You’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in your hearing health! Now it’s time to choose a new hearing aid, a job that might seem a little overwhelming. While choosing the device you’re going to wear every day for the next 5 years is a daunting task, all you need to know is a few simple do’s and don’t to make the right decision.
Do Shop with a Friend
There’s nothing like a second opinion, and who better to give you advice than a close friend, loved one or spouse? If you’re shopping for a new hearing aid, it’s a good idea to enlist help. You can do some research together, discuss hearing aid styles, and decide what features are most important to you. Bring them along on the day you visit the audiologist. Two people will hear and remember more than one, so you’ll have help taking in all the information you’ll get, and also have someone to discuss the big decision with.
Don’t Choose a Hearing Device Until You Know What You Want
There’s a lot of selection when it comes to hearing aids. First you need to decide what programs and features are important to you, and will match your hearing needs and lifestyle. Ask yourself a few questions. Do you lead an active life or are you often at home where it’s quiet? Are you often in places with a lot of background noise? Do you have difficulty following conversations? What do you want from your hearing aid? Whatever your hearing needs, there are programs designed to make it easier for you to hear in any listening environment.
After you know your priorities, it’s time to think about style. Hearing aids come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from sleek Behind the Ear devices to In the Ear hearing aids, and even tiny devices that sit within your ear cannel and are nearly invisible. Some are more powerful, so it depends on your level of hearing loss, and the power requirements of your desired programs, what hearing aid style will be the best for you.
Don’t Buy a Hearing Aid Before Getting a Hearing Test
While this seems like a no brainer, many people are now purchasing hearing devices online, or looking for hearing aids in outlet stores to cut down costs. While you might think this is a great idea for your bank account, it’s the worst thing you can do for your hearing health. Getting a hearing test is the first step towards finding a hearing aid that will actually help you hear, that will match your hearing needs, and that will be a great tool rather than just a hassle. No one wants to invest in a hearing aid and then discover it’s not powerful enough to help you hear, or that it doesn’t fit your hearing needs. At My Hearing Centers we offer comprehensive hearing assessments, including a medical history and a discussion about your hearing needs and lifestyle, so you’ll have all the information you need to make the right choice.
Do Pick a Trusted Hearing Provider
One of the most important parts of choosing a new hearing aid is using the services of a reputable hearing health professional. You need to know you can trust the advice you’ve been given, and that you’ll have access to all the follow-up services you’ll need. At My Hearing Centers, we are able to give you the best advice about your hearing aid options, and you can be sure we are invested in finding the perfect device for you. After you’ve selected your hearing aid, we’ll be with you on your journey to hearing health, from fittings to follow-up consultations. We also recommend yearly checkups, and are available anytime you’re having trouble with your device or your hearing health.
Don’t Rush the Decision
Choosing new hearing aids is an important decision, and we want to make sure you make the right choice. When buying hearing aids, take the time to ask all your questions, and make sure you’re getting the device you want. At My Hearing Centers we’ll help you find all the answers, and give you the best advice so you’ll be happy with your hearing aids for years to come.