4 Tips on How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid for You

Deciding to get a hearing aid is a big step and a big choice. However, there are so many options that it can become quite overwhelming to know which hearing aid to pick and, really, what hearing aid is actually going to work for you and your lifestyle. How do you know you are choosing the right hearing aid for you? Here are four tips to consider when choosing the right hearing aid for you.

1. Your lifestyle. It is very important to consider your entire lifestyle. You need to think about where you will be using your hearing aids daily as well as what you do on occasion. Consider all aspects of your life. Consider the people you are around on a daily and not so daily basis. Consider the places you go and the things that you do daily and not so daily. Think about the areas of your life that you know you need hearing aids as well as the areas of your life that may benefit from hearing aids. As you go over your lifestyle jot down any questions or concerns you may have so that you can bring them up to your audiologist during your hearing aid choosing process.
2. Functions you require. Consider the functions you need to have in your hearing aids. How many different programs would you like for the different environments you are in throughout your day or week? Do you want to be able to change the volume manually on your hearing aids? Do you need Bluetooth connection? Consider feedback and noise cancelling features. When considering the functions you want your hearing aid to have you must consider your daily life and lifestyle in general. Do you really need all of the bells and whistles or would basic functions work just fine? Sometimes less is more.
3. Cost. Cost is one of the most important things to consider. Can you afford to purchase the high end, all the bells and whistles type hearing aid; do you also really need it? How much does your insurance company cover, if anything? Are there payment plans? Consider all options when it comes to the cost of your hearing aids. Also consider what you really need out of your hearing aids and what you can do or live without.
4. What you want versus what you need. It is important to think about what you really want in you hearing as well as the hearing style versus what you really need and can handle in you hearing aid. How is your dexterity? Are you able to change the batteries or would a rechargeable hearing aid system work better for you? Do you need a hearing aid that has 14 different functions or one with just two or three?

If you have any questions about hearing aids or their functions, talk more with your audiologist to understand what the best options are for your specific needs.