How to Buy a Hearing Aid

People who need hearing aids often have to overcome some internal resistance to this option, even when their hearing loss is profound. Many people are reluctant to admit that their hearing is less than perfect. Others are concerned about appearances. They worry that hearing aids are large and cumbersome. Yet a wide variety of these devices are on the market. Choosing requires patience and advice.

Conduct a Search

• Begin your search for a hearing aid by looking for locations that might dispense such devices, such as audiologists’ offices. Audiologists are health care technicians who specialize in identifying and treating hearing loss. You can also look for places online, but you will still need hearing tests and fitting arrangements before you can buy an appropriate hearing aid.

Get Tested

• Take a hearing test in an audiologist’s office. The results of this test will determine which ears demonstrate a hearing deficit and also show how profound the deficits are. You may need a hearing aid in only one ear or in both. Modern test are so precise that they can reveal the types of sounds that your ears cannot hear. For example, some people may hear high-pitched sounds very easily but miss sounds in the bass range.

Review Different Models

• Test the different styles of hearing aids available. Four common styles are distinguished by their location. The completely-in-the-canal hearing aid fits inside your auditory canal and is least noticeable. An in-the-canal hearing aid does not fit as deeply in the canal and is harder to use with telephones. A full-shell hearing aid fits in the bowl-shaped part of your outer ear but may have knobs for adjusting the volume and directional microphones as well. Behind-the-ear devices come with similar features but can amplify sound better.

Talk About Money

• Ask your audiologist about insurance and payment plans. Compare each model’s service agreements. Many hearing aids come with trial periods, during which time you may get a refund if you are not happy with performance or with the way it fits in your ear. Inquire about warranties that would replace damaged or lost hearing aids.

Get Fitted

• Let the audiologist make a mold of your inner and outer ear after you pay for it. He will submit this information to the manufacturer so an exact fit can be prepared for your ears. This is an important step, because a poor fit will discourage you from using your hearing aid. When the hearing aid arrives, your audiologist will instruct you on how to wear it.