Hearing is an important sensory function of every person. It allows the person to properly communicate with others and lets him/her become aware of his/her surroundings.

Experiencing hearing loss can be very stressful for a person. First of all, the person will have a hard time communicating efficiently with others. This inability to express his/her feelings will lead to frustration, anger, and irritability. If not treated immediately, hearing loss can ultimately lead to isolation, depression, social rejection and withdrawal from social situations.

Having your hearing – or your loved one’s – tested at the first sign of hearing loss is very important. The symptoms or effects of hearing to a person can easily be mistaken as something else, usually dementia and other disease and impairment often found in elderly people. This mistake will further aggravate the problem and will do no good for the affected person.

Hearing tests and hearing aid assessments are provided by audiology clinics, some as quick as a few minutes while some takes about one hour or two, providing you with an opportunity to freely talk to their audiologists. These tests and assessments measure the extent of your hearing loss to see whether or not you should wear hearing aids.

Hearing aids are available in many different types, sizes, shapes and models. Most manufacturers make them in both programmable and non-programmable versions.

Here are the different types:

1.    BTE – Behind the Ear
2.    ITC – In the Canal
3.    ITE – In the Ear
4.    CIC – Completely in the Canal
5.    IIC – Invisible in Canal
6.    Extended Wear
7.    OTE – Over the Ear
8.    Disposable
9.    BAHA – Bone Anchored Hearing Aid

There are also body aids available for those who are physically incapable of using a hearing aid. Hearing aids have gone through quite an overhaul in the past years, transforming from bulky devices to slim and hassle-free ear pieces.

One major concern for people suffering hearing loss is the high hearing aid prices. The more high-tech the device you need, the more expensive it is. Hearing aids are not covered by health insurance plans, making it a problem especially for those who have limited income because of unemployment due to their inability to work brought about by their hearing loss.

Fortunately, there are some clinics that offer lower hearing aid prices compared to other stores selling these devices. However, buyers are warned to be careful in trusting stores and clinics that offer low prices as the products they sell may have some defects which are why they are selling them for less than the usual price. Remember to make sure the store you are buying these devices from have the required certification as entailed by your government.

Buying a hearing aid may provide long term solutions to your hearing problems. Don’t let hearing loss get in the way of your social relationships and the things you want to do. With technology evolving every day, there will always be a way to hear.

Author is an experienced Health writer. The article tells about the features and usage of Hearing aid, Hearing aid prices, Hearing aids and Hearing center.