What is a hearing aid?

Hearing aids are powerful electronic devices, worn in or on the ears, that amplify and process sound. Hearing aids support your ability to listen, communicate and engage more meaningfully in daily activities.

Why would you need a hearing aid?

If you’ve ever wondered “when do you need hearing aids?”, the answer is “the sooner, the better.” If you’re experiencing hearing loss, hearing aids are one of the best solutions for supplementing your ability to hear and communicate. Getting them earlier can help support your hearing for many years to come.

When it comes to looking for signs of hearing loss, many people first notice it when they start missing daily sounds or strain to hear what others are saying. But often, family members and close friends notice hearing changes — even before the person who has the hearing loss. 

Hearing loss can make social and daily life more difficult, and it can also have repercussions for your mental and physical health. Wearing a hearing aid, especially one that’s programmed to your unique hearing loss, can assist you hear sounds and conversations more easily and engage more meaningfully with your friends and loved ones.

How do hearing aids work

All hearing aids include three basic components: a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker, otherwise referred to as a receiver. First, the microphone picks up sounds from your environment and converts them into a digital signal. The amplifier then increases the power of the sounds and processes the digital signal to match your unique hearing loss, which it sends into your ear through the receiver. The amplification helps the hair cells in the inner ear detect the sounds, which are then transported to the brain via the auditory nerve for processing. 

What to consider when buying a hearing aid

As you explore your hearing aid options, consider your lifestyle and what you need from your hearing aids. Ask yourself a few questions:

• What kind of noise environments are you in daily?
• What sounds are you currently missing?
• Are you highly, moderately or less active?
• Do you experience additional hearing conditions, such as tinnitus?
• Do you frequently watch TV or make phone calls?

Understanding your needs can help you determine which hearing aid features will help you maintain the lifestyle you want — just with better hearing.

What hearing aids are best for age-related hearing loss?

Age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis. Because this type of hearing loss cannot be reversed, hearing aids are often recommended as a treatment option. But finding the best hearing aids is largely based on individuals’ specific needs and lifestyles. Find more tips for shopping for hearing aids for seniors here.

The best Miracle-Ear hearing aids for you

Miracle-Ear offers a wide range of hearing aids featuring technology that aligns with your lifestyle needs and supports your hearing loss. While the best hearing aid is the one that you will regularly wear, here’s a quick look at what Miracle-Ear hearing aids offer:

• Hearing aids for active lifestyles: ITE hearing aids are molded to fit in your ears, meaning they stay securely in place through all activities.
• Discreet hearing aids: Sitting behind the ear and connected to the ear by a thin electrical wire, RIC hearing aids are quite discreet, while custom-molded CIC and ITC hearing aids sit inside the ear for the most unnoticeable look.
• Hearing aids with most powerful sound amplification: BTE hearing aids offer the most powerful sound amplification.
• Waterproof hearing aids: The Miracle-EarBLISS™ line features HydroGuard™, which helps shield against sweat, rain, dirt and dust.
• Custom-fitted hearing aids: ITE/ITC/CIC/IIC hearing aid require an impression of your ear. The impression process only takes about 10 minutes. This will allow the hearing aid to fit the exact contours of your ears.
• Hearing aids with the longest battery life: BTE hearing aids are able to fit larger, longer-lasting batteries for longer battery life. Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries can last up to approximately 24 hours.
• Hearing aids offering a more natural sound: RIC and custom hearing aids provide more natural sound, as the speaker rests closer to the ear drum.
• Most advanced hearing aids: RIC hearing aids are packed with powerful technology such as AI, directional microphones, noise reduction, voice recognition and more.

Learn more about hearing aid types and styles that might be the best hearing aid for you. 

How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aid costs can can range from between $1,000 to $5,000. Things like hearing aid styles and features are factors in determining hearing aid prices, but so are services, fittings, warranties and follow-up care.  Be sure that you understand what’s included in the price of your purchase — some brands build everything into the initial price, while others add on costs after you buy.

The cost can be a barrier for some, but ultimately, it’s important to get the hearing care you need, when you need it. Here are a few things to consider as you examine your budget and your needs: