Dos and Don’ts of Selecting Your Hearing Aids

So, you have been advised to get a hearing aid. For your hearing health, you should follow the advice given by your audiologist and purchase a hearing aid that is right for you. With the right device, your life will be improved by the enhancement to your hearing, but there are a few do's and don'ts that are worth adhering to when choosing hearing aids.

Consider which hearing aid might be right for you

When choosing a hearing aid, you will have a number of options. These will include hearing aids that are in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) and in the canal (ITC). These will boost your hearing ability but there might be one that is better suited to your circumstances and preferences. Speak to your audiologist about each one, find out more about them and wear them so you know which is the most comfortable. 

Think about features you will need in your everyday life

Not every hearing aid is the same. While they will all enhance your hearing ability, there are some that come with specific features. It's worth talking to your audiologist about these, as there could be some features that are more suited to you than others. 

If you enjoy socializing or if you work in a noisy work environment, you might consider a hearing aid with directional microphones, for example. These will help you pick up the conversations that are happening around you. If you are reliant on your phone for personal or work calls, you might want to talk to your audiologist about hearing aids that will stream your phone calls into your hearing device. 

There might be other features you need, as well as features you don't need, so talk to your audiologist to learn more. 

Let a friend or family member make the final decision

When selecting a hearing aid, you need to consider the advice of your audiologist and your own preferences. While it's perfectly okay to listen to the advice of your friends and family members too, you need to remember that they aren't hearing experts. Remember too that they won't be the people wearing the hearing aid.

So, seek their opinion, but when making the final decision, let it be your own. After all, you know your lifestyle and personal needs better than anybody else and you will know which hearing aid feels the most comfortable.

Rush your decision

The hearing aid you choose needs to be right for you. It needs to be comfortable to wear and have the features you need to suit your lifestyle. You will have a number of options to choose from, so don't rush the decision. Take your time, ask your audiologist as many questions as you need to, and listen to their advice when exploring your options. Your life will be dramatically improved with the right hearing aid, so consider all of your needs to ensure you make the right choice. 

For more advice on selecting the right hearing aid, book an appointment with your audiologist. The sooner you get the ball rolling, the sooner your ability to hear will be improved.