Buying a Hearing Aid: How To Improve Your Comfort

One of the most important aspects of buying a hearing aid is finding one that is comfortable. If you get one that hurts to wear, chances are you're not going to. One of these devices is quite powerless to help you if it just sits on your nightstand table all day. Most experts agree that it takes several weeks (if not months) of dedicated wear for a user to really get the full benefits from one of these devices. You have to train yourself to basically re-learn to hear using the technology. Wearing one only occasionally will never allow you to bridge that gap. If you find one that is comfortable to wear, you'll be much more likely to do so. Here is some information on each type that will make is easier for you to decide.

BTE

The BTE (Behind the Ear) hearing aid is probably the most common version of the device and can be very comfortable, especially in their modern incarnations. Device manufacturers have placed a lot of importance on shrinking their products as much as possible, which decreases the weight the user feels as well. Open ear varieties have proven especially popular with customers who don't like the feeling of having their ear canals closed off by the plastic tube. Another benefit to the open ear variety is the elimination of custom molding needs, which reduces the cost of the device.

ITE

An In the Ear device is another type of hearing aid available. One of the main reasons this type of device is popular is its invisibility. Because it is designed to fit entirely within the ear, others will scarcely be able to tell you are wearing it. This is of great importance to anyone self conscious about their impairment or those who don't care to be defined by a disability. With those products designed with a soft form of silicone, wearing these in the ear for long periods of time doesn't have to be uncomfortable.

Customization

Some hearing aid centers offer devices that are completely customized to fit a customer's ear canal. Using a mold, these centers can create something that acts as a perfect fit for your ears. While a bit more expensive, there's no better way to get something that will feel as though it were made just for you. Talk to your doctor about getting a mold done and talk to a good hearing aid center near you about getting this specialized type of device.