There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a hearing aid. Some of them include price, directional microphones, OTC vs. prescription, and Bluetooth streaming. This article will give you the information you need to choose the right product for your needs.
OTC vs prescription
Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids will soon be available to consumers. These products are regulated by the FDA and can be purchased online or in stores. They are designed to treat mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.
The main goal of making these devices available over the counter is to make them more accessible. However, there are also trade-offs to consider. While they are far less expensive than prescription aids, they are also not as technologically advanced.
OTC hearing aids will still require a hearing test, and they may not offer the same features as prescription devices. Also, many of these hearing aids are not customizable.
Some experts say that the OTC regulations will ultimately cause prescription hearing aid prices to rise, since the FDA is able to force manufacturers to make better, more technologically advanced devices. Another issue is that the regulations can affect health plans. If your health plan allows these devices, it will need to weigh the pros and cons of offering them to its members.
One thing that will make the new rules a little more confusing is that they’ll still keep all hearing aids under Class I and Class II regulation. That means that they’ll be governed by the same standards that prescription devices are governed by, and that they’ll be subject to a lengthy testing and safety process.
In addition, the FDA’s final ruling includes a response to the comments that were submitted. Some of these comments have been filed by consumer organizations and professional groups.
There was a slew of debate over the proposed OTC rules. Some people believed that the rule would be a step toward a one-size-fits-all approach that would be dangerous for consumers.
Longer battery life
The power of your hearing aid depends on many factors, but one of the most important is your battery. Battery life is unpredictable, but there are a few steps you can take to keep your device running at its best.
To ensure your batteries last as long as possible, you should store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator or freezer, as this will deplete the charge. Also, don’t leave them near heating vents, as this can degrade your batteries even more.
If your batteries are in good condition, you can expect to get about two weeks of use out of each pair. For larger devices, you may get a little more than that.
As with any electronic gadget, the lifespan of your battery is largely dependent on how well you care for it. In addition to regular battery changes, you should also consider a few other maintenance tips. One of the most basic is to keep your hearing aids out of reach of pets. This can reduce the chance of losing a charge due to a misplaced paw.
A good battery can last for up to a year. However, no two people are going to get the same amount of use out of their battery. Batteries will have an expiration date, so you should make sure to check it.
Some manufacturers have a nifty feature that lets you swap out your standard zinc-air battery for a more powerful lithium ion option. Lithium Ion batteries can last 30+ hours on a single charge, and will perform well for 18-24 months.
When you’re not using your hearing device, don’t forget to open the battery door. Not only will this save you from a dreaded “whine”, it will also keep the battery from aging too quickly.
Directional microphones
Directionality is an important aspect to consider when choosing a hearing aid. A directional microphone improves speech intelligibility in a noisy environment. It also increases signal-to-noise ratio. Traditionally, omnidirectional microphones have been used in hearing aids.
Some of the latest developments in hearing aid technology include adaptive directional microphones. This type of microphone automatically adjusts noise filters and amplification based on speech signals. These features help users detect conversation partners and reduce background noise.
Adaptive directional microphones are available in Lexie hearing aids. They can be set to focus on one speaker or to zoom in on the sound of multiple speakers.
The performance of directional microphones can vary depending on the size of the microphone system and the distance between the listener and the talker. This can be a disadvantage to younger children. Also, it is not suitable for all noisy situations. In addition, venting effects may cause low-frequency output to be reduced in directional hearing aids.
Directional benefit is influenced by several factors, including the fit and style of the hearing aid, and the location and reverberation of the listening environment. For example, noise in a car can come from the road, the radio, or the driver.
There is no single optimal directional microphone, but there are several types that work best for certain environments. Most of these microphones can be manually turned on or off. Alternatively, an automatic switch may be provided for the noise level.
Although some manufacturers recommend that a directional microphone be fitted into a hearing aid, there are certain situations where this might be detrimental. Young children and individuals with severe sensorineural hearing loss, for example, may find that their hearing aids are ineffective.
Streaming from any Bluetooth device
Bluetooth is a technology that allows for the wireless sharing of data and media. It is available in many different devices, including hearing aids. There are even some new features on Bluetooth-equipped hearing aids that you might want to check out. These features include hands-free calling, streaming music, and video clips. In fact, some of the best-selling hearing aids from leading brands, such as Phonak, are equipped with these features.
The Phonak Paradise line of hearing aids is capable of streaming from one or two Bluetooth-enabled devices at the same time. With this capability, you can stream audio directly from your cell phone to your device. You also have the option of answering or declining calls with a tap on the device.
If you’re using an Android smartphone, you can purchase a ConnectClip accessory that will allow you to stream to your hearing aids without having to plug and unplug. This will not only save you time and energy, it will also keep you from being ripped off.
Bluetooth technology was designed to eliminate the tangled mess of cables that are sometimes associated with the technology. While the technology has made its way into a number of popular devices, such as cell phones, there are still some people who struggle with how to use it. Some of these people will simply get frustrated with the process, but there are solutions for that as well. Streaming to your hearing aids is possible, but you’ll need to do a little research and check your phone’s compatibility. However, it’s worth the effort, and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Bluetooth technology. A good pair of Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids will allow you to listen to both of your ears with clarity.
Affordability
There are some tricks that you can use to avoid hearing aid rip-offs. The first thing that you need to do is to find a legitimate dealer to purchase your hearing aids from. This will help you to get the right features and the correct fit. You also need to make sure that the dealer offers a good warranty and other services.
Another trick is to get a written contract. This should include details on the price, length of the warranty, and any adjustment services that you need. It should also allow you to return the product if you’re not satisfied.
When you do shop, you can try to check online for complaints and other warnings. However, you should keep in mind that the information on these websites is for educational purposes only. A company that makes all kinds of claims without proof is almost certainly a rip-off.
If you are buying hearing aids, you should also get a good warranty. Even if the manufacturer has a good reputation, you might need to return the product if you are not satisfied. Also, you should always get a refund if your device is damaged or lost.
Finally, you need to find a company that offers a reasonable trial period. Typically, you need at least three days to test the device. In some cases, you will need to go through more than one trial period.
When you do your research and look for a quality dealer, you will be able to buy the right hearing aids with the right features. Whether you are looking for a hearing aid that is a high-end, wireless device or a more basic model, there are many options to choose from.