits. For example, see this link regarding the benefits of a certain type of hearing aid fitting.
So what should you keep in mind when researching and choosing hearing aids? Here are some thoughts.
1) Work with a company and Hearing Professional who offer multiple manufacturers. Your hearing needs and lifestyle shouldn’t be limited by lack of hearing aid choices.
2) Depending on your budget, make certain you are fit with hearing aids that have the appropriate features for your lifestyle. This should be discussed with you by your Professional.
3) There’s only so much research you can do. To find the best hearing aid, you simply have to begin with a good test and consult, feel comfortable with the recommended devices, and then start your trial/evaluation period. This is the only way you’ll know if hearing aids will have a positive effect on your quality of life. Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many people research themselves to the point they don’t do anything, and at some point you must begin trying.
4) Work with a Hearing Professional face-to-face in your local area. The programming complexity and flexibility of today’s digital technology combined with the uniqueness of your hearing loss and lifestyle, make the importance of this relationship crucial.
To sum everything up, the “best hearing aids” will be the ones that work best for you. And the only way you’ll find out is by trying something and working closely with a hearing professional.