Monday, March 30, 2009

An Inpatient Alcohol Treatment Center Can Really Work

Many millions (more than fourteen million to be precise) Americans are alcohol abusers. The most oft cited reason for such addiction to alcohol is that the affected person suffers from a disease that forces them to become dependent on alcohol in order to cope with their situation. Fortunately, alcohol addiction is reversible and curable and so by using different treatment options including sending an alcoholic to an inpatient alcohol treatment center it is possible to cure them of their dependence on alcohol.

Of course, the alcoholic must show a desire to overcome their addiction to alcohol and be willing to enter into an inpatient alcohol treatment center for further treatment. In most cases, it is impossible for an alcoholic to overcome their addiction on their own because among other things, withdrawal from alcohol leads to severe discomfort and pain and this is therefore enough to make the alcoholic want to give up in despair.

However, an inpatient alcohol treatment center will use a myriad of approaches with which to help the alcoholic overcome their addiction. Rather than opt for outpatient treatment it makes more sense to use an inpatient alcohol treatment center where the patient is allowed to fight alcoholism in the right environment and under constant supervision and care which together and individually will help ensure that the problem can be put down successfully.

Typically, an inpatient alcohol treatment center will provide different care for different types of alcoholism and you can expect the alcoholic to stay for a short time (less severe cases) or for as many as six months in case the alcohol addiction is especially severe. This means that every different kind of alcoholic problem can be suitably addressed.

Mostly, an inpatient alcohol treatment center will provide a number of treatment options starting with intervention and continuing with detoxification and on to medicating the patient as well as providing rehab and recovery care. The environment is properly controlled to ensure that the alcoholic has best chance of winning their battle against alcoholism. In addition, the inpatient alcohol treatment center must provide ongoing care to ensure that no relapse is allowed to occur.

Choosing a private alcohol treatment center is often the best option – especially, if the center is located in a mountain resort where the air is fresh and the scenery is peaceful and tranquil. These kinds of locations will help create the right environment for the treatment of an alcoholic who will not then feel quite the same need to drink more alcohol because of the pleasant surroundings and of course, the excellent facilities on offer.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Male Yeast Infection Symptoms Are Similar to Women's

It's not surprising to learn that male yeast infection symptoms are pretty much the same as the ones noticed in females. For example, common male yeast infection symptoms include experiencing burning sensations and having to tolerate non-stop itching as well as seeing the penis head develop red colored rashes. These symptoms are very similar to those commonly seen in women having yeast infections. What’s more, there is also some amount of discharge which looks white and is clumpy and in addition the head of the penis might also develop blisters.

Other common male yeast infection symptoms are seen in the development of a noticeable smell. In addition, some of the other symptoms are the same as those that are commonly associated with genital herpes. These include noticeable red colored and small bumps. However, keep in mind that a male that suffers from a yeast infection can show one or more symptoms and they won't all necessarily appear at the same time.

Experiencing pain during sex is a common male yeast infection symptom and so too is experiencing sexual dysfunction. Arthritis and depression are also associated with this condition. In addition, chronic rashes, fatigue and problems with your memory are very often associated with this condition and believed to be typical male yeast infection symptoms. These symptoms will vary in individual cases and in fact, the symptoms can change on a daily basis.

A person’s overall state of health will of course play an important role in how much change takes place in the male yeast infection symptoms. Many people in fact do not even know what yeast infection is and so can end up believing that their male yeast infection symptoms are normal signs of old age and are a part of growing up or even a part of their normal life.

As soon as you become aware that you are suffering from male yeast infection symptoms, you need to get the condition diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. In fact, unless the root cause is identified proper yeast infection treatment symptoms cannot be given. What’s more, only after the root cause has been identified and erased can a person expect to get total relief from male yeast infection symptoms.

Vaginal yeast infections are known to affect women, and common vaginal yeast infection symptoms include feeling pain and experiencing itchiness as well as noticing redness and having pain while urinating. In addition, these symptoms also include white colored discharge from the vagina and in a few cases, white colored patches may develop in the vaginal skin.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Information on Degenerative Cervical Arthritis

One of the most common but least talked about forms of arthritis is degenerative cervical arthritis. This is a type of arthritis therefore that is important to learn more about and here are a few of the most important details on the disease.

Degenerative cervical arthritis is a type of arthritis that can affect men and women, and it affects the upper spine causing pain in the neck. This is the most obvious sign that it is cervical arthritis and not any other type. Over time the degenerative cervical arthritis will continue to progress and worsen and possibly affect other areas of the body as well.

There are certain causes of degenerative cervical arthritis that you should be aware of as well. This includes injury or repeated trauma to the neck or back from recreational or work activities. For instance, if you have played football for most of your life and have caused several injuries to your neck and back, then you are much more likely to develop degenerative cervical arthritis.

In terms of the symptoms that are associated with this condition there are quite a few. Chronic neck pain is the most common symptom and one that you really want to be on the watch for. You may also notice muscle weakness with numbness in the neck and arms, tenderness to touch the neck itself, headaches, and even a loss of balance.

One or more of these symptoms could be a blatant warning sign that you have developed cervical arthritis, so make sure that you report any of these to your doctor right away.

As soon as you notice a degenerative arthritis symptom for sure or even something that you only think may be a sign of cervical arthritis, you are going to want to set up an appointment with your doctor to report it. Better safe than sorry as the saying goes, and so it is important that you keep in contact with your doctor and keep them abreast of how you are feeling.

Also remember that there are lots of other types of arthritis that a person can develop as well. In fact, the term arthritis refers to over one hundred different conditions, so you need to make sure that you are aware of just what type of arthritis you are dealing with. Any medical professional will be able to figure this out with just a few tests so be aware of this.

Your Best Choices in Hand Eczema Treatment

Hand eczema is a chronic skin disease that can interfere with your day to day chores and activities. Often the activities that cause eczema are unavoidable; in fact they might be part of your job. So it is important to find a good hand eczema treatment so that you can go about your day. Although it does not affect your whole body it might be necessary to take some time off work to deal with the problem effectively.

However to keep eczema away and prevent further episodes it is important that you keep your hands protected from the irritation caused by constant washing and drying. This is sometimes the more difficult part of hand eczema treatment as the steps that need to be taken can often be inconvenient. However hand eczema treatment is not the same as treatment needed for dyshidrotic eczema.

The most common hand eczema treatment available is the application of topical steroids. These can be prescribed by your doctor and vary in strength, depending on the severity of your hand eczema. Topical steroids help to reduce the inflammation that comes with hand eczema. This hand eczema treatment will need to be administered about twice daily.

Keeping your hands moisturized is important as part of a hand eczema treatment. Unfortunately ordinary creams are not as effective in hand eczema treatment. Ointments are a better choice for hand eczema treatment, look for suitable emollients that will help soften the skin. You might find it difficult to go about your day when using emollients thought frequent use of a good emollient can help hand eczema treatment tremendously.

The most important part of hand eczema treatment is to make sure that you avoid what is referred to as ‘wet work’. This can be anything from cleaning surfaces regularly, washing dishes, or having to wash your hands repeatedly. Wearing vinyl gloves is necessary to ensure that your skin does not get irritated. In some cases it is necessary to wash your hair using vinyl gloves.

Try not to wear rubber gloves, and if you must wear them for short periods of time only. Small changes like using a dish washer, a long handles brush to wash dishes, and cotton gloves when performing house work are some things that you can do to help your hand eczema treatment. In severe cases it is necessary to cut out the wet work completely in order to recover from the hand eczema.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Stretch Mark Removal Takes Time and Patience

There are lots of ways that people get stretch marks. They can develop during weight gain or weight loss, pregnancy, through weight lifting or going through puberty. Removing stretch becomes a real priority for many of us as summer approaches. Fortunately, stretch mark removal is not only possible, it can also be easy.

For many people, stretch mark removal is all about applying an effective cream with commitment and patience. If a certain brand claims to have astonishing overnight success, don't believe it. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. While stretch mark removal creams do work, they usually take a few weeks before results start showing. Also, the most effective creams aren't always directly proportional to the price you pay. Start with the popular drug store brands. You never know, you might see results while only spending pennies a day. If that doesn't work, you may want to ask your doctor or dermatologist for a brand name or prescription cream for stretch mark removal.

The skin is primarily made up of collagen and elastin. Collagen helps bind your skin tissue together and elastin helps in the flexibility or elasticity of the skin. Try to look for a stretch mark removal cream that includes soy protein as well as amino acids to help the skin heal from current stretch marks as well as prevent new ones from forming.

Some doctors recommend using stretch mark removal cream during pregnancy, not only after you have delivered your baby. However, it is important that you use a stretch mark removal cream that is safe for pregnant and nursing mothers so make sure you get that checked by your obstetrician or primary care physician first.

Most products for stretch marks are not just limited to pregnant women. Men who are avid body builders or teenage boys and girls who may be going through a growth spurt may also have to battle with stretch marks. Young and old, men and women of all ethnicities and demographics grapple with stretch marks. It is not the end of the world by any means.

The secret is to not let it take over your thoughts to the point where it's impacting your body image and self confidence. Stretch marks are completely normal and just about everyone deals with them at some point in their life. Many people have successfully minimized or removed their stretch mark and there's no reason why you can't as well.

Providing Timely Treatment for Alcoholism is Essential

Providing suitable and timely alcohol treatment to anyone with an alcoholism problem is a definite must. Most people that have become addicted to alcohol will seldom realize how much havoc is being caused to their own lives as well as in the lives of their family members and others who come in contact with them. Furthermore, an alcoholic will generally not realize the need to become free of their alcohol addiction.

It is therefore the responsibility of family members and close friends to look for ways to get their alcoholic near and dear one treated. A good alcohol addiction treatment center can prove to be very important in helping an alcoholic overcome their addiction as it will succeed in providing necessary checks and controls over the alcoholic that will help in slowly wean away the alcoholic from the habit of drinking excessive quantities of alcohol; and, perhaps even turn them into teetotalers.

Fortunately, there are thousands of alcohol addiction treatment centers spread out in various parts of the country; so, finding one is not an issue. According to research findings, different treatment methods can and will prove to be very effective in curing the alcoholic. A good alcohol addiction treatment center should use such methods that typically begin with intervention and end with recovery and rehabilitation.

Detoxification is another commonly used method used by every alcohol addiction treatment center to help in removing potentially harmful substances from the body of the alcoholic. In addition, depending on how severe or mild the alcoholic’s condition is, different methods will be used including in or outpatient care; medications; group or even individual counseling and overnight stay too is often prescribed if the alcoholic’s problem warrants fulltime care.

Finally, to ensure that once cured, the alcoholic does not return to his evil ways, a good alcohol addiction treatment center must also provide continuing care as well as medical supervision and enter the person into recovery groups – all of which are necessary steps to keep the former alcoholic clean.

Among the better alcohol addiction treatment centers you can include some such as Sober Living by the Sea, Drug and Alcohol Rehab Services, Spencer Recovery Centers and Hazelden Starlite Recovery Center. Many others too exist including detox centers such as Tarzana Treatment Centers as too Pat Moore Foundation.

An inpatient alcohol treatment center is often the best choice when it concerns treating a person with a strong alcoholism problem. Such centers are mercifully spread out in different parts of the US and so finding a suitable one is not going to be an issue.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Learning About a Degenerative Arthritis Neck Condition

There are over one hundred different types of arthritis that a person can be diagnosed with, but the degenerative arthritis neck condition is one of the most common by far, even more than degenerative cervical arthritis. Even if you have not been diagnosed with this condition yet, there are a few important things to be aware of when it comes to this condition.

Degenerative arthritis of the neck is a form of arthritis that develops in and affects the neck primarily, as opposed to various other bones and joints in the body. Degenerative arthritis of the neck is also known as cervical arthritis and is often the result of injury or repeated trauma to the neck or the back from recreational or work activities.

A few of the most commonly experienced symptoms of this condition includes muscle weakness, tenderness to the touch at the neck itself, stiffness which limits movement of the neck particularly noticeable in backing up a car, and loss of balance.

There are a lot of great options available for treatment when it comes to degenerative arthritis neck. There are non-operative measures which your doctor will probably recommend that you start with. This includes cold compresses, massaging the muscles, avoiding stressful conditions, and ultrasound or whirlpool treatments.

Dealing with degenerative arthritis neck does not have to be difficult, but you do have to take your condition seriously and make sure that you work closely with your doctor. They will be able to keep an eye on your condition and make sure that you are making the proper progress. If your treatment is not offering you enough relief of your pain, chances are that they will up the dosage or even switch you to another medication entirely.

Arthritis does not have to rule your life, and you can definitely keep it manageable and under control, as long as you take the proper steps towards treatment and living as healthy a life as possible. This means eating the right foods and exercising on a regular basis. With the proper diet and exercise regime, you will be able to take your life back and get on the road to recovery.

Remember that there are millions of other people out there right now who are dealing with the same condition as you. Maybe talking to some of them would help, so sign up to a forum or chat room.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Dealing With Drug And Alcohol Addiction at a Treatment Center

A drug and alcohol treatment center can provide the right kind of care for anyone that needs to be cured of their drug and alcohol abuse problems. Without such care the lives of people affected by drug and alcohol abuse will be extremely stressful and could lead to potentially fatal consequences. In addition to the sufferers, the lives of their near and dear ones and others that come into contact with an alcoholic or drug abuser will also be severely affected.

It is a good idea to send a person suffering from alcohol and drug abuse to an appropriate drug and alcohol treatment center and for this searching over the Internet can be a good starting point. There is a lot of information available online that will help answer some of the common questions that people ask before they decide to enter a near and dear one into a drug and alcohol treatment center.

Family members can of course play a very important role in taking care of their drug or alcohol dependent other family member and it is up to these family members to find the right drug and alcohol treatment center. Different centers provide different kinds of treatments and it is also necessary to choose between private and community centers.

However, before deciding on a particular drug and alcohol treatment center care should be taken to address a few important issues including the length and form of addiction, and the type of treatments being provided at different centers. You need to be sure about the methodologies being used and also know the way in which treatment is provided as well as how much involvement from the family is required to ensure proper recovery and rehabilitation.

Most drug and alcohol treatment centers will realize that friends and family members can play a very important role in the recovery of an alcoholic or drug abuser. Also, it is necessary to ensure that the staff at the different drug and alcohol treatment centers need to be competent, friendly and professional and can provide suitable care.

A person suffering from alcoholism or drug abuse will be going through a critical stage in their lives and so to ensure that they come out of their predicament in the best way, you need to ensure choosing the best drug and alcohol treatment center for their care.

Alcohol addiction treatment centers are a boon to those who suffer from alcoholism and also for family members of an alcoholic. Alcoholism can ruin the life of the person that has a severe drinking problem as well as wreck the lives of their family members; the sooner the alcoholic is provided proper care as is available from such centers the better it will be for everyone concerned.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Some Facts About an Alcohol Treatment Center

Alcoholism is something this is to be dreaded because the consequences of it can be fatal and so must be treated at the earliest. Fortunately, in these modern times there is enough knowledge about alcoholism available to help those who have an alcohol addiction problem regain normalcy in life. In this regard many different alcohol treatment centers have sprung up nationwide that have been saving many thousands of lives in the process.

Each alcohol treatment center has its own method of treating an alcoholic though they will generally use certain methods that are common including detoxification, medication, counseling as well as rehabilitation. Alcoholics can be treated as in or outpatients and for those that have only recently developed their drinking habit; outpatient care is normally sufficient. On the other hand, alcoholics with a long history of alcoholic abuse might be better served in being given inpatient care.

Before choosing an alcohol treatment center you need to study the different centers and their associated methods of treatment to ensure that everything is perfect for providing the alcoholic person with proper and appropriate treatment. Most alcohol treatment center will do their utmost to eradicate alcoholism and for this extensive forms of treatment have been used to treat long-term as well as short-term alcoholism.

Some of the better alcohol treatment centers included Choices Recovery Center and Holistic Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center as too Life Matters and Recovery First Inc. there are several other good alcohol treatment centers too including Narconon Stone Hawk and Drug and Alcohol Rehab Services as too Keystone Treatment Center.

Each of these alcohol treatment centers are designed to provide care to alcoholics of different ages and the methods that are used will vary according to the age of the person being treated. Therefore, separate treatment methods are used in curing adults as compared to those that are applicable in treating teenagers.

In addition to continuing care, most alcohol treatment centers will also provide supervision as well as introduces the cured alcoholic to recovery groups and will provide all other necessary care to ensure that rehabilitation and recovery goes off perfectly.

In the event that you wish to enter someone into a drug and alcohol treatment center many of the same conditions apply as in the case of selecting an alcohol treatment center. The only difference is that there is not specialized alcohol care provided since many of the people coming to such centers have drug related issues and need different treatments altogether.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A Look at Degenerative Arthritis Treatments

Degenerative arthritis neck, also known as osteoarthritis, is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage of one or more joints. This is one of the most commonly experienced types of arthritis, and therefore one that you are definitely going to want to be on the watch out for.

Degenerative arthritis affects over 20 million people in the United States alone, which just goes to show you how incredibly common a condition it really is.

Degenerative arthritis typically develops in older-aged adults, but it can affect younger people as well. You want to watch out for the most common symptoms of this condition which includes pain and inflammation in the associated joints, as well as headache and a loss of balance.

One of the most important issues of all when it comes to the topic of degenerative arthritis is the degenerative arthritis treatment that is available. One of the first degenerative arthritis treatment options that you want to try is weight reduction. The majority of people diagnosed with arthritis are overweight, and even by losing just a few pounds, this may help relieve the pain associated with your condition.

You should also avoid the activities that are causing your arthritis to flare up if you want the best degenerative arthritis treatment. If you play sports or are otherwise very physically active and need degenerative arthritis treatment, you want to make sure that you take it easy at least for certain times because this way you will not be overstressing your body.

Now if your condition is more serious, you are going to need a more intense degenerative arthritis treatment. Your doctor may suggest that you start on some medication, but keep in mind that you do not necessarily have to stay on the medication for the long term of things. In fact, it is recommended by doctors that you only stay on medication for your arthritis for a certain period of time, so that your body will not become dependent on it and when you do go to get off you will not go through such serious withdrawal symptoms.

There are lots of different medications that are out on the market today to choose from, and it is important that you are put on the right one. Each medication will come with its own side effects and symptoms which you are going to need to be prepared for, but which should go away over time.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Cognitive Therapy as a Treatment for Depression

Depression, as the TV ad states, can hurt. It can hurt those who are depressed as well as those around them. The feeling of helplessness and hopelessness is a constant state of mind in the depressed person and can lead to other conditions as well. However, there is hope for people who are depressed. Here are some insights into how cognitive therapy can prove to be an effective technique for depression help.

The cognitive therapy approach treats the person, not the symptom. There are several ways in which this is accomplished. By addressing the pain associated with depression, the psychologist can offer alternative solutions to present-day problems. What does this mean?

When an individual is depressed, he or she views life similar to a cup that is half empty. The individual's self-esteem is at its lowest ebb, and everything is looked upon in a negative manner. The problems an individual faces when depressed can be multiplied, even though they may be minor in nature. With cognitive therapy, these problems are addressed from the outset. The problem a depressed individual is facing is sorted out based on recognition of importance.

The cognitive therapy sessions allow the depressed individual to differentiate between what is real and what is imagined. In addition, the utilization of problem-solving methods helps the individual to make positive changes, and to focus on the positive and not the negative aspects of his or her life. After all, a depressed individual's assessment of his or her life is a negative one, and thus any attempt to evaluate his or her own problems can intensify feelings of low self-worth.

With cognitive therapy, the depression is addressed head on. Behavior modifications are used to allow the individual to be able to function, cope with life's problems, and begin to understand where the depression is emanating from, as well as learning to deal with it in a more positive manner.

More importantly, the burden of blame the individual is experiencing for all life's problems are dealt with through the use of behavior modification. The belief that the individual is the cause of so much misery within is dissipated through identification and recognition of the real problem. Moreover, it allows the individual to distinguish the reality of the problem and not the perceived view that he or she is the cause of so much misery.

These distortions are focused on in cognitive therapy sessions. The psychologists give you the tools to help you change the way you think, and give you the impetus to make the necessary changes that empower you to view life in a more positive way. Thus, the depressed individual can then begin to cope with reality in a way that allows them to control any situation, and not the other way around.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine: A Common Affliction

If there is any one type of arthritis that is misunderstood, it is degenerative arthritis of the spine. This is one of the rarer types of arthritis, but one that millions of people around the world are still diagnosed with on a regular basis. With degenerative arthritis of the spine, the cartilage in the back becomes brittle and wears away, and the bones of the spine degenerate.

This is obviously then a very serious condition one that you need to watch out for and deal with right away rather than letting go untreated because this can result in permanent damage and possibly even be life threatening.

With degenerative arthritis of the spine, you have to be worried about your entire spine being affected and possibly letting up on you.

The degenerative arthritis treatment here is very different than with any other type of arthritis. After all with degenerative arthritis of the spine, you are dealing with one of the most important areas of your body and so you really need to make sure that it is in good condition and that you are not letting a disease such as arthritis eat away at it.

In terms of the treatment here, the first thing that you should start is quite simple, and that is to get some rest. When you are dealing with your spine one of the best things that you can do for yourself is just lie down and get some rest. Stop being so active, and let your back get some time just lying there and not putting it under any stress.

One other type of treatment that you may want to try is the cortisone injection. If you want an effective degenerative arthritis treatment this should be one right at the top of your list. Corticosteroids are not pain relievers, but they do reduce inflammation and stop the swelling. The injections can be used to treat the inflammation of small areas of the body or they can also be used to treat inflammation that is widespread throughout the day.

Dealing with arthritis can certainly be difficult but it is something that just has to be done. You are going to have to step up and get the treatment that you need to keep your condition manageable and under control.

Arthritis can take over your life, or you can do what you have to and keep it under control and your pain at bay.

Using Cognitive Therapy to Manage Your Anger

Learning to control our anger is something we all have to do at some point in our lives. Just about anyone has a tendency to become angry at someone or other, whether it's your boss, coworkers, spouse, or children. Sometimes we express our frustration at other drivers on the road, or even just because someone made an unconsciously annoying statement.

But when anger spirals out of control, you need to get therapy to learn to deal with it. Cognitive therapy is one approach that has shown to be very effective in handling anger management issues. It helps you to understand the causes of your anger how to react more appropriately when it arises.

Traditionally, psychotherapy involves dealing with issues from your past that might have contributed to any number of problems you are currently undergoing. Cognitive therapy, on the other hand, focuses on the present. It helps you to identify why you're thinking or reacting in certain ways in various situations, and teaches you effective techniques for changing your behavior.

Cognitive therapy helps you focus on the specific reasons for your out of control emotions. This enables you to come up with realistic approaches to changing your thought processes so you can get through life more smoothly. This is the core of cognitive therapy: problem solving and learning to change your behavior.

There is a range of methods utilized in cognitive therapy sessions, including relaxation and visualization techniques. These methods teach you to call up certain images or words in your mind to help you relax when your anger erupts. The therapist will offer various suggestions for suitable ways to react to your anger. For example, they might suggest that you look at a situation in a more positive or objective manner instead of immediately flying into a fit of rage.

There are a few ways in which therapists use these methods. First they help their patients to become more aware of their anger. Then they show them how to avoid situations in which they are likely to lose their temper. Third, they help their patients to discover the cause of their anger. Finally, they recommend a plan to change the way in which the patient reacts to others in order to avoid a situation that might lead to negative emotions.

The key to the effectiveness of cognitive therapy is that it doesn't involve the patient going on and on about all of the bad things in his life that are making him angry. Rather, the focus is on recognizing triggers and implementing coping techniques. This type of therapy is widely considered to be highly effective.

Studies are being undertaken in order to figure out what causes anger to erupt. But until scientists fully understand the problem, cognitive therapy is an effective means of managing this intense emotion. Everyone gets angry, but it's how you deal with it that will indicate whether or not you need anger management help.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Comparing Digital Hearing Aids

There are lots of different kinds of hearing aids out there these days apart from the conventional analog version. Just like analog TV, analog hearing aids are fast becoming obsolete thanks to the new digital hearing aids that are widely available. These devices have a wide range of features that are vastly improved over what used to be available.

So how do you know what to choose? If you want to find the digital hearing aid that will best suit your needs, you need to do some sort of comparison. Not only do you want improved hearing, but you want it to look good, as well.

There are essentially four kinds of digital hearing aids. These are available from numerous manufacturers. However, you'll want the advice of your audiologist to make sure you choose the best one for your needs.

1. The behind the ear (BTE) style has been the most commonly used device in the past. It's useful for all levels of hearing loss.

2. The in the ear hearing aid is placed in the cup of the ear. It's also appropriate for most levels of hearing loss.

3. For people who are looking for a digital hearing aid that's less obvious than the previous two models, there is a style that fits in the ear canal. This digital hearing aid has a component that is placed right into the ear canal. Another component sticks out a bit from the ear canal so that the volume can be adjusted. This style is suitable for those who have mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

4. The fourth style is much the same as the in the ear canal model, except it's entirely contained within the ear canal. That means there's no way to adjust the volume without pulling the device out completely. This kind of hearing aid is best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who don't need a lot of adjustments to the volume to deal with varying situations.

If you're wondering what brands are the best, there are a few that seem to stand out based on various reviews. Siemens has been manufacturing hearing aids for over a hundred years. All their products feature a two year guarantee. Beltone is another reputable manufacturer of hearing aids. This company is well known for its customer service. They can assist you throughout the process of buying and fitting a hearing aid and they also provide repairs. Another good brand of digital hearing aids is Starkey. They not only provide a warranty on their products, but will also give you a free trial to make sure the device is suitable for your needs.