The purchase of a hearing aid involves many important considerations. After having a hearing assessment followed by advice that you would benefit from a hearing aid, you may quickly find yourself in a world of hearing aid technology and features, most of which you have never heard of before.
Usually, the first area to address is the style of hearing aid to select. In general, there are two options, which include ‘behind-the-ear’ styles and ‘in-the-ear’ styles. Although many people are attracted to a completely in the ear style of hearing aid, often these devices must fill the ear canal, which can create a blocked or full sensation when wearing them. The behind-the-ear style now offer an ‘open-fitting’ whereby the device itself sits hidden behind the ear, and a slim tube with small dome sits within the ear canal. This creates an experience of an ‘open ear’ where users are less physically aware of the devices.
When it comes to hearing aid pricing, it stands to reason that the more technology packed into a hearing aid the higher the price will be. However, it is important to consider the areas that you are having difficulty hearing in to determine which features are imperative to your needs.
Those with very severe loss may need to look at an array of noise reduction features, especially if they are spending a lot of time trying to converse in very noisy listening environments. These features can be complex to understand, and it is best to spend time understanding the exact functions of noise reduction features to see how they could benefit you, before spending significant sums of money.
For those with mild to moderate hearing difficulties, you may not need to pay thousands of dollars to get the hearing assistive benefits you are searching for. One category of affordable hearing aids is the latest ‘direct-to-consumer’ devices, which offer a low-cost alternative solution.
Australia’s Found Hearing offer an attractive option in the latest direct-to-consumer device, the Jaspa 3 hearing aid.
The Jaspa 3 hearing aid is an open fitting behind-the-ear device, and works straight out of the box. A simple toggle switch onboard allows the user to select from a variety of settings to suit their listening needs. A prior hearing test or appointment is not required to use the device.
At $429 per aid, the Jaspa 3 hearing aid can be ordered over the phone or online. As a broad prescription hearing aid, it works for a variety of levels of hearing loss. With four different programs and 10 levels of volume to select from, wearers of the Jaspa 3 aid have a range of listening options to choose from.
For those that have hearing loss in both ears, it is best to get a hearing aid for each ear, as you can then expect a balanced sound, and overall better hearing ability (then if you were to fit just one ear). Other benefits of fitting both ears include better ability to locate the direction of sounds, and better speech perception in noisy listening environments.
Those who have no useable hearing in one ear, with hearing loss in the other ear, will only benefit from fitting one ear.
The Jaspa 3 is available as a slim behind-the-ear style device, and colour options of grey or beige are available. Everything you need to use the device comes in the box (including cleaning tools and batteries). The Jaspa 3 aids come with free delivery and a 30-day money back guarantee. See the Found Hearing website www.foundhearing.com.au for more information.
Always read the label. Follow the instructions for use. Seek medical advice if you are concerned about your hearing.