Buying hearing aids is a step in the right direction. Needless to say, you want to be sure that your new hearing aids will give you the best possible service. Beyond this though, you want to be assured that they will continue to provide you with a quality hearing experience for some time to come. The question is, how do you make sure that your new hearing aid will be a perfect fit for you today and into the future.
It all begins with testing
Your first concern should always be that you have the proper hearing aid for your particular condition. Not all hearing aids are created equal and some are better suited for certain hearing problems than others. This means you need a full hearing assessment from a qualified audiologist. They then will help you narrow your choices to what will work best for you.
Lifestyle options
After your condition is properly diagnosed and the best hearing aids for it have been determined it is important to consider your lifestyle. No two people live identical lives and your likes and dislikes will impact how happy you are with your hearing aids. Do you enjoy spending time swimming or surfing? If you do then a waterproof unit would be best. Do you like to go on multi-day hikes in the bush? Long battery life may be a primary concern then.
Appearance and price
As you and your audiologist narrow your options two things that will come into play are price and appearance. These two go hand in hand. The smaller less obtrusive units are, may cost more depending on the technology inside. While the larger hearing aids, like behind the ear models, are generally less expensive.
Try before you buy
This is almost a must. Be sure the clinic you are working with allows a trial period. A good audiologist will properly fit and adjust your hearing aid but it is rare that anything is perfect at the first try. Minor setting and fitting adjustments may be needed as you become accustomed to wearing your new hearing aid in real-world situations. A trial period gives you and your audiologist time to make sure you are truly happy with the choices you have made.