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Hearing Aids: Which Style is Right for Me?

08/20/2019 | Guides & Tips, Hearing Aids, Patient Resources, Technology

The use of hearing aids can be an absolute life-changer for those who have experienced hearing loss. Treating hearing loss significantly lowers the chances of dementia, anxiety, and depression in older adults. Eight out of ten hearing aid wearers say that they have vastly improved their quality of life, but with so many styles available, how do you find the right fit for you?

 

First, Schedule a Hearing Assessment

As an audiologist, I am dedicated to finding a hearing solution that best meets your personal needs. During your visit, we will conduct an interview and perform testing to see which type and style of hearing aid are ideal for your situation.

There are two basic types of hearing aids to consider: behind the ear and in the ear.

 

Behind the Ear

Behind the ear hearing aids have a housing that sits comfortably behind the top of the ear with a thin transparent tube that carries sound into the outer ear. These hearing aids are typically easier to use as the controls are on a larger housing, and people tend to find them more comfortable. They usually do not pick up interference from wind, but sometimes the sound quality is not as good as a model that touches the inner ear.

 

Behind the Ear with Earmold

Producing a higher sound quality, this behind the ear hearing aid is the same basic model but has an attachment that sits in your ear at the end of the tube. Typically, the housing is a bit longer and can accommodate hearing losses that are mild to severe.

 

In the Ear

Hearing aids that rest solely in the ear offer wearers a more discreet option. They usually provide excellent sound quality, are typically custom-made, and are great for people with severe hearing loss. Because the entire device sits in the ear, there is a higher chance of feedback, and they can tend to wear quicker without proper care and maintenance.

 

Invisible in the Canal

This is one of the smallest hearing aid styles and is almost invisible in the ear. It rests in the bend of the ear canal and is excellent for wearers who have mild to moderate hearing loss.

 

Completely in the Canal

Resting entirely in the ear canal, this hearing aid is also minimal. It is used to treat mild to moderate hearing loss and is perfect for those looking for a more discreet option.

 

In the Canal

This hearing aid rests in the lower portion of the ear and is also small in size. It has a long battery life and options for other technological features. These aids are great for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

 

Full Shell

These hearing aids are more significant in size than the in-the-canal style as they are designed to sit flush in the outer ear bowl. They allow for many more features and battery life and are powerful enough for those with severe hearing loss.

 

Receiver in the Ear

With a speaker built into the ear tip, these mini models are great for wearers with mild to severe hearing loss.

 

At Scottsdale ENT, we understand that selecting the right hearing aids can be a daunting process, whether it is your first time or your tenth. With the help of the best team, I will ensure that you are selecting the right hearing treatment for your needs.

Schedule a hearing assessment with us today.

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Dr. Debra L. Hamila, Au.D., CCC/A

Debra Hamila received her master’s degree in audiology from Cleveland State University and her Au.D. from Arizona School of Health Sciences and has been a practicing audiologist for more than 33 years. She has worked in a variety of ENT offices, hospital, and clinical settings.

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    You don’t realise you’re walking with a rock in your shoe until you’re able to hear again – Regina’s Story

    Regina has suffered from hearing problems since she was an infant, recognized as regular chronic ear infections. And, as with unfortunate events, she has experienced a multitude of audiology catastrophes.

    It was many years before Regina crossed paths with Scottsdale Ear, Nose & Throat; where her lifetime of hearing problems was addressed effectively and treated with the delicate care that she desperately required.

    Regina’s journey began when she was taken to a regular paediatrician by her mother from a young age. Her ears were, what we describe as an audiologists recipe for disaster, ‘flushed out’.

    This dangerous procedure caused a nasty infection, which spread to her mastoid bone and, at the age of 15, she underwent a tympanoplasty mastoidectomy to stop the infection spreading. This only forbade her future struggles with hearing loss. 

    As with poor diagnosis, Regina was faced with another canaloplasty which didn’t work. Soon after, she received a BAHA, which is a cochlear implant in her skull that acts as a sound processor that detects sound and transforms it into vibrations. 

    However, suffering from a history of poor hearing care, she was unaware of the former issues her ear presented.

    By now, this would be described as any audiologists nightmare. But, we’re proud to have helped Regina on her road to optimum hearing and reconnect her to her loved ones.

    When she arrived at Scottsdale Ear, Nose & Throat it was evident that she was losing hearing on her right side. At this point, she was fitted with a ReSound hearing device, which provided the catalyst to a new and improved hearing.

    The first thing Regina noticed was the indefinite sound she had been making whilst emptying the dishwasher, completely unaware of the noise she was making!

    “I mean, the detail that I can hear now it’s like, Whoa, I didn’t realize I was making that much noise. I need to be quieter!”

    Treated with professional care, Regina received a comprehensive hearing assessment with Dr. Debra Hamila.

    “I just love, love, love Dr. Hamila, she is such a professional and loving person. I was so impressed with the office and what she did with the ReSound, I just love her.”

    Like many others, it takes years for people to realize they have a hearing problem. Regina described this moment as life-changing.

    “You don’t realise you’re walking with a rock in your shoe until you’re able to hear again. Especially now I’m a full-time Grammy Nanny, I can hear so much more and it has enriched my life incredibly.”

    What advice would you give to someone who is deliberating on taking the first step towards better hearing?

    “My advice to them would be to have a hearing test. Especially as we age our hearing goes down. It’s really unfortunate that people carry their pride and are not willing to learn to walk with the rock in their shoe. You don’t realise you’re waking with a rock in your shoe until you’re able to hear again.”

    Regina is one of many patients who has been impacted by our audiological services and we are proud to have been able to provide the tool towards better hearing and a lifetime of many more memories.