hearing aid styles - #15267
I am struggling to make a decision about hearing aid styles for my dad, who’s 75 and has been experiencing quite a bit of hearing loss lately. At first, we thought it was just age, but it's getting worse, and he keeps saying he can't hear even the tv, which is super frustrating for him. I want him to feel more comfortable and connected to us when we’re chatting or when he’s out with friends. We’ve gone to a couple audiologists, and they mentioned different hearing aid styles but honestly, I’m a bit confused about it all. There are behind-the-ear types, in-the-ear ones, and I even heard about some that are completely in the canal. How do we decide which hearing aid styles would actually work best for him? Plus, are there any specific benefits or drawbacks with the various hearing aid styles that we should be aware of? I’m worried about comfort, especially since my dad is a bit picky and won’t wear things he doesn’t find comfy. Would one style be significantly better than another for him, considering he’s not tech-savvy? Any advice from people who have navigated through the different hearing aid styles would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Choosing the right hearing aid for your dad involves balancing his specific hearing needs with comfort and ease of use. Since he might find tech challenging, consider options that are user-friendly. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are generally suitable for moderate to severe hearing loss and are often more durable, especially if your dad is prone to misplacing items. They tend to offer easier handling and have larger batteries, which might mean less frequent changes. However, they can be less discreet than other options. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids sit completely inside the outer ear, which might be more comfortable if he wears glasses, but can be more prone to earwax build-up. They’re also relatively easy to handle but can be more visible than canal hearing aids. Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are less visible, providing a more cosmetic solution, but they can be difficult to adjust and change due to their small size, which might not be ideal given your dad’s dislike for complexity.
Consider your dad’s lifestyle as well; if he’s quite active or requires ease of use, a BTE might be more practical. Try to assess with him and his audiologist which features are absolute essentials like volume control, connectivity with devices, and directional microphones. Checking if he can have a trial period would be beneficial also. Cost can be a factor, too, as style varies in price, so weigh the benefits against the cost and his insurance coverage. The hearing aid that balances his hearing improvement with comfort and usability would likely be the most successful choice for his overall satisfaction and use over time. It’s crucial that your decision is not rushed and involves inputs from both your dad and healthcare providers to ensure the best outcome.
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