How to Choose the Best Hearing Aids

The decision to get hearing aids is a significant one. However, then you are faced with deciding which hearing aids to get. At Find My Hearing Clinic, we understand that this decision can be overwhelming for someone who has never worn hearing aids. To help you, we have put together some things to consider in this blog. Also, remember that your local, independent hearing care professionals at Find My Hearing Clinic are here to guide you through the process.

Hearing Aid Style

Hearing aids come in a range of different styles. These include types where the whole hearing aid sits in your ear. The range of hearing aids that sit entirely within your ear varies in size from the smallest – invisible-in-canal-hearing-aids, and gradually gets bigger along the spectrum of completely-in-canal, in-the-canal, up to in-the-ear hearing aids which fill up most of your ear. Then there are hearing aids where all the electronics sit behind your ear, called behind-the-ear hearing aids. There is also a type where some of the hearing aid is in your ear, and part of it sits behind your ear. These are called receiver-in-canal hearing aids.
Your audiologist will guide you on which style(s) suit your ear, hearing, and general hearing aid needs. However, if you have a particular preference, make sure you tell your audiologist so they can consider this.

Technology Level

Hearing aids come in various technology levels, from basic to premium. As the hearing aids increase in technology levels, they generally include more features. These features are handy in noisy situations. Part of choosing the right technology level is considering the environments you are in, so think about the situations you spend your time in and discuss this with your audiologist so they can guide you appropriately.

Brand

There is a range of manufacturers of hearing aids, which means there are a few different brands of hearing aids to choose from. The advantage of seeing an independent hearing clinic is that they can work with any hearing aid brand. This enables hearing care professionals from independent hearing clinics to recommend whichever brand best suits your needs. Different brands have their strengths and weaknesses, so there are many considerations about which is best for you. If you have heard of a particular brand you are interested in, let us know, and our audiologists can advise you if that is a good option.

Connectivity

One of the areas in which hearing aids have developed over the last decade is their connectivity to other devices. In a world where we take phone calls, stream music and shows, and watch YouTube, this can be an important consideration when choosing your hearing aid. Some brands and models have more capability in this area than others, and some are better suited to particular types of devices (e.g. Apple v Android). It is a good idea to consider the sources of auditory sound (radio, phone, iPad, computer) you like to listen to so your audiologist can help you choose a hearing aid compatible with these devices. It can be a good idea to write down all the devices you use and take this list to your appointment.

Compatibility with Accessories

Hearing aids can also be compatible with accessory devices like remote microphones and TV streamers. Whether you need these extra devices will depend on your needs and hearing loss. However, your audiologist will consider your possible need for these devices, even if you do not start with these accessories.

Your Preferences

When choosing hearing aids, your preferences and their functionality are important to you. Perhaps you are a music lover or have a particular meeting you struggle to hear at. If you have a specific situation you want to hear better in or preferences, tell your audiologist these things at your appointment. It is a good idea to write these down so you do not forget, along with any questions you have.

We are Here to Help

If this all seems like a lot, do not worry. Your hearing care professional at your local independent hearing clinic has a key role in helping you choose the right hearing aid. They will ask you questions during your appointment and use this information and your test results to guide you. They are here to help you through every step of the way.

If the sounds in your world are not as clear as they used to be, and you have been thinking about getting hearing aids, book an appointment at your local independent hearing clinic. You can find your local clinic through the Find My Hearing Clinic – Clinic Locator