It’s no secret that everyone’s wants and needs are different, especially when it comes to hearing aids. The days of a one-size-fits-all hearing device are long gone, and that’s a great thing! Today’s hearing aid technology has progressed by leaps and bounds, making it easier than ever to get the right hearing aids for your lifestyle and your specific hearing needs.
That being said, there are plenty of factors to consider as you go through the process. We found the following list from AARP to be a helpful place to start.
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Note: Although AARP is known for focusing on issues affecting retired people over the age of 50, hearing aids can be helpful for individuals with hearing loss at any age!
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6 Factors to Consider to Help You Choose the Right Hearing Aids
#1: Enlist the help of a hearing healthcare professional.
Hearing loss treatment is not a DIY activity. Rather, it requires the supervision of a medical professional such as an audiologist. When you work closely with a professional such as this, you’ll have a thorough hearing evaluation to determine the type and extent of your hearing loss. This will then influence the hearing aids or other assistive listening devices that are recommended.
#2: Choose customizable hearing aids.
The right hearing aids for YOU are the ones that work best for YOUR body, YOUR hearing, and YOUR lifestyle. Your audiologist will work closely with you to make sure that the hearing aids you wear have the right acoustic settings for your hearing needs and that they fit your ears comfortably.
#3: Size matters.
Hearing aids have a reputation of being ‘big’, ‘ugly’, or ‘uncomfortable’ but those are NOT the best words to describe today’s hearing aid technology. Instead, you’ll notice that many modern hearing aids can hardly be seen, either because of their style or their actual size. If visibility is a concern for you, have no fear – there are plenty of options that sit discreetly inside or behind the ear, making it possible to wear hearing aids without it being obvious that you’re doing so.
#4: Rechargeable hearing aids are IN.
Individuals with less-than-perfect vision or dexterity may find it frustrating to change out spent hearing aid batteries on a weekly basis. Now, with rechargeable hearing aid models, this no longer has to be a worry. True, they’re a little more expensive up front, but the cost is easily recouped by not having to purchase batteries regularly.
#5: Open-fit hearing aids may be a great option.
If your hearing loss is mild or moderate, open-fit hearing aids may help you hear better and also be discreet at the same time. Open-fit means they sit behind your ear with a small, clear tube and speaker that go inside your ear. Since this type doesn’t completely block your ear canal, you may be able to get natural sounds entering as well, further helping with sound amplification efforts.
#6: The right hearing aids fit your lifestyle.
Are you an avid smartphone user? If so, you may want to consider Bluetooth hearing aids. This wireless technology enables you to stream a phone call directly into your ears by simply pushing a button. You can also connect your hearing aids wirelessly to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as tablets, TVs, computers, and more.
For more factors to consider, read the full article here.
Get the Right Hearing Aids For YOU with the NOW Program
Even working with a hearing health professional, individuals with hearing loss may not always get the right hearing aids on the first try. That’s exactly why we offer the NOW Program, the perfect way to try out a pair of hearing aids for FREE before you commit to buying them. We find that when our clients utilize this service, they’re more satisfied with the hearing aids they ultimately choose. That’s because they’re able to eliminate the models that don’t work as well and instead, pick the right hearing aids for their specific needs and lifestyle.
When you’re ready to find the best hearing aids in Mesa or Scottsdale, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our audiologists are ready to help you at any of our three locations. It’s time to hear well so you can live well!
