I grew up using a few General Hearing Instruments (GHI) and I have to say that the GHI Simply Slim Select Mini-Canal Hearing Aid is one of my favorites that I’ve used so far. Although being in the lower 10% of the population that have smaller ear canals, this hearing aid is flexible and comfortable for me.
GHI Simply Slim Select Mini-Canal Hearing Aids
Invisibly Small
Designed to fit smaller ear canals, the body of this device may be too small for medium to large ear canals. The size of the device is so small that it gives an almost invisible appearance. Oh… and if your ear canals are sensitive like mine are, no worries. The materials used are hypo-allergenic.
Although they are small, do not underestimate the power of these small GHI Simply Slim Select Mini-Canal Hearing Aids. The high fidelity analog-digital circuitry allows amplifications to be distortion free. Personally, I find this liberating because I’m able to hear others without any interruptions. I can also adjust the volume accordingly based on the environment that I’m in with the manual volume control.
It’s Cheap
The best thing about this model is that it is economically friendly. They’re rather cheap if you compare to other ITC hearing aids without compromising it’s ability to amplify and transmit sound waves. Not only that, they don’t drink up the battery as fast as others would. A typical 10 A battery would last you up to 350 hours of use!
There are also some extra features with this model. Replacing filters are made easy with its wax guard system while the extraction cord ensures easy insertion and removal.
Do be reminded that the GHI Simply Slim Select Mini-Canal Hearing Aid is made for adults, 18 years old and above with mild hearing loss. You can get them from Amazon at $982.68. You will also get an attractive carrying case, travel pouch and magnetic cleaning tools when you purchase this.
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“I have thoroughly evaluated the Acoustitone™ PRO and can comfortably say that this is an excellent option for those that cannot afford traditional hearing aids. Perhaps the best quality-to-price ratio in the hearing aid industry” – Dr Seilesh Babu, board-certified Otologist and Nationally-recognized authority on hearing loss.
I must admit that I was quite surprise to find a hearing aid THIS cheap and the best thing is, the Acoustitone™ PRO Hearing Aid is said to work better than or at the very least at par with the most expensive hearing aid. I’m clearly impressed.
Acoustitone PRO Hearing Aid
Uncompromisable Performance
As far as I can tell, the performance of this baby is not compromised by it’s small tag. It works just as well as the more expensive hearing aids.
Said Charles D from Vancouver, “I’m wearing a $2500 Oticon Delta 8000 in my left ear and the Acoustitone™ PRO Hearing Aid in the right ear. There is very little difference in performance. Your instrument is very good. One thing that I will guarantee: The Oticon is not 25 times better than the Acoustitone. Servicing an Oticon is about $180. I can buy another Acoustitone for the price of servicing the Oticon.”
This behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid is designed for people that have mild to severe hearing loss. It can amplify sounds up to 45dB gain. It sits comfortably and discreetly behind the ear of the wearer and comes in three sizes of earplugs that are made for adults 18 years and above.
Affordable Extra Features
The hearing aid also have 2-channel tone control and a directional microphone that are featured commonly with thousands of dollars worth of hearing aids. With the 2-channel tone, you can set the hearing aid at a flat setting (for hearing loss ranging from mild to severe) or set it at the second setting that would amplify mid- and high- sound frequencies.
At $189.99 a pop from Amazon, I’m thinking about giving this a try myself. If you decide to buy it now, there’s a special offer for the Acoustitone™ PRO Hearing Aid; buy a second one at $30 off the price of the first unit.
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One of the brands that I trust when it comes to hearing aids is Rexton and I think the Rexton Arena 1P BTE Hearing Aid is one of the best Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aid in the market. If you’re a budget minded shopper, this is a moderately priced hearing aid.
Rexton Arena 1 P BTE Digital Hearing Aid
Easy Programming
The best thing I like about this BTE hearing aid is that it is super easy to control the setting of the feedback. For someone who travels a lot for work, encountering people in different environment, this is a useful feature for me. The hearing aid has tow types of trimmers; you can control the low bass tones with Low Cut (NH) and the overall power of the hearing aid with Maximum Power Output (MPO). You can also control the volume with adjusting the Gain (G) setting.
Another great feature of this hearing aid is its microphone noise reduction technology. This will improve your listening significantly as it clarify speech intelligibility even in the most noisiest environment. The technology also allows no circuit noise to be picked up by the microphone when you’re in a quiet environment.
Audio Input Options
Because the Rexton Arena 1P BTE Hearing Aid is designed for people with moderate to severe hearing loss, the hearing aid boast a variability in its audio input options. There are two basic listening programs; microphone and telecoil. I personally find that by having the telecoil option (which is accessible with a different button switch) it eliminates annoying feedback from the microphone while listening to the other person on the other end of the conversation. The hearing aid is also compatible with commonly used FM systems.
If you’re getting a hearing aid for moderate to severe hearing loss, I highly recommend the Rexton Arena 1P BTE Hearing Aid because of the reliability of the device. It comes with a 1 year warranty and if you get it now at Amazon, you’ll get a 63% discount.
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If your child is suffering from mild to moderately severe hearing loss, the Nexear 900 OTE Hearing Aid can help your child to hear better. Helping your child by getting him or her fitted with a hearing aid will be beneficial for his or her language and communication skills.
Nexear 900 Hearing Aid
Multiple Memories: A Push Away
The great thing about this hearing aid is that you can change the settings of the hearing aid by just pushing a button to go through the different settings; general listening, noise reduction, music listening (my nephew loves this mode), and mute. My nephew said there is immediate hearing correction when you change the listening memories.
There is also no hollow echo effect with this hearing aid. This usually happens when the ear canal is sealed off. Since the Nexear 900 OTE Hearing Aid allows the ear canal to remain open, the device receives natural ambient sounds which eliminate the hollow echo effect.
Wide Dynamic Range Compression (WDRC)
Children are often exposed to different level of noises around them; one minute the class may be quiet while the teacher teaches and the next thing you know, the bells shrilly rings and kids shuffling around to gather their things and go to the next class. This is where the two channel WDRC in the hearing aid would be a help to them. It will amplify softer sounds while reducing louder ones and it’ll return to normal listening almost instantly.
The best thing about this Nexear 900 OTE Hearing Aid, is that it is made to be custom fit and thus can grow together with your child. You can even do it on your own as it is available with three thin tubes and two fitting tips.
To get your Nexear 900 OTE Hearing Aid, visit Amazon for these great deals; free shipping and buy two units for $1259.99 (a single unit will cause you $695).
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The Acoustitone MAX Hearing Aid would be your best bet if you need the most rudimentary hearing aid and at an affordable price.
Acoustitone MAX Hearing Aid
Created for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss
As I mentioned earlier, this is the most basic hearing aid available in the market. It provides about 40dB gain, which is ideal for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. The hearing aid was designed to magnify frequencies that are related with the human voice. This was because this hearing aid is specifically made for senior citizens that need help with listening to the television and people around them.
It May Not Be Suitable for Everyone
The product description stated that the “3 sizes of ear plugs are designed to accommodate most adult ears” but it may not be the case for you. As reviewed by Alan David Owen, the Acoustitone MAX Hearing Aid “is good for someone with a small ear like a child” and this is why hearing aids are meant to be custom fitted. Also, he reported that “If the aid is not seated properly, it begins to create a high pitch sound in the ear causing much discomfort.”
Of course there are other users who rave about the product. The hearing aid works as well as their expansive custom fitted hearing aids does. And of course, they like the fact that it doesn’t cause them an arm and leg to get the hearing aid and that the size 675 batteries are easily available at most drugstores.
If you don’t mind taking a chance with the Acoustitone MAX Hearing Aid, this is a very affordable hearing aid to try on. Retailing at $129.99 per piece, you can get this from Amazon at $89.99 (which is a $40 discount from the retail price). Also, you don’t have to worry about fit since the hearing aid is made to fit both left and right ears.
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In its years of operation, Siemens have been known to manufacture one of the best hearing aids made available in the market. The Siemens Pure 700 BTE RIC Hearing Aid is one of those that I think is the best from the company.
Siemens Pure 700 BTE RIC Hearing Aid
Individuality
This hearing aid was designed by the people at Siemens with the users’ individuality in mind. There are three different power level for the hearing aid so that users can adjust it to their needs, regardless if you have mild, moderate or severe hearing loss. The best thing for me is that the Siemens Pure 700 BTE RIC Hearing Aid remembers your preferences. It will ‘learn’ what is your sound quality and different level of sound preferences.
And because of the company’s concern with the wearer’s individuality in mind, the hearing device comes in different color options. It is available in various natural hair colors and skin tones so that it actually blends into the wearer.
Technologically Advanced
The thing I like most about this hearing device is that it is technology equipped in many ways. I like that they have sudden sharp noise reduction so that you don’t have to endure painful headaches whenever a door is slammed or when the cat decided it wants to claw on your glass door. There is also a sound locating technology in this device which imitates how your ear would differentiate if the sound is coming from behind or in front of you. Other than that, there is also an advance feedback cancellation feature that eliminates unnecessary sound without compromising the quality of your hearing.
The hearing aid can also be connected wireless via its Siemens’ Bluetooth technology. The instrument can be connected to your mp3 player, mobile phone and media player for better listening. I find it convenient if you can connect your hearing aid and mobile phone especially when you’re driving and require as much focus on the road as you can.
Costing nearly to $5000, this is actually a splurge if you were to get it for yourself. However, if you get the Siemens Pure 700 BTE RIC Hearing Aid now from Amazon, you can buy it at $1599, which is a steal from the retail price.
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Now that you have the best hearing aid for you, knowing how to clean and care for them is as important as getting the right device for your own needs. It is important that you take good care of your hearing aid so that it will last longer and performs to its optimum best.
A simple cleaning kit for your hearing aid will be sufficient to keep your device clean and functioning. You will need wax pick, soft cloth, hearing aid brush and hearing aid tube blower.
How to clean the hearing aid:
1. Wipe the outer surface of the hearing aid with a soft cloth to get rid of any body oils or earwax.
2. If there is any earwax accumulated on the ear-mold, remove the wax with a wax pick.
3. Open the battery compartment and remove the battery. Using the brush, brush off any debris in the compartment. Leave the compartment open to dry it out.
4. Place the battery back inside the compartment and use it as you normally would.
Do remember to not pick on any openings in the hearing aids. The internal parts of the hearing aid is sensitive and delicate, making it easier for them to get damaged. If there are any wax build up in any openings, do let your specialist clean it for you.
Never use any chemical solutions to clean your hearing aid. It will only damage the device.
How to clean the ear-mold:
1. Twist the ear-mold tubing and gently pull it away from the ear hook. The end of the ear-mold tube is connected to the ear hook.
2. Check for any earwax build up on the ear-mold. If there are any, use a wax pick to remove it. You can use an old toothbrush for any stubborn wax.
3. Immerse the ear-mold in warm, soapy water. Rinse well.
4. If there are any trapped water, use the blower on one end of the tube. Squeeze to get rid of the water.
5. Leave it to dry overnight.
6. Connect the ear mold back on the hearing aid before using it as usual
Do remember that the only thing that can be immerse in water is only the ear-mold. Even the very best hearing aid would be damaged if immersed in water.
If you’re using two hearing aids, clean them separately to avoid mix ups. Remember to connect the right ear-mold to the right ear hook.
Other tips to be reminded of:
1. Hearing aids never fair well with heat. So do keep your hearing aids away from any direct heat. This includes when you are using a hair dryer or straightening iron.
2. Another extreme would be cold elements. If your hearing aid gets frozen during the winter, simply let it recover by returning it to room temperature. It should be functioning normally after being ‘defrosted’.
3. If you can, avoid wearing your hearing aid in places where the moisture is high. This means no wearing the device in a sauna or during exercising. If your hearing aid happens to get wet, let it dry naturally. Never use a hair dryer to dry out your hearing aid.
4. Take caution to not let your small children and pets get their hands (or paws) on your hearing aid. Also if you can, do not drop your hearing aid.
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With recent health technology developments, there are many hearing aids in different shapes, sizes and models made available to the more audible-challenged consumers. Hearing aids are personal so the best hearing aid for one person, may not be the one for the other person.
Growing up deaf in one ear, I despise the fact that I need to wear a hearing aid to hear better. They were big and uncomfortable. These days, however, there are small almost invisible hearing aids in the market but they are not as powerful, more expensive and have shorter battery life than the older, larger, more visible models.
Here’s a summary of the most common types of hearing aids out there:
Behind The Ear (BTE)
This type of hearing aid has been known to be the best hearing aid because of its versatility, durability and ability to accommodate all types of hearing loss. BTE hearing aids rest behind the ear, picking up sound, amplifies it and carries it to an ear mold that is custom fitted inside your ear canal. Although there are the most largest and visible, new versions of BTE hearing aids are smaller, streamlined and barely visible. Doctors usually recommends parents to get their child fitted for this type of hearing aid as they are the most comfortable. The only cons about this model is that it is vulnerable to sweat and wax.
In The Ear (Full-shell)
People with moderate hearing loss usually use this type of hearing aid, where the aid itself is placed inside the ear of the wearer. The battery life of a full-shell hearing aid lasts longer and are easier to handle. The hearing aid also comes with other features such as volume control, directional microphone and telecoil. You would experience some discomfort with the full-shell hearing aid but it is bearable. Although they are easier to insert into the ear in general, they may not be the best hearing aid for people with smaller ears.
Completely In The Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids are meant for people who wants to improve their mild to moderate hearing loss. It is fitted inside your ear canal and are extremely small, making it invisible to other people. And because it is inside the ear, it is less likely to pick up any wind sound. However, vanity has its price. CIC uses smaller batteries, which means that you need to replace them more often. It also doesn’t have any other extra features, such as volume control or directional microphones.
In The Canal (ITC)
The ITC hearing aid works just like the previously mentioned CIC hearing aid. The only difference is that it’s larger in size and only fits partly in the ear canal. It also inherits the same limitations as the CIC hearing aid but these limitations are less severe. Unlike the CIC hearing aid, the ITC hearing aids to have extra features that most best hearing aids have. The controls may be a little bit harder to adjust than a bigger model because of its size.
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A child’s speech, language, communication skills and learning development are dependent on the child’s hearing ability. So, it is important for parents to identify their child’s disability as early as they can and intervene as soon as you can. An early intervention will affect the child’s disabilities less seriously.
Children suffering from hearing loss do receive sound waves but because of the weakness and distortion of the signals transmitted by their ear drums through the auditory nerves. By getting your child to be fitted with the best hearing aids, it can help him or her improve their hearing. The device will enhance the sound waves to be louder and stronger, making them easier to understand by the auditory nerves.
It is extremely important to get your child to be fitted at the youngest age possible. Researchers found that children fitted with hearing aids before 6 months old develop language, verbal or signed, as they would if they do not have any hearing problems.
So, here are some things for you to consider if your child needs help with their hearing:
* The type and severity of your child’s hearing loss.
* Find a hearing aid that can withstand your child’s level of activities. Also find one that are more resistant to the elements.
* Find hearing aids that have audio ports so that it can be hooked up to radio transmission in classrooms or anywhere else.
* Most hearing aids for children come in a variety of color, so let your kids have fun with them.
Best type of hearing aids for children
Depending on your child’s needs, there are many types of hearing aids that can be appropriate for your child. You should read more on the best hearing aid reviews available before you get one for your child. However, it is common for children to use the behind the ear (BTE) type of hearing aid.
Here are some reasons why that BTE are commonly used:
* It is flexible and can accommodate various ear-mold types.
* As your child grows, you can remake the ear-mold as it can be easily detached from the hearing aid.
* It is easier to cleaned.
* It is easy to use.
* You can easily checked and adjust the controls as they are visible.
* It is easy for you and your child’s caregivers to do listening checks.
* BTE hearing aids have a wide variety of volume and frequency responses.
* It works well for any type and severity of hearing losses.
* Your child will have the privilege to connect their hearing aids to a direct audio input in classrooms.
* Telecoil is an option to be considered with the hearing aid.
* It is sturdy.
Do remember that hearing aids do need time to be gotten use to. So always try to be understanding and loving to your children as they adapt to their new sense of hearing. It is important for parents to motivate, support and participate in your child’s adjustment to the situation. Even if you get the best hearing aid money can buy, it is no use if your child refuses to wear it.
Children may resists the hearing aid they are fitted to because they may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. If your child have hearing aid problems, do get to know them and be involved in solving the problems. This is a good exercise to make your child understand the importance of using the hearing aid in their life.
Now that you know what type of hearing aid is the best for your child, do take time to care and maintain them. This is to ensure that it will work well for your child for a long time. To read more on how to care for hearing aids, click here.
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Hi, welcome to my Best Hearing Aid blog. I’m Clark Lane, a normal guy in every aspect except for one of my ears. Sometime during my teenage years, I started to lose hearing in my ear, and had to wear a hearing aid.
That was a difficult time for me, because the hearing aids back then were large and uncomfortable, not to say ugly looking. I was embarrassed to be different from my friends, for a while. But luckily my outgoing nature took over and I decided I wasn’t going to be a recluse for the rest of my life.
My mum helped a lot too, thanks to her, by telling me in that cheerful way of hers that it’s not the end of the world. I expect that those children who are suffering from hearing loss feel the same way I did, so I often tell parents not to appear overly-worried in front of the child, but instead to encourage wearing of the hearing aid.
The hearing aid is a special device, fitted in or over the ear to amplify and modulate sound for the wearer. It feels similar to wearing an earphone or in-ear headphone, so you can imagine that it could be uncomfortable to wear it for a whole day, everyday.
Nowadays hearing aids are better designed for invisibility and comfort, and there are several types available. The common ones are:
- Behind the ear aids (BTE)
- In the ear aids (ITE)
- Receiver in the canal/ear (RIC/RITE)
- In the canal (ITC)
- Mini canal (MIC)
- Completely in the canal aids (CIC)
In this blog I have written articles about hearing aids, how to buy them, how to clean them, and introduction about types of hearing aids, for adults and for children. I have also written reviews for several brands and models of hearing aids, and will update with new reviews as soon as I can. I hope my blog will help you find the best hearing aid for you or your child. Happy reading then! 