Which Hearing Aid is Right For Me?

Undoubtedly, hearing aids have a bad reputation. For one, when you mention a hearing aid, many people think of the old and awkward hearing aids that hung outside the ear. Those types of hearings aids were functional but just didn’t look great or comfortable. Over the past few years, this has changed tremendously. Research has also helped improve the kind of hearing aids we see today. Within the past few years, technology has made leaps and bounds with hearing aids even including wireless type features such as a Bluetooth.  

Like any technology, it should go without saying that not every hearing aid is the same. There are many different manufacturers out there with their own research and design implemented within their brand. You also have to take into account the individual differences associated with hearing loss. Not every person will experience hearing loss the same way either. So, how do you pick the “best” hearing aid?  

What is the best hearing aid?

Simply put, the best hearing aid available on the market today is the one that works best for you and your hearing scenario. Don’t get caught up on particular models or brands of hearing aids. You can always try a certain hearing aid and not like it. Different people will respond to different hearing aids differently due to the individual nature of hearing loss. Always try to keep that in mind and don’t get discouraged if you don’t find a hearing aid that feels perfect right away. 

Anyone working in the health care field will tell you that the options for hearing aids are just as varied as the types of hearing loss they cover. Selecting a perfect hearing aid can be very much a trial and error experience. There’s also the process of fitting the hearing aid – this is another journey you don’t want to rush since you want the aid to be comfortable while you’re wearing it. The hearing aid will be a part of your life for many hours every day. Take this into consideration while fitting a hearing aid and take your time. 

Finding the right audiologist

Perhaps more important than the actual hearing aid itself is finding a good doctor. In the field of hearing loss, these doctors are called audiologist. A good audiologist will guide you through the selection of a hearing aid. The doctor will also help you program your hearing aid to your specific hearing needs. You will want to check out the reviews or testimonials for your audiologist and make sure he or she is familiar with the wide array of devices on the market today. If they have knowledge of many models, they will be much more equipped to handle your specific needs.  

The right hearing professional will understand that hearing loss consists of a lot of factors. These factors must also be considered when choosing a hearing aid style. Is the hearing aid easy to turn on or is it easy to change the batteries? If you face vision issues, you may not be able to see smaller parts or switches. These lifestyle questions will be extremely important when selecting the perfect hearing aid. Be sure to discuss these options with your audiologist and you’ll be well on your way to selecting the right hearing aid for your unique needs.