Your hearing is as individual as your fingerprint: no two people will ever hear exactly the same way. And that means that even when you have the same type or extent of hearing loss as someone else, your hearing is still different than anyone else’s. That’s right,even your hearing loss is unique! That means you need a custom-fit solution that’s programmed just for your needs.
Hearing Aids
The most traditional support device for people experiencing hearing loss is a hearing aid (or two). These devices are custom-fitted to the specifications of your prescription. There are many different manufacturers and models. Different hearing aids incorporate different technologies, and different devices support different types and extents of hearing loss. What make, model, and technology works best for you is determined by your unique hearing needs.
What makes hearing aids a great solution for you? Hearing aids are customizable. Your audiologist can help you determine the best make and model, and then custom fit your hearing aid to ensure that you hear your absolute best.
Personal Sound Amplifiers
One of the biggest concerns most people have with hearing aids is the cost, which is what makes personal sound amplifiers such an attractive consideration. These devices are offered as low-cost alternatives to hearing aids, and they can often be purchased online or at big box stores without a prescription or recommendation from a doctor or audiologist. Personal sound amplifiers can serve as an alternative for someone who is concerned about the cost of hearing aids.
The problem, however, is that personal sound amplifiers are one-size-fits-all solutions. They cannot be customized, and they do not include programming for the more intricate parts of hearing, such as noise management or speech recognition. They amplify sound—that is, they make noise louder. Depending on your type and extent of hearing loss, louder does not necessarily translate to clearer. They also may not fit in your ear very well, and they can’t be customized to give you a more comfortable fit.
The Value of Hearing Aids
While personal sound amplifiers may seem like they are saving you money, if they do not work for you, you have essentially wasted money that could have been used to purchase a custom-fit device that does work. If the amplifiers cost $200 per ear but do not work, that is $400 down the drain. Given that hearing aids can range from $650 to $3,500 per ear, you willhave, in effect, already have paid for a portion of one custom-fit hearing aid!
Even if you are considering premium hearing aids, which can run between $1,800 and $3,500 per ear, you must think about the value of the hearing aid(s). If the personal sound amplifier doesn’t work for you, chances are a hearing aid will give you better hearing because it offers more sophisticated and complete support for your hearing. At the end of the day, most people experiencing hearing loss experience better hearing when they have a custom-fit solution.
Why Hearing Aids Are the Right Choice
Your hearing is a complex and intricate sensory system. When you experience hearing loss, this sensory system is no longer functioning as it should, and that means you need a solution that is as sensitive and intricate as that system itself. Simply making noises “louder” will not always make you hear better—in fact, in noisy environments, it could make the world around you overwhelming.
Hearing aids are custom fit by audiologists who begin the process by first having you complete a comprehensive hearing test to diagnose and evaluate your hearing. Next, they make recommendations that take into account your unique situation—type of hearing loss, extent of loss, and other factors including budget. Then they begin custom fitting your solution with verification and adjusting it to ensure you always hear your best.
