Creating a Future with Better Hearing
Do you find it hard to hear what people say? Throughout our lives, damage continually happens to our ears which can cause us to become hard of hearing. Hearing aids can help you hear everything clearly again and there are options available at costs lower than you may think. Hear.com is great for providing hearing aid and hearing solutions and if you need financial help, there's CareCredit, designed to help you pay out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance.
What are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are a device that was developed to help people who were either experiencing hearing loss or who are deaf, to hear once again. They work by taking sound and converting it into an electronic signal. The electronic signal is then amplified and sent into the ear canal where the wearer can pick up the sound.
The history of hearing aids dates back to the 1600s when partially deaf people used a device known as an ear trumpet to help them hear better. It was when the telephone was invented in the late 1800s that the possibility of a device better than an ‘ear trumpet’ became a possibility.
The very first hearing aids were bulky and had to be carried around in a bag. They hung off the back of the ear and turned the sound into an electronic signal that was then amplified into the ear canal. For many people, this was a big change toward living a more fulfilling life.
When transistors were invented, the hearing aid was improved once more to be smaller and easier to carry. Transistor hearing aids only lasted about six years until the much more practical digital hearing aids were invented in the 1960s.
Digital hearing aids are the most common type used today, although they are much more advanced than the original technology. The hearing aids we have today are adjusted to suit the needs of the individual’s level of hearing loss, lifestyle, and physical features.
The hearing aid has become so advanced that it can automatically adjust its volume for the wearer.
Who Are Hearing Aids For?
Hearing aids are meant for any individual who is experiencing hearing loss. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “Hearing loss occurs when the tiny hair cells [inside of the ear] are damaged or die. The hair cells do not regrow, so most hearing loss caused by hair cell damage is permanent."
There are a few different causes of hearing loss. It can be caused by genetics, diseases (like an infection or meningitis), trauma, long-term exposure to loud noise, medicines, or aging. Even if you are considered legally deaf, a hearing aid can still help you to hear even if it is artificial.
A hearing aid can be beneficial to seniors experiencing hearing loss. With one, you’ll be able to carry on better conversations with your family and friends. You’ll be able to talk on the phone, watch TV, and listen to the radio again. All of this without having to worry about further damaging your ears!
Purchasing a Hearing Aid
To purchase a hearing aid, you need to know what kind of hearing issues you’re experiencing so that you can purchase the best type for you. There are currently seven different types of hearing aids available: behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, in-the-canal, extended-wear, CROS, bone-anchored, and eyeglass aid.
Extended-wear hearing aids must be installed by a hearing professional, and bone-anchored hearing aids are all installed via surgery and are generally most beneficial for someone who is deaf. When considering purchasing a hearing aid, you should always speak to your family doctor because the cause of the hearing difficulty could be a solvable blockage.
If left unchecked, hearing problems can often worsen over time and it is better to know what caused the hearing loss in the first place.
After you’ve spoken with your doctor, you can look into purchasing a hearing aid. There are tons of companies out there that supply great products, but they can come at a pretty high price. While some hearing aids may cost only $100, others reach well into the $2,000 range.
If you are the recipient of Medicaid, then your hearing device may be covered depending on what state you live in. You can find the list of state-by-state coverage here.
Medicare’s basic plans don’t cover hearing aids, but some of the more advanced plans do. If you have private health insurance, you may have hearing aid coverage through that.
Best Hearing Aid Brands
Now that you know all about hearing aids, which brands are worth it to look at? And how much do hearing aids cost?
As mentioned above, you can purchase a hearing aid for as little as $100. However, these models are considered to be personal sound amplification products, not hearing aids. They merely amplify sound and lack abilities like avoiding sound interference. They also generally don’t last very long.
While the more expensive brands do cost more, they have many more capabilities like Bluetooth support, a cellphone app, custom fit, and post-purchase assistance. That’s why I think that Miracle-Ear, Eargo, and Audicus are all great brands to look at.
Miracle-Ear
Miracle-Ear offers behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and in-the-canal hearing aids, so they can boast a pretty large selection. Their hearing aids are near-invisible and focus on individualized fit and hearing only what you need to.
These hearing aids are a bit on the pricier side compared to the other two brands below.
Audicus
Audicus has three different types of behind-the-ear hearing aids and they start at $1,000. This company’s hearing aids come with a 1-year warranty, a quick-start kit, a 45-day trial period, and unlimited customer support.
Eargo
Finally, Eargo offers three styles of in-the-ear hearing aids. Their base model is $1,850 plus tax, but they come with a case that recharges them, a 45-day trial period, a 1-year warranty, a support team of certified professionals, and can boast that they are nearly invisible.
If you go with one of these brands or with a different one, either way, you’ll be thanking yourself in the long term for buying a hearing aid. It’s a great investment to improve your life!
Yes Hearing
Yes Hearing offers advanced affordable hearing aids and Audiologist care, all from the comfort of your home. Start living your life to the fullest with Yes Hearing's advanced hearing aids. Find health and well-being, all on your own terms.
Lexie
Starting as low as $799, Lexie hearing aids offer affordable hearing devices. The process is very convenient, making it easy to purchase and set up your OTC hearing aids right from your home, without having to wait for prescriptions or clinic visits. Lexie offers exceptional support, being able to speak to an expert that can help you with your hearing aids in real-time.
Comparisons of Hearing Aids
From a price standpoint, Lexie starting at $799 is a lot more affordable compared to Audicus at $1,000 and Eargo at $1,850. Though Eargo is the most expensive option, it's for a valid reason. They put in a lot of research into producing the ultimate hearing aid that is nearly invisible due to it's size. Eargo produces a smaller, yet powerful version while Audicus, Yes Hearing and Lexie, all have larger models that are the same or less powerful. Choosing which one is best for you comes down to your preference and budget.