Finding the right hearing aid is no easy task. In fact, it can be downright overwhelming. Once you begin your preliminary search, you might quickly be overcome by all of the different types of devices, the different technologies to consider, and the options that are available to you.
A hearing aid can help you hear better, but to ensure superior performance, you need to ensure that you buy a device that is exactly right for your needs and hearing requirements.
Before continuing on with your search for a hearing aid, read this ultimate guide for tips on choosing the right hearing aid for you.
Find the right hearing aid provider
You might know that your hearing is muffled and that you need a hearing aid to improve your quality of life. But in order to choose the right one, you must understand your exact hearing requirements. Your hearing is as distinct as your fingerprint, so it’s important to find the right hearing aid provider and begin with a diagnostic hearing evaluation to find out exactly what you need from your new hearing aid.
Associated Audiologists is a professional practice with doctoral-level audiologists on staff who can help evaluate your hearing needs and help you find the best hearing aid for your unique needs. Working with the right provider is critical to finding the right hearing aid.
Insist on the highest standard of care
The audiologist you choose as your partner when buying a hearing aid should use specialized equipment for diagnostic and verification, such as speech mapping features and a real-ear probe microphone, to ensure that your hearing aids perform optimally while in your ear.
Consider your lifestyle
For optimal performance, your new hearing aids should match your lifestyle. Because there are multiple options to choose from, you will be able to find a hearing aid that suits your lifestyle requirements. For example, there are hearing aids for an active lifestyle, a casual lifestyle, and a quiet lifestyle, and some brands are more durable than others.
To ensure you get the right hearing aid, it’s important to work with a qualified audiologist that has the flexibility and choices from respected manufacturers that you need.
Consider technology
There have been a number of advances in hearing aid technology. You can now find a multitude of different features in a wide range of hearing aids that will help you hear better in any given listening situation. For example, some include a wind reduction system and some can be connected to your smartphone, while others will have better noise reduction technology and others still will have self-learning features.
Your audiologist will work with you to determine which hearing aid technology features would benefit you.
Expect an assessment period
Your new hearing aids should improve your quality of life and help you hear better.Most state laws require at least a 30-day assessment period. During this period of time, if you aren’t doing well, or aren’t satisfied, you should be able to consider another recommendation or return the devices. In most cases, if returned, a portion of the amount may be non-refundable to cover professional services, shipping/handling, or re-stocking fees if applicable.
Avoid online purchases
Online shopping may be convenient for a wide variety of products, but hearing aids should only be purchased following, a face-to-face evaluation and consultation. Your new hearing aids must be custom-fitted to your precise hearing needs. Online purchases and off-the-shelf products will result in less-than-optimal hearing performance. You should only purchase a hearing aid from a licensed, authorized professional after a face-to-face meeting.
The doctoral-level audiologists at Associated Audiologists can help you find the right hearing aid for your unique needs. Request a consultation today to get started.
