There are different technology levels when it comes to hearing aids, but what are the big differences between them? There are basic, mid range, and premium technology levels for hearing aids. Let’s take a look at the differences between a basic and premium hearing aid.
It’s what’s on the inside that matters. Even though a basic hearing aid can look the same as a premium hearing aid on the outside, the differences on what they can and can’t do are on the inside.
A premium hearing aid has the ability to be more customizable than a basic level hearing aid. We are sure you have heard the word “channels” when it comes to hearing aids. Well, the more “channels” a hearing aid has, the more that hearing aid can be finely tuned to your specific hearing loss needs.
How a basic hearing aid works while in background noise is vastly different than how a premium hearing aid functions. With a premium hearing aids, both of your hearing aids work together to analyze your listening environment and give you the best ability to understand speech in a noisy environment. Basic hearing aids do not have that ability.
How well you hear in different situations depends on the hearing aid technology level. A basic hearing aid has limited programming: a program to amplify all sounds around you, a program that muffles sounds around you but focuses in on what is in front of you, and a program that makes sounds seem more natural. With a premium hearing aid, the hearing aid has a program for almost every situation you are in: in the car, at home, while in a restaurant, in a noisy situation, in a big open space, basically any situation your find yourself in. It comes down to how well the hearing aid processes sound and a premium hearing aid has the technology to process sound better. Premium hearing aids will also switch into these different programs automatically, there is no need to tap any buttons. A premium hearing aid is actually better at identifying what program you need more so than you can yourself.
Another difference between basic and premium hearing aid technology is how well they get rid of annoying sounds. For example, you are having a conversation with your spouse while taking a walk outside. When the wind blows, a premium hearing aid will cut down on the wind sound so you don’t have to struggle to hear the conversation over the wind. With a basic hearing aid, the wind sound is picked up and you will struggle with understanding the conversation.
During your hearing aid consultation, your Audiologist will ask about your lifestyle. With that, and your type and severity of hearing loss, your Audiologist will recommend the hearing aid technology level that would be most beneficial to you, your lifestyle, and your family. Because of the different levels of technology available, there is a hearing aid that is right for you.
To find out what hearing aid technology level would be most beneficial to you, just call Lemme Audiology Associates at (814) 941-7770 to schedule your complimentary hearing aid consultation.
