The “right” hearing aid for you depends not only on your level of hearing loss, but more importantly on your hearing lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more!
Finding the appropriate hearing aid is directly related to the level of hearing loss you’re experiencing, but determining the level of hearing aid technology you need rests in the lifestyle you intend to live. If you’re someone with minimal hearing loss who avoids loud environments, you will need different hearing aid technology than someone with moderate hearing loss who loves concerts and water sports. Figuring out exactly what technology you need in a hearing aid can be challenging, but with accurate information, you should be able to find the perfect match!
Four Levels of Hearing Aid Technology
The first step to uncovering the hearing aid technology you need is to understand how the four levels of technology are divided. Not only are the levels numbered, but each number represents a hearing lifestyle. Figuring out which one corresponds to your lifestyle is the first step in finding the right hearing aid for you.
The best way to illustrate the levels of hearing aid technology is through a real life example. There are four friends who meet regularly to play poker. Virgil, Quinn, Carl, and Alex have been meeting once a month for over 40 years to play poker. They all enjoy the camaraderie of a good game, but their lifestyles are all very different.
Level 3
Virgil is a homebody; he doesn’t get out of the house much and he lives a very quiet lifestyle. The monthly poker game is his main source of socialization, and he’s okay with that. He enjoys conversation at the poker table, and with friends and family over the phone.
Because Virgil lives a very quiet lifestyle, he does not need too many bells and whistles in his hearing aids. Noise cancellation is important, as well as basic automatic functions. Although level 3 technology is kept to a minimum, this level of hearing aid is still equipped with up to date hearing technology.
Are you Virgil?
Level 5
Quinn also lives a relatively quiet lifestyle, however he does venture out more than Virgil. He was an athlete growing up and enjoys being around people, but has had knee replacements so his mobility isn’t great. He teaches a class at his church and needs to hear questions from his audience, so he does need hearing aids that enhance sound from a distance.
Level 5 hearing aid technology is ideal for Quinn because of the Bluetooth capabilities that allow his hearing aid to pair with his devices as well as connect to wireless hearing aid accessories that can add support. Level 5 offers a few more capabilities than level 3 hearing aid technology but is still considered standard.
Are you Quinn?
Level 7
Carl is pretty active, but not overly so. He is retired, however he is involved in his community and has taken on a leadership role at his city’s library. He recently lost 40 pounds through exercise and enjoys going to the gym to stay in shape. Carl lives a casual listening lifestyle and is exposed to different types of listening environments daily.
Because Carl’s environments fluctuate throughout the day, it’s important for his hearing aid technology to seamlessly adjust. Level 7 hearing aid technology offers more advanced features than basic and standard technology making this type of hearing aid a good choice for those who socialize every day.
Are you Carl?
Level 9
Alex lives a very active lifestyle. From attending concerts, to frequenting restaurants, to participating in watersports; Alex’s daily life is non-stop action. The poker games take place at Alex’s once a month, but he’s hosting friends and family almost every weekend and enjoying life to its fullest.
Level 9 hearing aid technology is what Alex needs. This level of hearing aid technology allows Alex to switch between activities without taking time to make any adjustments to his hearing aids. Whether he’s indoors or outdoors, level 9 technology grants Alex the best hearing and sound quality experience. Level 9 hearing aid technology offers the most advanced technology available.
Are you Alex?
Choosing the Right Technology for You
By evaluating your daily lifestyle, you should be able to choose which level of hearing aid technology is best for you. Things to consider as you decide which level is right for you are your daily activities, the severity of your hearing loss, your communication needs, and the cost and benefits of each level of technology.
Of course scheduling an appointment with a hearing care professional is essential to discovering the correct hearing aid technology you need. The team at Hearing Solution Centers is ready to help you with all of your hearing needs.
Schedule an appointment today with Hearing Solution Centers to uncover which hearing aid technology fits best with your lifestyle!