When you experience long-term hearing loss or damage and you need to do something about it, one of the most common solutions that will often be posed is, of course, to wear a hearing aid. Used properly, a hearing aid can be something of a godsend when it comes to hearing loss and you can find that your whole life is turned around, especially if you experienced hearing loss quite suddenly as a result of some accident or other incident. But when you are getting your first hearing aid, there are many questions that you will need answering, not least of which is: What is the best hearing aid for first time users? Let’s take a look at the possible answers to that question now.

Behind the ear (BTE)

Although it is always going to depend on the individual in question and a range of factors that might be present at the time, for many people a BTE hearing aid will be a viable option. That’s where the hearing aid unit sits behind the ear, with a wire or tube that goes to a silicone dome inside the canal, where the holes allow natural sound to flow through. In this instance, the hearing aid works to improve the volume, as it were, of the natural sound, which might be all that most first-time users need. For many, it feels like an altogether more natural experience compared to some other types of hearing aid. But if the hearing loss is quite advanced, then this type might not be suitable, and might not be a good enough solution for that individual.

Receiver in canal (RIC)

Alternatively, individuals with hearing loss might have opt for a RIC device. This type also sits comfortably behind the ear and is more discreet than many other types, being smaller than many of them. This can be a good option for anyone who needs their hearing aid to be as unnoticeable as possible, for whatever reason that might be that is personal to them. Because of its size, it is a particularly popular one for many first-time hearing aid users and it is likely to remain that way for a long time to come yet.

In the ear (ITE)

In the ear hearing aids sit in the outer bowl of the ear and come in colors that can match your skin or hair tone. They are easier to handle than some smaller varieties and can still be equipped with numerous features. These hearing aids are designed for individuals with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss.

In the canal (ITC)

The most private of all hearing devices is an ITC device. This hearing aid is worn in the canal and comes in other varieties like completely in canal (CIC) or invisible in canal (IIC) styles. Because of their location in the canal, they offer a natural sound experience. Because of their small size, they can be difficult to handle if you have dexterity issues and are recommended for individuals with mild hearing loss.

Extended wear

This type of hearing aid is quite specialized, and not many people are going to have a need for it. But for hearing loss which is very advanced, it is likely that this will be considered at some point or another as a potential solution, for the simpler fact that it is very effective and it is worn all around the clock, day and night. It is also completely invisible to the eye, which is why a lot of people do desire to have this type, and if you are worried about the look of the hearing aid an extended wear one might be the type for you to get, if possible. However, it all depends on the situation and what is recommended to you.

Visiting a hearing instrument specialist (HIS)

Before you have any kind of hearing aid fitted, you are first going to have to go to a hearing instrument specialist to see what kind of hearing aid you are likely going to need. With their help, you will be able to go through a range of options and see what is really likely to work for you, and that is going to be important in ensuring that you get the kind of help you need. If you are looking for a HIS whom you can trust to find you your ideal first hearing aid, then consider The Hearing Guy. You can learn more about The Hearing Guy by calling (828) 333-5781. We’re happy to help!