How to Choose the Right Assistive Listening Device
How to Choose the Right Assistive Listening Device
Hearing loss is a natural part of aging, but finding the right solution doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the recent availability of Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aids, seniors now have more affordable and accessible options than ever before.
1. Determine Your Need Level
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, an OTC hearing aid might be perfect.
- For Professional Sound and App Support: The Jabra Enhance Select 700 is highly recommended for its professional-grade audiology support via a smartphone app.
- For Budget-Friendly Simplicity: If you just want a straightforward volume boost without fiddling with apps, the Audien Atom Pro 2 is incredibly small and affordable.
- For the Best of Both Worlds: The Lexie B2 (Powered by Bose) allows you to administer a self-fitting hearing test to customize your sound profile.
2. Consider Specific Situations (Like Watching TV)
Sometimes the issue isn’t hearing in general, but hearing specific things—like dialogue on the television. Instead of buying a hearing aid, many seniors find success with dedicated TV devices.
The Sony Wireless TV Headphones are the top-rated choice for this. They allow the wearer to listen at a high volume while the rest of the room hears the TV normally (or completely muted).
3. Think About Discretion
If you are self-conscious about wearing a hearing device, consider invisible options. The Eargo 8 is a premium device that sits completely hidden inside the ear canal while offering advanced sound environment adjustments.
Summary
Don’t let hearing loss isolate you from conversations or your favorite entertainment. Start by identifying the situations where you struggle the most, and choose a device tailored to that specific need.