4 Tips to Pick the Right Hearing Aid

When it comes to hearing aids, you have many choices. Not only are there different styles available, but there also are several features that can improve your quality of life. Here are four tips to pick the right hearing aid, along with your audiologist’s guidance.

1. Consider the style

There are several styles of hearing aids available, and each has its benefits. Hearing aids can be invisible-in-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear or behind-the-ear styles. Some styles are incredibly small and may require good handwork to change batteries or clean components. Other styles are a little bit more visible, but provide easier handling and cleaning.

Additionally, certain styles work better for certain hearing loss types. Talk more with your audiologist to determine which hearing aid style is the best fit for your hearing loss needs.

2. Evaluate your needs

With many options available on digital hearing aids, you and your audiologist can select the best features for your hearing loss and lifestyle. Today’s units offer directional microphones, noise and feedback reduction, automatic volume control, and a host of other elements. Some units have rechargeable batteries, which helps those with dexterity issues. Are you a sports enthusiast? There are water-resistant hearing aids available. If your work requires you to be on the telephone for long periods of time, a telecoil allow the hearing aid’s processors to pick up a signal and skip the unit’s microphone. Some hearing aids feature Bluetooth and can connect wirelessly with cell phones, mp3 players and TV.

3. Consider cost

It’s easy to feel like a kid in a candy shop when it comes to all the available features in the world of digital hearing aids. While some of these options are “standard” others may add to the cost of your hearing aids. It’s important to assess your needs in line with your budget.

4. Consult with your audiologist

This is the most important tip! Your audiologist has the education, training and guidance to help determine which features are best for you. Once you have your hearing test results, your audiologist will meet with you to discuss styles and features that will improve your hearing health and work within your budget.

As digital technology advances, it’s likely we’ll see more features and improvements. Hopefully these four tips to help you pick the right hearing aid will help you narrow down your needs and give you some ideas to discuss with your audiologist.