If an audiologist or ENT (ear/nose/throat) doctor has determined that you have suffered some level of hearing loss and need a hearing aid, you may be overwhelmed by all the choices available. But even though some hearing aids have bells and whistles, most standard hearing aids have the same basic features. Here's a quick rundown of those features so you can better understand how your hearing aid can help you.

STANDARD FEATURES

Directional Microphone

Directional microphones are built to help you carry on a conversation with someone else in an environment that is noisy. These microphones fade out audio from behind you and to the side and enhance audio signals directly in front of you. This lets you hear the words of someone with whom you are conversing, while blocking out background noises. Directional microphones are also beneficial when you are watching TV and other sounds are present.

Feedback Reduction

Hearing aids also feature a feedback reducer, which limits the amount of feedback you may receive from nearby devices such as landlines or mobile phones. Feedback can create a distortion in the audio signals you receive, so the feedback reduction feature is designed to mute or reduce the kind of shrill or startling sounds that can play havoc with your hearing aid.

Wax Guard

A wax guard is a small device attached to your hearing aid that helps keep your ear wax away from the actual hearing aid. Ear wax buildup can alter or damage your hearing aid, so the guard is an important feature. However, you must change the guard every few weeks to maintain good hearing aid hygiene.

Automatic Volume Control

Most hearing aids are designed to adjust the volume of incoming audio based on the level of noise in the environment. For example, if you are in a crowded restaurant, the automatic volume control will increase the amplification to account for that environment. The volume control will decrease amplification when you move from a noisy location to one that is quiet.

OPTIONAL FEATURES

Bluetooth

You can add a Bluetooth feature to your hearing aid that lets you use your mobile phone and MP3 players, allowing your hearing aid to double as earbuds that allow you to enjoy music, videos and engage in conversation with friends and family without having to use your hands.

Direct Audio Input

A direct audio input is a microphone that attaches to your hearing aid that plugs into a TV, computer or radio, and allows you to listen to these devices directly through your hearing aid. For more information, contact a business such as Acute Hearing Inc.