When deciding which hearing aid features you need for your new devices, there are many factors to consider: your hearing profile (or audiogram), cause of hearing loss, ear canal shape (yes, really!), personal preferences and lifestyle.
If your lifestyle is more active, you may be especially concerned about how these choices can affect your hobbies and activities. We’ve compiled a guide on what to look for to improve your lifestyle.
Hearing Aid Style
There are many hearing aid styles out there, and each style is designed to address specific elements and needs of patients. It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario; instead, they are customized to your specific needs.
For an active lifestyle, you’ll want your hearing aids to fit securely in your ears without the risk of falling out. Behind-the-ear (BTE) devices offer stability, especially with retention clips, for added security. Meanwhile, in-the-ear (ITE) or in-the-canal (ITC) models provide a snug, comfortable fit that will feel quite secure during low-impact activities.
Device Durability
Modern hearing aids are becoming more durable every year as manufacturers work to make them suitable for continuous, long-term wear. To ensure your hearing aids can stand up to the vigorous activity you’ll put them through, you might consider waterproof or water-resistant models to protect against sweat and the elements, especially if your favorite activities take place outdoors.
Battery Life
There are two types of batteries in hearing aids: rechargeable and replaceable. If you spend long hours outdoors, rechargeable hearing aids with extended battery life are ideal, so you know you won’t have to change your batteries (or worse, find yourself without any spares) in the middle of an activity.
However, if you aren’t able to get to a charger nightly (for example, you spend weeks at a time camping with no access to electricity), disposable batteries might be a better option. Just make sure you always pack more batteries than you think you’ll need!
Performance Features
You don’t want your hearing aids’ performance to be hampered by the dynamic outdoor environment. Consider things like:
- Wind noise reduction. Many outdoor activities involve wind exposure, from gusts on the golf course to air whooshing under your helmet if you’re a cyclist. Wind noise can reach dangerous volume levels, posing a threat to your residual hearing, so it’s critical to suppress it whenever possible. Modern hearing aids can detect wind noise and sort it out so you don’t hear it.
- Motion sensors. Sometimes moving, especially during a high-impact activity, can change how sound travels through your ear and affect how you hear. Some hearing aids can detect when you’re moving and automatically adjust settings to optimize performance during physical activity. This feature ensures optimal hearing whether you’re stationary or in motion.
- Smart sound adjustment. Many modern hearing aids use AI technology to automatically adjust your listening program based on your environment, so you don’t have to manually fiddle with your settings.
Ask for Tips!
As your hearing team at Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy, we want to ensure your hearing aids fit your needs and lifestyle perfectly. As you go through the decision-making process, don’t hesitate to ask our advice on features and designs that work best with your lifestyle. Call us today to learn more.