To get the most for your money when buying hearing aids, it makes sense to review some features that are available before purchasing. This way you will only pay for the features you want and need and don't pay for features you don’t need or won't use. When you compare hearing aids, here are some of the more popular features:
Channels
More channels means the better the hearing aid can be tuned to your hearing needs and preferences. Fewer channels means fewer tuning options to your specific needs. For some types of hearing loss, more channels are essential in order to fit the amplification (referred to as “gain”) to the specific loss in each frequency range.
Directional Microphones
If you are in a loud environment, but you want to focus on the person speaking in front of you, directional microphones can help by reducing the level of sounds coming from the left, right, and behind you. Assuming you are facing the person you want to hear, directional microphones can help “pull” that person’s voice out of the background noise.
Automation
Many of today's best hearing aids can do everything, without you having to push a button and are basically computers for the ears. These high-end models continuously analyze the sounds around you and automatically adjust the volume, auto-tune the microphone's direction, and reduce unwanted noise. They are able to identify everything from the background noise at your favorite eatery to the wind blowing on the golf course and reduce this background noise automatically.
Wireless Connectivity
Today there are wireless connections everywhere and the same is true with the newest hearing aids that can pick up wireless signals, keeping you hooked in with the rest of the world.
Cell phone calls can routed directly to your hearing aids, along with your television, iPod, MP3, PDA, and more - helping you stay connected to the world of technology around you.
Even entry-level models come packed with features. So what’s important to you? Make a list. Then, make an appointment to see a hearing professional.
