A hearing aid is a medical device that helps enhance one’s hearing capability. It is mainly used by the elderly. Other people who are born with defects or who have developed hearing loss can use hearing aids. Here is a comprehensive guide on this medical device.

How do they work?
Many hearing aid devices are digital, so they work on batteries, which can be replaced or recharged. The tiny microphones in the device gather sounds from your environment and then amplify them into digital code via a computer chip. The signals that are amplified are then converted again into sound waves, which are delivered to the ears through the receiver or speaker.

Types of hearing aids

The various styles of hearing aids are as follows

• Open fit
  This type keeps the ear canal relatively open. This enables low-frequency sounds to naturally enter the ear, while other high-frequency sounds are amplified. They are visible and slightly difficult to insert into the ear.
• Receiver in the canal or in the ear
  This sits in the ear canal and uses a small wire that connects the receiver to the piece behind the ear. It offers manual control options and has directional microphones.
• Behind the ear
  These rest behind the ear, as the name suggests, and hook over the ears. They are traditionally the largest type of listening aid. They come with directional microphones, can pick up more wind noise than other types of aids, and comes with a rechargeable battery.
• In the ear
  These are ideal for people with severe to mild hearing loss and come with directional microphones. They are more visible than smaller devices, easier to handle, may pick up on more wind noise than other devices, and offer a longer battery life.
• In the canal
  These fit partly in the ear canal and are custom-molded. However, they are slightly difficult to adjust due to their small side. They are ideal for adult patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.
• Completely in the canal
  These are the smallest and least visible kinds of aid. They fit inside your ear canal and are less likely to pick up on wind noise. However, they are prone to clogging due to earwax.

Features to look out for
While the features you want depending on your budget and requirements, you should ensure that the ear aid you choose has basic features. Features include variable programming, direct audio input, remote controlling, wireless connectivity, telecoils, synchronization, rechargeable batteries, directional microphones, and noise reduction. All of these ensure better hearing and user experience.

Top hearing aid options

Top hearing aid brands that you can consider are as follows.

• Eargo
  The starting price for a pair of this brand of ear aids is USD 1,850. They offer audio personalization and are virtually invisible. They are also rechargeable. This is the best option for inner ear comfort.
• Lexie
  A pair of Lexie ear aids begin at USD 49 per month. A good add-on feature is on-demand remote care. With adaptive noise reduction, this is one of the best options to consider.
• Audicus
  This is considered the best option for low-cost Bluetooth hearing aids. The price starts at USD 499, with an all-inclusive membership and rechargeable batteries.
• Phonak
  This is the ideal choice to enhance listening for group or classroom conversations and is compact. They offer multiple fit options and a one-year limited international warranty.

With the aforementioned information on hearing aids, you will be able to make an informed decision for yourself or your loved ones.