Losing your hearing is no fun, but if you’ve been told you need hearing aids, it’s important to remember that this is a positive thing.
The right hearing aid will substantially restore your hearing, and in doing so, simultaneously restore a quality of life you may not have even known you’d lost.
There’s an emphasis on the word ‘right’, however. Hearing aids are very individual pieces of equipment; you need to make sure you’re wearing a model that’ll fit you, and that’s the challenge.
Not to worry, though. In this article, you’ll learn how to find the perfect model in just a few easy points!
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Getting a Hearing Test
You’ll have already had a hearing test to determine that you need hearing aids in the first place, but you’ll likely need a more in-depth one to figure out what sort of hearing aids you need.
There are many different hearing aid drivers available (the main functional component of the device), and each one is tuned slightly differently. This is the most important element to get right with any hearing aid, so your audiologist will take their time with it.
The Different Types of Hearing Aids
There are three main types of hearing aids. Firstly, there are behind-the-ear models, which sit directly behind the main part of the ear and then have an internal part that goes inside the ear canal. Then, there are in-the-ear types, which are the more discreet, but don’t have as many features as behind-the-ear models.
Finally, there are in-the-canal types, which are the most discreet, but usually offer the least features.
What’s best for you will be down to both your specific needs and how much you care about the device being visible, and then finding a happy medium.
Accounting for Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is also a crucially important part of choosing a hearing aid.
For example, if you’re always out playing sports or attending your local gym, selecting hearing aids for active lifestyles is critical so that you know your model can sustain sweat and moisture. Or, if you’re a music lover, you’ll want a design that incorporates Bluetooth technology so that you can maintain a seamless experience.
There are hearing aids available for a whole manner of different lifestyles, so explain what you love doing to your audiologist so that they can help you find the best fit.
Try Before You Buy
One thing you’ve likely discovered already is that hearing aids are expensive. It’s always a good idea to try before you buy; hopefully, you now understand how important it is to get the right model for you, and naturally, the best way to do that is to actually experience a variety of types.
A good rule of thumb is to select three different types that align with your goals and lifestyle, spend a good amount of time with each one, and go from there.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you’re now a little clearer on what goes into choosing a hearing aid. Take things one step at a time and get plenty of advice, and you’ll make the right decision.
