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What is the Best Hearing Aid?


Posted by: DeLila Bergan on February 11, 2009

 

By Steve Eagon, M.A., CCC-A

This is a question we get asked every day by numerous people, and it’s not the easiest question to answer.  If you’re like me, when it comes to making a big purchase, I like to research my options.  I also like to read user reviews and independent product reviews.  With hearing aids, however, you may find an occasional user review, but there is no such information source pertaining to independent product reviews.  Let me explain why.

There are two major components hearing professionals use when selecting a hearing aid for someone – the hearing test results and the lifestyle of the individual.  Assuming the proper hearing aid selection addresses the person’s hearing loss and provides the appropriate features for his or her lifestyle, a good foundation is then set to start evaluating hearing aids.  However, the one aspect nobody knows when predicting hearing aid success is the “auditory processing” of the amplified sound when it travels from the inner ear to the brain.  This can vary greatly from person to person.

For example, let’s say you take 10 people with similar lifestyles and the same hearing loss, and fit them all with the same hearing aids.  Every person will experience something completely different as he or she begins wearing the hearing devices.  Some people will absolutely love them, some will think they are terrible, and others will fall somewhere in the middle.  For those that don’t receive proper benefit, does that mean the hearing aid is not a quality device?  Absolutely not!  It simply means that for some reason, that particular set of hearing aids wasn’t right for them.  This subjectivity and the unique personal listening preferences, which we all have, are why you won’t find a ranking of the “best hearing aids”.

Occasionally there are studies in our industry that examine certain features and their benefits.  For example, see the link http://mednews.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/11994.html regarding the benefits of a certain type of hearing aid fitting.

So what should you keep in mind when researching and choosing hearing aids?  Here are some thoughts.

  1. Work with a company and hearing professional who offer multiple manufacturers.  Your hearing needs and lifestyle shouldn’t be limited by a lack of hearing aid choices.
  2. Working within your budget, make certain you are fitted with hearing aids that have the appropriate features for your lifestyle.  Discuss your needs with your hearing professional.
  3. There is only so much research you can do.  To find the best hearing aid, you simply have to begin with a good test and consultation, feel comfortable with the recommended devices, and then start your trial/evaluation period.  This is the only way you’ll know if hearing aids will have a positive effect on your quality of life.  Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many people research themselves to the point that they don’t do anything, and at some point, you must begin trying.
  4. Work with a hearing professional face to face in your local area.  The programming complexity and flexibility of today’s digital technology, combined with the uniqueness of your hearing loss and lifestyle, make the importance of this relationship crucial.

In summary, the “best hearing aids” will be the ones that work best for you.  And the only way you’ll find them is by trying something and working closely with a hearing professional.

Mr. Eagon is the Vice President of Sales and Audiology with HearingPlanet, Inc.  HearingPlanet is a national company that assists clients in finding skilled local hearing professionals and sells a variety of hearing aids to meet client needs.  To learn more about HearingPlanet, please see their listing on our web site (from our directory, choose Doctors/Hospitals, then Hearing Aids/Audiologists) or visit their web site at www.hearingplanet.com/index.php.