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Comparing Hearing Aid Brands By Price And Features

A hearing aid is an important and relatively expensive purchase, so making the right selection is important.  With a large number of hearing aid brands and models on the market, comparing them can seem a little overwhelming, but with a basic checklist and a little research, you can feel confident that you are choosing the best hearing aid for your budget, lifestyle, and hearing needs.

Hearing Aid Pricing.  Hearing aid brands vary in their cost based on the features, warranty, and number of channels.  While over-the-counter hearing aids can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, custom-fitted brands offer aids ranging from a price point of around $1,500 up to a higher end range of about $3,000 per aid, doubling that cost if two are needed. Within this range you will find a variety of choices including those with and without wireless capabilities.  As with any medical device, hearing aids are a case of getting what you pay for—the low-end types might be okay for minor hearing loss or for occasional use, but for daily wear with more severe loss, better comfort and technology are found at a higher price point. Most hearing aid companies allow you to make monthly payments to make it easier to afford the hearing aid that is right for you.

Type of Hearing Aid.  Within each brand you will find a range of styles for hearing aids.  The main types are CIC (completely in canal), IIC (invisible in the canal), RIC (receiver in canal), and BTE (behind the ear).  These types vary based on the level of hearing loss that needs to be treated and the appearance you prefer for the aid.  CIC hearing aids tend to be the most expensive type, but also offer some of the top technology and invisibility.  CIC hearing aids are best for mild to moderate hearing loss - those with more serious hearing loss will need to consider RIC-style hearing aids, which, although more conspicuous, can help with more severe hearing loss.

Hearing Aids and Lifestyle.  When and how you use your hearing aid will make a big difference in what you need to purchase.  If you need to improve hearing across a range of situations—including those with a lot of ambient noise—you will need a hearing aid that can handle distinguishing a variety background noise.  Consider also the distance from which you need to hear sounds, and the volume at which you are listening.  Those who need basic hearing assistance at home for conversation and watching television will need less advanced technology than those who need to hear with a lot of background noise in situations like social gatherings.  Advanced technology in the high-end hearing aids on the market today can provide the truest sound, background noise distinction, and range to handle the largest number of situations, and are worth the investment if your hearing needs are varied.

Contact a company like Audiology Consultants, P.C. for more information about hearing aid brands.


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