How to Choose a Hearing Aid

One of the best things about today’s hearing aid technology is that patients have more choice. Hearing aids come in all sizes, fit and even colors. They address different individual lifestyle needs, and with the addition of smart technology, they offer even more personalization than ever before. How do you choose? Here are some tips.

Meet with a hearing care professional. Your hearing care professional is your guide and partner during this journey to improve your hearing. They have the expertise not only in hearing aid technology but know your medical history and individual hearing needs. Your hearing care professional will work with you to make the best choice. They also work with you after purchase to adjust your hearing aids for fit and function to ensure optimal comfort and performance.

Determine the type of hearing loss. The type and degree of your hearing loss will also drive what hearing aid technology you choose. Your hearing exam will reveal this information to your hearing care professional who can then guide you to the hearing aids that will work best.

Match your lifestyle. Hearing aids are not one-size-fits-all. Hearing aids are designed also to match the patient’s lifestyle. Your hearing care professional will also ask you about your activities, occupation and the types of listening scenarios you encounter most often. To prepare, come to your appointment with a list of the scenarios that you are finding the most difficult.

Style of hearing aid. Hearing aids have different functionality features and also offer different options for wearing, such as:

• Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
• In-the-canal (ITC)
• In-the-ear (ITE)
• Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)
• Behind-the-ear (BTE)

These vary in style from the smallest and completely invisible completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid to variations of the conventional behind-the-ear style. Hearing aid color is often customizable so you can choose discreet skin tones or even bright colors depending on your preference.

The first step for choosing a hearing aid is to make an appointment with a hearing aid professional. Their professional guidance will allow you to make a sound choice and their follow up services will help you make adjustments to the aids to ensure you are hearing at your best.