Hearing loss is a common issue, which is why research has shown that roughly 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids. If you are considering hearing aids, it’s important to do and think about the following when making your decision.
Speak With a Qualified Hearing Specialist
The best way to know what kind of hearing aids will benefit you the most is to work with a qualified audiologist. They can perform a full examination of your ears, including a hearing test to determine the type of hearing loss you have as well as how severe it is.
In addition to providing a comprehensive hearing evaluation, an audiologist can help you with the following:
- Talking with you at length to determine how your individual communication needs, lifestyle, hobbies, work life and other interests might affect your hearing aid choice.
- Customize the fit of your hearing aids by creating an earmold unique to the size and shape of your ear canal, providing better comfort and performance from your device.
- Programming your hearing aids to provide the volume, frequency, intensity and noise-reduction settings that best meet your hearing needs.
Consider What Style That Works for You
Modern hearing aids are all quite small, but some are practically invisible by sitting entirely inside the ear canal. While some users appreciate the discrete nature of these devices, others do not like the feel of an object completely in their ears. In that case, behind-the-ear options might provide a more comfortable fit.
Do You Want to Connect Your Hearing Aids to Your Smartphone?
Many hearing aids come with Bluetooth® capabilities that allow you to connect with your smartphone or other devices. This can be extremely helpful when it comes to listening to your favorite music or podcasts while out on a walk at Village Point Park Preserve or catching up on the phone with your child or grandchild.
Do You Want Rechargeable Hearing Aids?
Most hearing aids use disposable zinc-air batteries that need changing on average about once every week, though it varies with style. This can be frustrating for people with vision or dexterity issues as the batteries are quite small and may pose a difficulty to change.
Rechargeable hearing aids allow you to plug your device into a charger every night before you sleep and wake up to fully charged hearing aids that will be powered up throughout the day. While rechargeable models are understandably appealing to many, they don’t come in every style and may not work with your preferences.
For further help deciding what hearing aids are right for you or to have your hearing evaluated by an expert, contact Premier Medical Group today.