What is the Difference between Basic and Advanced Hearing Aids?

If you are suffering from hearing loss, you likely schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. If your test results indicate you have a hearing loss, your audiologist will likely recommend hearing aids, which is the most common and effective form of treatment. Hearing aids will improve your quality of life, ensure that you can still interact and socialize on the same level. This means that you don’t have to worry about problems that not being able to socialize and interact will cause. You might think that there is only one type of hearing aid available on the market for you. But that’s not the case at all. There are actually hearing aids to suit a range of different budgets and possibilities. It will be up to you, with the help of your audiologist to make the right choice here. You need to think about whether you want the typical hearing aids or something more advanced. The main difference between these two options is the level of technology. Advanced hearing aids tend to pack in a lot more tech that will improve how much support you get from these devices. So, let’s explore these differences.

Connectivity

One of the most significant differences with advanced hearing aids is that they typically will provide a higher level of connectivity. It’s quite common these days for advanced hearing aids to include Bluetooth support. With Bluetooth this means that you can connect to any device that also has this option. That might include everything from your phone to your TV, surround sound or computer. The benefit of this is that sound can be transmitted straight from the source to your hearing aids. This will mean that you can get a very clear sound without disruption or distortion. Some hearing aids may also include infrared, which is a different form of tech to get the same effect. Essentially, your hearing aids work like wireless headphones. It’s quite useful if you are watching TV or trying to concentrate on one source of noise in quite a loud environment.

Memory

Advanced hearing aids will often typically include a memory option that operates similar to a computer. This means that you can save and store different settings and create profiles for particular areas or sound environments. That’s useful because you don’t want your hearing aids to work the same in every environment. You need to make sure that they adapt to meet your needs. Again, think about how you listen when you’re watching TV or talking to someone, or if you are trying to hear multiple people in a crowded room. It’s all different, and with advanced hearing aids, you can save different settings and switch between profiles when the needs arrive. You might be thinking that this sounds complicated; however, your audiologist will be able to help you here. They can make sure that different profiles are set up for you from the beginning. By doing this, you won’t have to worry about fiddling with different volumes and such yourself. You can also make sure that you know how to switch between these settings easily. This should be possible in seconds without any issues.

Focus

Another big advantage of modern, advanced hearing aids is that you can actually focus and direct them. You can make sure that you are able to decide which direction you want to listen to. This is useful when you are speaking to someone or if you are in a crowd and choosing where to focus your senses. It’s important that you do think about this and again your audiologist will be able to help. They’ll make sure that you know how to use this gesture effectively and ensure that you do get the most out of it.

Charging

Some advanced hearing aids will also allow you to charge them rather than switch batteries constantly. There are multiple benefits to this. You can save money because you won’t have to worry about regularly buying replacement batteries. Chargeable hearing aids also ensure that you don’t have to worry about problems with not being able to use them at the most inopportune moments.

Masking

Finally, you might find that your hearing aids have masking technology. This can be used if you have tinnitus to block out the noise and ensure that it does not disturb you as much. The noise that replaces it will be far more relaxing and could include anything from ocean waves to animal noises. If you want to learn more about The Hearing and Tinnitus Center or the different types of hearing aids, contact us at 303-534-0163. We’re here to provide the information you need.