How to choose hearing aid types

Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting Americans. As an August, 2010 article in USA Today points out, hearing loss can even be common in young people, affecting nearly 20 percent of American adolescents. When a person loses enough of their hearing function, they may gain significant benefit from sound amplification. For that reason, physicians and audiologists frequently prescribe hearing aids to help improve their patients' hearing. Hearing aids come in multiple varieties to fit different hearing abilities and preferences.

Things You'll Need

• Hearing test
• Computer
• Hearing aid catalogue
• Newspaper

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Instructions

• 1

  Get a hearing test. Whether or not a person needs hearing aids depends on the results of a hearing test. Also, as the test determines hearing ability, it can help the audiologist recommend the appropriate hearing aid type.

• 2

  See a doctor for an ear examination. People with abnormal hearing tests should see a doctor to make sure that their hearing loss is not due to a treatable condition. Also, the physician may help guide you toward a particular type of hearing aid.

• 3

  Discuss options with an audiologist. Although they are not licensed to practice medicine, audiologists are very knowledgeable about hearing and can help choose a hearing aid type. The American Academy of Audiology website provides a listing of local audiologists based on the zip code.

• 4

  Locate a hearing aid distributor. The classified section of a local newspaper has listings of hearing aid distributors.

• 5

  Determine your preference. After receiving guidance from the physician, audiologist and distributor about the different available options for a given hearing ability, it is up to the individual to choose a hearing aid type. People can choose from some basic hearing aid categories. Behind-the-ear models generally offer the greatest amplification. Inside-the-ear models may have less amplification but are more aesthetically pleasing.