1. The type of hearing aid you can use is determined by the configuration and degree of hearing loss. If you have normal low frequency hearing and a high frequency hearing loss (the most common configuration), then the smallest hearing aid that fits deep in your ear will cause you to feel like you are wearing earplugs because you are blocking your good hearing. To demonstrate this, cover the opening of your ears tightly and begin speaking or chewing food. This is called the occlusion effect and most people cannot adapt to hearing their voice or the sound of their food crunching so loud in their heads.
2. The anatomy of the ear canal may not be big enough for even the smallest of hearing aids. A hearing aid must be able to fit a battery, speaker, microphone, and circuit.
3. The degree of hearing loss might be too great. If this is the case, the smallest hearing aids are not capable of producing the volume needed to effectively help the hearing loss.
4. If your ears produce excessive wax, then the smallest hearing aids will get clogged very easily. Earwax is the number one reason hearing aids fail.
People are very attracted to the idea that they can get the help they need without anyone noticing. However, if you have an untreated hearing loss, those around you definitely notice.
If you are not a candidate for the very small hearing aids that fit deep in your ear, then a great alternative is open fit hearing aids.
This is the style of hearing aid that has a very small speaker that fits into your ear and the body of the hearing aid sits behind the top part of your ear.
If you get the body part in a color that matches your hair or glasses, it’s hardly noticeable.
There are many advantages to using an open fit hearing aid.
- They can be rechargeable.
- They are Bluetooth compatible.
- They can be adapted in many ways to change the acoustics of the sound for improved hearing and comfort.
- The speakers can be replaced with stronger ones if the hearing gets worse.
Most importantly, don’t wait! Get your hearing checked by a professional. Ask questions and get educated on why a particular device is recommended. If you’re ready to schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment, you can reach our office at (830) 360-2000 or request a callback.
