What is the Best Hearing Aid?

Every audiologist has been asked what the best hearing aids are and they will all give the same answer; it depends. There is no single hearing aid that is best for everybody because there are a number of factors to consider when choosing hearing aids, like the nature of the hearing loss and what your day-to-day life looks like. 

It’s important to understand the different types of hearing aids available to you and the advantages of each before you can decide what the best hearing aid for you is. An audiologist can give you plenty of advice and direction. 

Different types of hearing aids

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids 

ITE hearing aids are small hearing aids that rest in the outer bowl of your ear. They are usually custom-made based on an impression of your ear, taken by your audiologist. They are a popular choice because they are small and come in a variety of skin tones, so they are not that noticeable. 

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

ITC hearing aids are very similar to ITE hearing aids, but they are typically smaller and fit deeper inside the ear canal. This makes them almost invisible, especially if you match them to your skin tone. Because this device is worn in the canal, you can experience a more natural and direct sound experience.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids 

BTE hearing aids have a piece that fits in the ear, just like ITC and ITE hearing aids, but this is attached to a second piece that hooks over the ear and sits just behind. Often, the electronics will be encased in the section that fits behind the ear. They tend to have more added features than the more discrete styles of hearing aids. 

Choosing the best hearing aid

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best hearing aid and an audiologist will always conduct an assessment of your hearing loss and ask you questions about your hearing needs. These are the main things to consider: 

The nature of your hearing loss 

Different types of hearing aids are best suited to you depending on the nature of your hearing loss. BTE hearing aids are the most versatile and can be effective for people with all types of hearing loss, from mild to profound. ITE hearing aids, on the other hand, are best suited to people with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss. 

Your hearing needs 

You must think about your hearing needs too because this helps determine which features are most important to you. For example, if you will be wearing them the majority of the time, you need hearing aids with a long-lasting, rechargeable battery. If you watch a lot of television, you need hearing aids with a telecoil or Bluetooth connectivity. By asking questions about your lifestyle, an audiologist can determine which features are essential to you. 

The truth is, everybody’s hearing aid needs are different, and it’s all about finding the best option for you. A good audiologist will take you through all of the options to help you do that.