How to Buy the Best Hearing Aids

September 10, 2024

With so many options on the market today, finding the best hearing aids for you can seem overwhelming. 

Choosing the right hearing aid can make a significant difference in your quality of life. That’s where the experts at Academy Hearing come in. 

Our experienced team understands that everyone has different hearing needs and helps find the best solutions for each person. Academy Hearing is here to ensure you find the perfect fit for you. By offering guidance and ongoing support, we aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

Here are some tips from the professionals at Academy Hearing to help you navigate your options and find the best hearing aids for you:

1. Consult a Hearing Health Professional

Professional Assessment: The first and most crucial step in finding the right hearing aid is a comprehensive hearing test. A hearing clinic can determine the type and extent of your hearing loss and recommend the best hearing aids for your needs. Based on this assessment, they will recommend the best hearing aids that match your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. 

2. Understand Your Hearing Needs

Lifestyle Considerations: Think about how and where you would typically use your hearing aids. Do you need them for conversations in noisy environments, watching TV, or other specific activities?

Degree of Hearing Loss: Hearing loss varies from person to person. Hearing aids come in different styles and strengths. Your level of hearing loss will help decide which type is best for you.

Physical Limitations: Some types of hearing aids are easier to put in and take out. This is helpful for people who have trouble with their hands and can’t get help from others.

3. Types of Hearing Aids

There are a few different types of hearing aids to choose from. Make sure to talk to your audiologist about what would be best for you.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Visible but powerful and suitable for all types of hearing loss.

In-the-Ear (ITE): Custom-fitted, good for mild to severe hearing loss.

In-the-Canal (ITC): Less visible than ITE and good for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC): Discreet and suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC): Discreet and suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. The most preferred style to preserve and utilize any ‘good’ hearing someone may still have. 

4. Features to Consider

You can also weigh the different features that are available in hearing aids. 

Digital vs. Analog: Digital hearing aids offer more precise sound quality and custom settings compared to analog ones. Majority of hearing aids today are digital. 

Bluetooth: For streaming audio from phones or other devices directly to your hearing aids.

Directional Microphones: Helps focus on sounds coming from specific directions, reducing background noise and enhancing clarity of speech.

Noise Reduction: Reduces background noise, improving clarity in noisy environments.

Rechargeable Batteries: Convenient and environmentally friendly compared to disposable batteries.

5. Comfort and Fit

Choosing comfortable hearing aids is important, because if you don’t like them, you may not wear them. 

Try Different Models: Comfort is crucial, so try different styles and sizes to see what feels best.

Custom Impressions: Some hearing aids are custom-made from molds of your ears, which can improve fit and comfort.

6. Check the Warranty and Service

Make sure you know what the warranty on your chosen hearing aid is, so you can make an informed decision.

Warranty and Loss and Damage Policies: Look for hearing aids with a comprehensive warranty that covers repairs and replacements.

Service and Support: Ensure that your provider offers good customer service and support for adjustments and maintenance. Hearing aids are an investment that require regular maintenance and adjustments. You should not be charged for every visit to your clinic. 

7. Consider the Cost

Budget: Hearing aids can be expensive, so consider your budget and check for any private insurance support.  The clinic will also confirm any government or third party assistance based on age or work injury.

Financing Options: Some providers offer financing plans to make the cost more manageable. Even if it is not advertised, always ask if it is needed. 

8. Trial Period

Testing the Aids: Many providers offer an in clinic demo prior to purchase and a trial period upon purchase. Use this time to test how well the hearing aids work in your everyday life and make adjustments as needed. Be sure to attend regular follow-up appointments to make the best of your trial period.

9. Read Reviews and Get Recommendations

User Feedback: Look for reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who use hearing aids. Just keep in mind that hearing aids are based on everyone’s unique needs, wants and hearing loss.  Your situation will never be exactly the same as another person's.

10. Follow-Up Care

Regular Check-ups: It is important to get follow-up care from your hearing clinic. This is because adjustments will need to be made to your hearing aids as your hearing needs change.

By carefully considering these factors and working closely with a professional, you can find a hearing aid that enhances your hearing and fits your lifestyle. 

Hearing aid companies offer different products in various styles and technologies to meet everyone's needs and budgets. They each have a unique approach to hearing loss that sets them apart much like ReSound’s emphasis on organic hearing.

Be sure to pick a clinic that makes you feel heard and cared for and everything else will fall into place. 

Contact us today for a free hearing test and consult, we’d love to meet you.

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No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.