Hearing Aids - What Size Should You Buy?

<h1>Hearing Aids - What Size Should You Buy?</h1>Author: <a title="Kelly Calkins" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/kelly-calkins/40987.htm">Kelly Calkins</a> Once you realize that you have a hearing loss and want to correct it and hear better again, you have made the first step. Now you have to decide which style is going to be best for you! There are a lot of different sizes and shapes out there, but the most important thing is to select a hearing aid style that is going to be most appropriate for your hearing loss.One of the most popular styles of aids is the Open Ear. These are small behind the ear hearing aids that connect to the ear by either a small tube or wire. When they use a wire there is a speaker, or receiver, on the end that goes into your ear canal. This type is called a RIC, or receiver in the canal. The largest benefit to this type of hearing aid is that it leaves your ear canal open so you don't feel plugged up. If you have a hearing loss in just the high frequencies this may be a good choice for you. But if you have hearing loss in the low and mid frequencies, Open Ear hearing devices were not intended for your loss. You can be fit with an earmold that will plug up your ear, but it will help you with those low pitch sounds - But then you're plugging up your ear again. You would just have a smaller behind the ear (BTE) hearing device, but not technically an Open Ear Hearing Aid.For some people that's fine. They have a hearing instrument that is giving them enough power and it is small. If you need a lot of power , Open Ears may not be the best thing for you. It is generally not a good idea to buy a hearing device that is using all its power to meet your loss, no matter how good it looks! Open Ears do not typically have a lot of power. There are some exceptions, but these are limited too. If you have a moderate to profound hearing loss, then you will need a Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aid. You needs will be met with this type.In the ear hearing aids, especially the small CIC style are also popular. Some manufacturers have better technology for these products than others, primarily because they do a better job controlling feedback (whistling). There's nothing more aggravating than to have your hearing aids whistle when you put your hand or a telephone near your ear, or when you hug someone.There is more to choosing hearing aids than looks alone. Your hearing professional is the best person to talk to about which hearing aids are best for you. About the Author: Kelly C. Calkins, AuD., has practiced audiology for over 20 years. For more information about <a href="http://www.adviceonhearingaids.com">hearing aids</a> or to find the nearest <a href="http://www.adviceonhearingaids.com">hearing aid</a> professional to you visit our website at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.adviceonhearingaids.com">http://www.adviceonhearingaids.com</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/hearing-aids-what-size-should-you-buy-1242189.html" title="Hearing Aids - What Size Should You Buy?">Hearing Aids - What Size Should You Buy?</a>

Once you realize that you have a hearing loss and want to correct it and hear better again, you have made the first step. Now you have to decide which style is going to be best for you! There are a lot of different sizes and shapes out there, but the most important thing is to select a hearing aid style that is going to be most appropriate for your hearing loss.

One of the most popular styles of aids is the Open Ear. These are small behind the ear hearing aids that connect to the ear by either a small tube or wire. When they use a wire there is a speaker, or receiver, on the end that goes into your ear canal. This type is called a RIC, or receiver in the canal. The largest benefit to this type of hearing aid is that it leaves your ear canal open so you don't feel plugged up. If you have a hearing loss in just the high frequencies this may be a good choice for you. But if you have hearing loss in the low and mid frequencies, Open Ear hearing devices were not intended for your loss. You can be fit with an earmold that will plug up your ear, but it will help you with those low pitch sounds - But then you're plugging up your ear again. You would just have a smaller behind the ear (BTE) hearing device, but not technically an Open Ear Hearing Aid.

For some people that's fine. They have a hearing instrument that is giving them enough power and it is small. If you need a lot of power , Open Ears may not be the best thing for you. It is generally not a good idea to buy a hearing device that is using all its power to meet your loss, no matter how good it looks! Open Ears do not typically have a lot of power. There are some exceptions, but these are limited too. If you have a moderate to profound hearing loss, then you will need a Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aid. You needs will be met with this type.

In the ear hearing aids, especially the small CIC style are also popular. Some manufacturers have better technology for these products than others, primarily because they do a better job controlling feedback (whistling). There's nothing more aggravating than to have your hearing aids whistle when you put your hand or a telephone near your ear, or when you hug someone.

There is more to choosing hearing aids than looks alone. Your hearing professional is the best person to talk to about which hearing aids are best for you.

Kelly C. Calkins, AuD., has practiced audiology for over 20 years. For more information about hearing aids or to find the nearest hearing aid professional to you visit our website at http://www.adviceonhearingaids.com

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Article Tags: hearing aids, hearing aid, digital hearing aids, audiologist, hearing loss

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