If your audiologist has advised you to consider a hearing aid, you will understandably want the device that is best for you. Many types of hearing aid exist, but you need to consider your own needs. Ask yourself the following questions before choosing a hearing aid and use them to help you in your decision-making.

What type of hearing loss do I have?

Some hearing aids are suitable for those with mild-moderate hearing loss, while others are recommended for those with severe deafness. Your audiologist will advise you on the right hearing aid for you after carrying out your hearing test, so consider the advice they give to you.

What hearing aid suits my lifestyle?

You know your lifestyle better than anybody else so discuss your daily needs with your audiologist. Talk to them about the features different hearing aids possess and consider which are better suited to you. If you’re somebody who likes to socialize, you might want to consider a hearing aid with multi-directional microphones, for example, as these will help you pick up conversations better.

If you enjoy going swimming, you will want to ask your audiologist for a hearing aid that is waterproof. These are just a couple of considerations but consider the factors that are specific to you when considering the capabilities of each hearing aid your audiologist discusses with you.

Do I want a hearing aid that people can’t see?

If you’re self-conscious about your appearance, you might be resistant to a hearing aid that is noticeable. For this reason, you might consider a hearing aid that sits within your ear canal rather than something that sits behind your ear. However, thanks to advances in technology, most types of hearing aids are now less visible than they used to be, so this isn’t something you necessarily need to worry about. Discuss your options with your audiologist and choose something that gives you peace of mind.

What are my physical limitations?

When talking about physical limitations, we are primarily talking about your eyesight and your ability to use your hands. Some hearing aids are very small and as a result, can be quite fiddly to use. This isn’t to say they will be impossible for you, but if your eyesight is compromised and your manual dexterity isn’t very good, it might be that a larger hearing aid is better for you.

You will find it easier to change the batteries when you need to, for example and you will have less trouble adjusting the volume control.

Which hearing aid do I find the most comfortable?

You will be wearing your hearing aid on a regular basis, so it does need to be comfortable for you. Your audiologist will help you with the fitting but if you find one type of hearing aid more comfortable than another, this might dictate your final decision. Of course, thanks to the advances in hearing aid technologies today, they are a lot more comfortable than they used to be. Still, work with your audiologist and choose something that feels right to you.

For more advice on selecting the best hearing aid for you, speak to your audiologist at your next appointment.