Hearing loss is a lot more common than people think. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, roughly 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. By the age of 65, that ratio rises to one out of three people.
The good news is that seniors don’t have to settle for poor hearing or straining to understand conversations when they can get hearing aids. The only problem is knowing which ones to buy and which work best for your anatomy.
Here’s your guide to hearing aids for seniors.
Types of Hearing Aid Options
The best hearing aids for seniors will depend on the cause of the hearing loss and what the individual is comfortable with. Age-related hearing loss is often gradual and easy to solve. Other causes will require more nuanced technology that may cost more.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
As the name implies, BTE, hearing aids sit behind the ear. They’re connected to an earmold or small tube that delivers sound into the ear canal. These devices are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss and provide powerful amplification.
They’re easy to handle and adjust. You can also rely on them to have a longer battery life than smaller models. The downside is that they don’t always work well with eyeglass wearers.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids are custom-molded to fit inside the outer ear structure. They’re generally larger than other models, which seniors should consider before buying. The extra size makes them more visible, and they may pick up wind noise.
On the plus side, they’re custom to your body and easy to insert and remove. This is important for seniors who may struggle with precise movements.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are made to fit partly inside the ear canal, with some of the device visible. These are most similar to in-ear headphones, also known as in-ear monitors.
The pros of these hearing aids are their discreetness and custom fit. Your ENT specialist won’t sell you a product that irritates or falls out.
However, the smaller size makes them harder to adjust for seniors. The battery life also suffers due to its size.
Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids fit deep inside the ear canal. They’re nearly invisible, which means they’re difficult to notice from afar.
Seniors who want to keep their medical conditions to themselves may enjoy these. At the same time, they provide a natural sound quality due to their closeness to your eardrum.
The disadvantages of CIC hearing aids are that they usually have less power, fewer features, and they’re difficult to remove. What that means is they don’t amplify sound as much as other devices. They also won’t come with directional microphones installed.
Key Features to Consider
Determining the best aids for senior hearing health is about more than visibility and comfort. Many aids come with additional features that may put them ahead of the competition.
Noise Reduction
Many hearing aids offer noise reduction technology, which allows them to filter out background noise. This makes hearing conversations much easier, as you’re less distracted by everything else happening. It’s a common issue for seniors trying to enjoy amenities in their communities.
Background noise is a problem for simple hearing aids that amplify sound around you, especially if it’s not directional. Seniors can become startled by loud noises they can’t pinpoint or hear things that normal hearing would filter out.
Directional Microphones
Directional microphones help with conversations, much like noise reduction. These focus on sounds coming from in front of the wearer, which improves speech clarity in noisy environments. Other sounds may feel more in the distance unless you turn your attention towards them.
Telecoil Technology
A telecoil allows hearing aids to connect with public sound systems, such as theaters, churches, and telephones.
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that public areas with audio amplification provide assistive listening systems to those with hearing loss. A senior attending an event in such an area would need to turn on the telecoil in their hearing aid to connect with it. This lets them tune out background noise and focus on the main event.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity will not make your hearing aids perform better. However, they allow your aids to connect with any Bluetooth-enabled device, much like with other Bluetooth headphones.
This is especially useful if you want to connect directly to a smartphone or TV for a better and more focused listening experience.
Automatic Adjustments
Some hearing aids automatically adjust their settings based on the environment. You’ll find this feature primarily in aids with noise reduction and directional microphones. They should also come with options to turn off the automatic adjustments, in case they malfunction.
Feedback Suppression
Feedback suppression is the reduction of whistling or buzzing noises. These occur when sound leaks from the hearing aid back into the microphone. It’s a common problem with older hearing aids, which is why seniors should find newer ones that suppress it.
Finding the Best Hearing Aids for Seniors
The first step to getting new hearing aids is to get a hearing test. A professional test from an audiologist or hearing specialist can determine the degree of your hearing loss.
Consider your lifestyle needs. If you spend a lot of time socializing or outdoors, then you may benefit from advanced noise reduction. Those who stay at home want to prioritize comfort and ease of use, which will also make it easier for personal caregivers to adjust.
Hearing aids range greatly from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Medicare does not typically cover them, but some private insurance plans do. Purchase affordable hearing aids if necessary, and always use the trial period and warranty.
Choose the Right Hearing Aids
Hearing aids for seniors encompass a wide range of technology and features. You should always buy them based on your individual needs, desired comfort levels, and how they look. Don’t forget to shop within your budget and ask your insurance company about payment.
Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley provides both personal care assistance and memory care for our residents. Seniors can look forward to a range of amenities such as community activities, restaurant-style dining, and more. Reach out today with any questions and to schedule a tour.
