Hearing loss is one of the more common challenges experienced by millions of older adults globally. For most seniors, hearing aids are essential equipment, but choosing the appropriate one may be pretty overwhelming. With a plethora of options, price points, and requirements for each individual needing hearing aids, it can be tricky to know where to start. Here’s a detailed guide to help navigate this important decision.

Understanding Hearing Loss:

Hearing losses among the elderly may be mild, moderate, severe, or profound. The causes can vary from age-related issues to a long period of exposure to loud noises, or be health-related. Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, comes on gradually as a person grows older. Hearing loss due to a medical nature typically involves issues such as high blood pressure,  or diabetes. The last cause of hearing loss, which is quite common, is prolonged exposure to loud noises (we’ve all been to a concert or two that left us with ringing ears afterward, so we get it)!

The Different Types of Hearing Loss:

1. Conductive Hearing Loss: This may be because of blockages or infections and is sometimes treated with medical intervention. Typically due to issues such as allergies, impacted ear wax, or fluid.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss: This comes as the outcome of factors like aging and noise damage. It leads to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, most likely being permanent.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss: This is the combined form of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, and can be due to genetic disorders, infections, or head trauma. 

The Different Types of Hearing Aid Devices:

1. Behind-the-Ear Device: They house the hearing technology inside the plastic shell that rests behind the ear. An electrical wire integrated with the front of the aid forms a connection to the custom earpiece placed inside the ear canal. They come as powerful, versatile, and appropriate for any range of hearing loss. Behind-the-ear hearing aids can amplify more than other styles, may pick up wind noise, and may come with a rechargeable battery.

2. In-the-Ear: They are specifically made for the outer part of the ear and are considerably more attractive. They function appropriately with mild to moderate hearing loss. These come in full shell and half shell styles, suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. In-the-ear hearing aids offer features not found in smaller devices, are easier to handle, use larger batteries (often rechargeable), and may pick up wind noise more than smaller devices.

3. In-the-Canal: They are slightly smaller in size as compared to the ITE devices; this model is custom molded and partially goes into the ear canal, hence, visibility is minimal. In-the-canal hearing aids have features not found on completely-in-the-canal aids but may be difficult to adjust due to their small size.

4. Completely-in-Canal: These are virtually invisible and entirely fit in the ear canal. This is molded to fit inside your ear canal. They are best for slight to moderate hearing impairments but sometimes prove a little cumbersome for some seniors to handle. A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid is the smallest, least visible type, less likely to pick up wind noise, uses small batteries, lacks features, and is susceptible to earwax clogging.

5. Receiver-in-Canal: Another form of BTE hearing aid, consists of a receiver inside the ear canal, with the real ability of being discretely high performance. A receiver-in-canal hearing aid comes equipped with manual control options, a rechargeable battery, and is less visible and susceptible to earwax clogging in the speaker.

Things to Consider When Buying a Hearing Aid:

• Degree of Hearing Loss: Your hearing needs are determined by a professional audiologist. The degree of your hearing loss is very important in narrowing down the type of hearing aid that will suit you best.
• Needs of your Lifestyle: Think about everyday activities. Some people who spend most of their time in places where there are high levels of noise will find the high-end devices very handy with great noise reduction and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Ease of Use: Consider devices with user-friendly controls. Larger buttons or simplified settings are greatly preferred by seniors.
• Comfort and Fit: Comfort is key since an ill-fitting hearing aid will trigger discomfort with less use. Custom molds and fittings afford better comfort.
• Battery Life: The appliances are available with several battery options, such as disposables, or with built-in rechargeable ones; in the latter case, rechargeable models could be more convenient for daily use.
• Cost and Insurance: Hearing aids might cost a considerable amount of money, so have your budget in mind and see if, within your insurance package, there is coverage. Some models might have financing or payment plans available.

We recommend consulting with an Audiologist or hearing specialist to determine your needs and what would work best for you and your hearing loss case. They also provide the service for adjustments and fine-tuning for the perfect result.

The right hearing aid can improve a senior’s quality of life, facilitating better communication and overall well-being. Take your time researching and determining the right hearing aid for you and you’re not only going to hear better but be able to live life to its fullest.

Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling