Technology has come a long way, especially when it comes to hearing aids. The hearing instruments of today are high performance and sophisticated wearable electronics. There are a wide range of choices when it comes to hearing aids:
Today’s hearing aids connect to your cell phone wirelessly so you can hear phone calls and other functions of the phone like timers or reminders through them. Adjusting the volume and other precise programming is done easily on a user-friendly phone app. Most new hearing aids also have the capability to quickly and easily stay powered using rechargeable batteries. Ask your audiologist at Palm Cosat Hearing Center about your individual needs.
Pros:
- Nearly invisible
- Can be resistant to wind noise if the mold is deep enough
- Uses the natural acoustics of the outer ear to funnel sounds to the microphone
Cons:
- Often too small to include a directional microphone
- Ear might feel plugged up
- Vulnerable to wax and moisture
- Often unable to add telecoil or wireless features
- Battery life relatively short due to small battery size
- Batteries can be more difficult to insert or remove
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Barely visible
- Prevents plugged-up feeling
- Easy to insert
- Compatible with phones
- Most advanced technology
Cons:
- Wax/moisture
- More difficult to insert if dexterity issues are present
Pros:
- Offers more room for features such as telecoil, directional microphone, and volume control
- Less of a plugged-up feeling when vented
- Easy to insert for people with dexterity issues
Cons:
- More visible
- Vulnerable to was build-up and moisture
Pros:
- Most powerful for severe to profound hearing loss
- Controls are large and easier to manipulate
Cons:
- More visible
- Tubing needs to be changed periodically
- Earmold can feel plugged up unless vented properly
- Vulnerable to sweat and wax in tube