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.