On average, people wait seven years from the time they know they need a hearing aid to when they actually buy one. Seven years!
And most of that wait is due to anxiety over the way it will look or its comfort level.
But you don’t have to wait that long to get the quality of hearing you deserve. When you know how to choose the best hearing aid for you, the decision becomes so much easier.
Let’s look at how you can find the hearing aid that’s best for you.
Find the Right Fit and Size
Hearing aids are not a one size fits all deal. They come in a wide array of sizes and special fits to maximize the best quality of sound for your hearing needs.
Some are very small, almost invisible in the ear. And they go up in size to those that fit behind the ear and supply a tube that runs into your ear canal.
These designs are specifically made for different levels of hearing loss. Generally, the smaller the device, the less powerful they’ll be. An audiologist can help you find the right balance between discreteness and the level of power needed.
There are 5 different types, listed from smallest to largest:
- Completely In-the-Canal
- In-the-Canal
- Traditional In-the-Ear
- Mini Behind-the Ear
- Traditional Behind-the-Ear
Weighing out the pros and cons of each will help you decide which type and size is best for your hearing loss.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Just like any other piece of technology, hearing aids are coming out with more and more added features. And these features can help boost the effectiveness of your hearing aid.
Hearing aid options can include directional microphones, noise reduction, direct audio input, and variable programming. If you’re smartphone savvy, you can even control your hearing aid features on your mobile device.
But it all comes down to your lifestyle. Homebodies will have different needs than those who are more active. Others will want to focus more on hearing the television versus those who need to hear better in a crowd. It all comes down to your priorities, which your audiologist can help you sort through.
Look at Reviews
Sure, the manufacturer says their hearing aid is the best, but what do their customers say about it? Looking at product reviews is key to finding out how others who have come before you feel about their hearing aid.
You can go onto consumer websites to find reviews. They publish customer comments or product review articles to help you gain info, read more here for a great example.
Or ask a friend who wears a hearing aid. They might have insight that you haven’t thought of yourself.
Ask for a Trial Period
It may look good on paper, but how does it really hold up in your everyday life? No matter how much research you do, nothing can take the place of actually trying the product out for yourself.
Try the device on. See how it feels in your ear. Ask the audiologist to adjust the setting to your specific needs.
The longer you’re able to wear it, the more you’ll be able to know how it will work for you. If possible, it’s best to try it out for a day or two. Wear it to different places and see how it will sound in different situations you run into during your everyday life.
There’s a Hearing Aid Perfect for You
Don’t let anxiety keep you from hearing your loved ones another day. Take these steps to help you find the hearing aid that is right for you.
Anxious over more than just your hearing aid? Check out these tips to help calm your nerves today!
