3 Tips to Selecting the Right Hearing Aid

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, your audiologist likely recommended hearing aids as the best treatment option. Hearing aids are incredibly advanced pieces of technology that do not restore a person’s hearing, but make it easier to hear in different listening environments.

Part of ensuring you have a successful experience with hearing aids is selecting the right device for your specific needs and wants. Your audiologist will discuss with you the best options for your particular needs and will work with you to find the perfect solution. When selecting a hearing aid, consider the following three tips to make the decision slightly easier.

Consider your hearing loss severity

The severity of your hearing loss is one of the most important factors in determining which hearing aid is right for you. There are different features and styles to consider and each of these will be impacted by the degree of hearing loss you have. Certain devices are not ideal for individuals with severe hearing loss, while other features remedy this problem. Take into account your hearing loss needs when selecting the right hearing aid for you.

Consider hearing aid styles

Part of selecting the right hearing aid involves choosing the perfect model for your needs. While many individuals prefer something more private like a hearing aid worn in the canal, they may have difficulty handling the tiny devices. Additionally, certain device styles are designed for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, while others cover the spectrum of mild-to-severe hearing loss. Individuals should talk more with their audiologist regarding the best style for their needs.

Consider hearing aid features

Hearing aids can be equipped with a number of different features depending how advanced you need the device to be. When deciding what hearing aid features are right for you, talk with your audiologist about which ones you would benefit most from. Consider the following popular features:

• Bluetooth: This feature enables hearing aids to be connected to other devices with Bluetooth technology making for easier listening through your hearing aids.
• Multi-channel settings: If you are exposed to different listening environments on a daily basis, consider getting a hearing aid with multi-channel settings. This feature will allow your audiologist to program your hearing aid under different settings so you can switch between them for easier listening.
• Noise reduction: Another important feature to consider is noise reduction. This helps when you spend time in group settings or loud environments with loud noises. Noise reduction will work to weed out the extraneous noise and help you hear what you want.

When selecting a hearing aid, consider the above tips to help you get the right device for your needs. Talk more with your audiologist about the style, features and options most important to you and they will work to recommend the best hearing aid for you.