Choosing Your Hearing Aids
Here are some important considerations when choosing your next set of hearing aids.
Style
When considering hearing aid styles, it’s important to take into account your dexterity, vision, and lifestyle.
Invisible in the Canal
Invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids are the smallest size available. They are custom fit to your ear and are naturally the most protected from wind noise. They are limited in strength, usually suitable for a mild to moderate hearing loss. They only use disposable batteries.
Completely in the Canal
Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids are also very small and custom fit. They usually use disposable batteries, but there are rechargeable options available. A Bluetooth antenna can be added to this style for wireless capability. They are naturally the most protected from wind noise.
These hearing aids can cause the sensation of occlusion (your ear may feel blocked). For this reason, many people find more open styles (such as receiver-in-the-canal) easier to get used to wearing.
In the Canal
In-the-canal hearing aids are a mid-size option. They are available in both rechargeable and disposable battery options. They can be made with Bluetooth and telecoils. This style is particularly good for individuals concerned about dexterity. Like other custom fit hearing aids, this style can lead to occlusion.
In the Ear
In-the-ear hearing aids are the largest custom style. They are available with either rechargeable or disposable batteries. There are telecoil and Bluetooth options. This style has great retention and is a good option for anyone concerned about using hearing aids with vision problems or dexterity concerns. Like other custom styles, they may feel a bit occluded as you get used to them.
There are several different styles to choose from, including in-the-ear, half-shell in-the-ear, in-the-canal, completely-in-the-canal, and receiver-in-the-canal (left to right).
Receiver in the Canal
Receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids are available with custom eartips or domes. They allow the ear to be more open, which is great for a sloping configuration of hearing loss. These hearing aids are available with either rechargeable or disposable batteries. Bluetooth and telecoil options are available.
Because they sit behind the ear, they are more prone to wind noise and handling noise (e.g. noise from your hands touching them or your hair). They can also be more challenging to insert if you have any trouble with dexterity. When they’re not inserted fully, they can easily fall out of your ears.
Behind-the-Ear
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are very reliable and powerful hearing aids. A custom earmould is made to fit onto the hearing aid. These earmolds can get replaced without replacing the hearing aid, making them a great option for growing children. For children, these can communicate directly with an FM system at school. For adults, behind-the-ear hearing aids are powerful enough for severe to profound hearing loss.
These hearing aids are available with either rechargeable or disposable batteries. Bluetooth and telecoil options are available.
Connectivity
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio
The most common kind of Bluetooth you’ll find in hearing aids works with iPhones and Android Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) compatible Android phones. The list of compatible Android devices changes over time, so you’ll want to contact your local audiologist for up to date information on device compatibility.
This kind of Bluetooth allows you to stream sound directly from your smartphone to your hearing aids, as long as you have an iPhone or compatible Android phone. This Bluetooth won’t drain your hearing aid battery too quickly and is particularly reliable with iPhones.
Hearing aid brands that currently use Bluetooth LE Audio:
Oticon, Bernafon, Starkey, ReSound, Widex, and Signia
Bluetooth Classic
Bluetooth classic allows hearing aids to be paired to a variety of devices, including flip phones, Bluetooth landline phones, and laptops. This great versatility means that you don’t need to worry about phone compatibility and you can stream audio from devices other than just smartphones. The drawback to Bluetooth Classic is that it drains battery from your hearing aids much quicker than Bluetooth Low Energy.
Hearing aid brands that currently use Bluetooth Classic:
Phonak and Unitron
Auracast Broadcast Bluetooth
Auracast is still in the process of rolling out. Auracast allows streaming to unlimited devices from one sound transmitter. For instance, if you were watching a video on a smartphone with Auracast, you would be able to stream to two sets of Auracast hearing aids at the same time. Over time, Auracast will provide more accessible listening in public venues, such as airports and movie theatres.
Auracast Broadcast uses a transmitter, assistant (e.g. smartphone) and receiver (e.g. hearing aids)
Hearing aids that are Auracast-ready:
Resound Nexia, Signia Ix, Oticon Intent, Phonak Infinio
Assistive Listening Device Compatibility
If you’re looking to use any additional accessories with your hearing aids, you want to ensure that you choose hearing aids that will be compatible. Accessories such as a TV streamer or remote microphone generally require Bluetooth.
Technology Level
The technology level will affect advanced features and programming available in your hearing aids. For instance, if we compare Phonak Infinio 30 (entry) to Infinio Sphere 90 (premium) hearing aids, additional features in the premium option include:
Automatic adaptation to speech in loud noise, speech in a car, comfort in noise, and music
A second chip devoted to processing speech in loud noise
Speech enhancer to enhance soft speech in quiet environments
Dynamic noise cancellation to reduce noise from the sides and rear
Motion sensor hearing to adapt directionality based on your movement
SoundRelax to reduce sudden, loud sounds
Tap control for phone calls and streaming
The amount of sound you can hear should be about the same with all levels of technology. However, this study showed that most people prefer the sound of advanced or premium hearing aids over standard ones. Keep in mind that technology level will have a significant impact on the price of your hearing aids. It’s important to balance out the technology level with your personal budget.
Power Supply
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Most people opt for rechargeable hearing aids, because of the convenience of charging hearing aids every night instead of replacing batteries. With rechargeable hearing aids, you’re less likely to run out of power in the middle of lunch with your friends.
Pros: Convenience, easier to take care of your hearing aids
Cons: Unable to charge hearing aids during power outage, hearing aid life influenced by life of internal battery
Disposable Batteries
Some people still prefer to use disposable batteries. These get changed out anywhere between every few days to every couple of weeks depending on the battery and device size.
Pros:
No limitations on daily usage, battery life will not affect longevity of hearing aids
Cons:
Easy to lose track of when you changed them, sometimes lose power in the middle of the day, difficult to manipulate because of small size
Colour
Custom hearing aids (i.e. completely-in-the-canal, in-the-canal, and in-the-ear hearing aids) fit inside your ear come in a variety of colours - from light pink to black.
Behind-the-ear and receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids come in almost any colour. You’ll commonly see people wearing hearing aids that blend into their hair. If you’re looking for a neutral colour, opt for champagne, light brown, dark brown, silver, grey, or black.
If you’re looking for something bold and colourful, options include red, pink, green, teal, blue and purple. If you want something even more personalized, you can find jewelry to adorn your hearing aids or use hearing aid stickers to change the colour and design as much as you want!
Hearing aids are available in a variety of colours.
Telecoil
A telecoil can pick up sound running through a “hearing loop”. Locally, there are only a couple of public spaces equipped with hearing loops: Pinegrove Fellowship Church (Bracebridge) and Arrowhead (Huntsville). However, a telecoil can also work with your landline phone. Let your audiologist know if you would benefit from a telecoil.
Tinnitus Sound Therapy
If you struggle with bothersome tinnitus, sound therapy can be an important component of helping you habituate to your tinnitus. Most prescription hearing aids have sound therapy options, but certain retailers don’t sell any hearing aids with sound therapy. Ensure your audiologist knows if you’re interested in sound therapy when choosing your devices.
Program Control
Hearing aids automatically adapt to your surroundings, but some people to continue to use manual programs in them as well. Ensure you have the ability to change the program on your hearing aids if desired - that could be via a push button, a remote control, or your smartphone.
Volume Control
If you want control over the volume of your hearing aids, ensure that you either have push buttons, a remote, or smartphone compatibility.
Good luck on your search for hearing aids! Book a hearing aid consultation if you need help choosing.
