Hearing aids are quite the life-altering decision in one’s life. You want to make sure you’re picking one that best enhances your life, and does what you need it to do. Everyone’s hearing difficulties differ, and so everyone’s hearing aids will be different as well. You might ask a colleague or a friend to recommend a brand or a model, but it might not work best for you.
The safest way to go about it is to ensure that the hearing aid you pick is best suited to your needs. This is why you will need to compare the options you have on different parameters and pick the best of the lot. Here’s a simple comparison guide along with some examples.
What to base your hearing aid comparisons on?
You want comfort with your hearing aid above all else. Both the physical properties of the model you pick and its acoustic ability will decide its overall comfort and usage. Besides this, your lifestyle and manual dexterity skills help determine which hearing aid will best suit you.
How hearing aids work is by cutting off background noise and amplifying the sounds coming your way. Essentially, making sounds louder and easier to understand. You can go to your ENT specialist, or hearing aid specialist, and get a hearing aid. This will then be altered on many parameters to help you decide what you need help with the most. Depending upon this data, you can pick from the many options you have.
Start with the types
Here are the various types of hearing aids, depending upon whether they’re worn on or in the ear.
Behind the ear – mini
You have probably heard of this as the receiver in canal (RIC) or canal receiver technology (CRT). In these kinds of hearing aids, the receiver sends the sounds directly to the inner canal. It’s made using a custom-made mold of your ear and sits behind connected to the receiver via a thin wire. It is barely visible outside and doesn’t make the wearer feel plugged up. However, it does have a limited life due to wax buildup and moisture getting into the receiver.
Behind the ear – traditional
This is the not-so-mini version. In this hearing aid, all parts are placed inside a container that’s worn behind the ear. A small wire connects the case to the receiver and the earmold worn inside the ear. This is best reserved for those with a severe hearing loss because it has considerable amplifying properties. Controls are easy to understand and use as well. There’s also next to no feedback because the fitting is custom.
Completely in the canal (CIC)
This one fits deep inside the ear, it has zero visibility. The lister also has no feedback during calls, since it is away from all noise. It’s also less sensitive to other white sounds such as wind. However, it is all too small for any directional listening.
Not to mention that wax and moisture could severely hamper its life. It’s also a task to handle and remove the aid, and it requires frequent battery changes. This is best suited for those suffering from a mild hearing problem.
Picking the right one
From the many options you have, it’s simple to decide which one would best suit you. Besides, some of the modern hearing aids come with added features. Everything from external volume control, to directional hearing.
Depending upon the severity of your hearing loss, you can even pick those that indicate battery shortage, or hearing aids that specifically avoid the rapid buildup of wax.
If you’re confused about the kinds of providers there are, refer to an audiologist. Any test he or she conducts will help determine if there are any underlying problems with your hearing loss, and which brand and model can help you out the best.
Beltone and Miracle Ear Hearing are two of the most popular and preferred brands. Hear is a website wherein through everything they have to offer, and simply pick one that you like best.
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Features for lease deals: Chevy Equinox and Chevy Traverse
Read moreThere are certain features of the Chevy Equinox and the Chevy Traverse that are considered to be deal makers when it comes to looking for Chevy lease deals.
Some of these features are:
Powertrain
The Chevrolet Traverse comes with the LLT engine, with a capacity of 3,564 cc (3.564 L; 217.5 cu in) DOHC V6 with VVT. There is also the direct injection. Other Lambda-based vehicles also showcase this powertrain in the 2009 model year. Power to the front and all the wheels of the vehicle are provided with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse further boasts of 281 horse power (210 kW) with the torque at 266 pounds per feet in the LS and LT models. The LTZ model offers a dual exhaust along with the delivery of 288 horse power (215 kilo Watt) and torque that comes in at 270 pounds per feet.
Design
The name Traverse was used initially as a concept car during the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This concept was replaced by the launch of the Chevrolet Equinox 2005 model year. Inspired by the 2005 sequel concept, the production Traverse’s design has a chevron-shaped grille that is very similar to the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The Traverse comes with a unique sheet metal that is very different from the other Lambda crossovers, except for the doors, which have been kept pretty similar.
Marketing
The NBC drama My Own Worst Enemy showcased the Chevy Traverse as an example of product placement by General Motors, along with the new Chevrolet Camaro. However, the show was canceled in mid-November 2008 due to various reasons.
The Chevy Traverse then made a come back in the series called The Mentalist and also on the remake of Hawaii Five-0.
Dealers who give Chevy traverse lease deals often mention that contrary to popular belief, the Traverse is not really named after the city in Michigan state, Traverse City.
Some features to remember for the Chevy Traverse are the 2009 single exhaust model that comes with a 3.6 L LLT V6 engine and 6 speed 6T75 transmission.
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Smallest Compact Cars
Read moreIn large, bustling cities that come with the typical lack of space, huge traffic jams during rush hours and mismanaged parking spots, compact cars really do make a world of difference. Small, compact cars can help slip through short, narrow lanes, though perhaps not as well as a two wheeler would. The aim is to spot that one compact car that focusses on all your needs and also helps stay sane in the city traffic and can squeeze into the shortest drive ways.
One of the smallest cars was seen in the UK, the original Smart Fortwo that could be parked at right angles to the kerb. It was long instead of being wide. Here are other similar compact cars to consider:
Renault Twizy hatchback
Perhaps the tiniest, narrowest car in its segment, the RenualtTwizy is only 2,338mm long and has a seating arrangement wherein passengers sit one behind another. A kitschy all-electric car, the Renault Twizy has no side doors or windows, but it certainly is eye catching. A standard, Spartan interior with a tweak makes this vehicle little more practical than a two wheeler like a scooter. The interiors tend to get cold in the winter month, but summer months are comfortable. It is a tiny vehicle, probably not the most practical for someone looking for a compact car in the broadest send of the word. It’s easy to clean though!Smart ForTwo hatchback
Smart ForTwo is probably the first car one thinks of when talking about compact cars. It is hard to imagine how Smart managed it – even the latest, slightly larger model is very tiny. From nose to tail, the car measures about 2,695mm and happens to be just small enough for perpendicular parking. The name Smart ForTwo itself suggests that it has a seating for two people only, while its bigger contemporary, the Smart ForFour seats about 4 people and is bigger in size with a surprisingly large boot that is comparable to the Ford Fiesta.
The Smart ForTwo, however, comes with a clever crosswind assistant that helps the vehicle remain unaffected as it drives through winds at a high speed.