For decades, the high price tag for hearing aids kept people from investing in them which is not surprising considering that the average price is about $2,000-$4,000. However, this changed in 2022 when over-the-counter hearing aids hit the shelves. Today, it’s possible to buy a quality hearing aid in under $800. With the wide variety of brands and models in the market, you probably feel overwhelmed just trying to make a choice.
10 Tips to Help you Choose the Right Hearing Aid for your Lifestyle
1. Consult an Audiologist
The most common misconception that people have about hearing loss is that if the loss is mild, they don’t need to consult a professional. This is particularly common in seniors who assume that their hearing loss is age-related but later find out that it was related to an infection or an issue in their inner ear. If you skip seeing a professional, it’s possible that the underlying cause will go undetected and it can cause irreparable damage. An audiologist will be able to help diagnose the cause of your hearing loss and also perform a hearing test to determine the kind and extent of your hearing loss. If you have a budget, discuss several of the best low-cost hearing aids with the audiologist as they will be able to help one that is best suited to your needs.
2. Assess your Hearing Needs
Make a note of all the hearing challenges that you face in your day-to-day life. For example, do you have more difficulty hearing in noisy environments or while having a chat or phone call with a friend? Giving your audiologist a list of scenarios where you experience difficulty as well as scenarios where you don’t have any trouble hearing will help them choose a hearing aid with the right features for you.
3. Consider your Lifestyle
Your hearing aid should match your lifestyle. This means that if most of your interactions with others occur in quiet environments, you will probably be just fine with a simpler model instead of spending thousands of extra dollars for the few times when you will be in a complex environment. Similarly, if you spend most of your time indoors, you should focus on hearing aids that have features like advanced sound clarity for television or conversation. On the other hand, if you often attend meetings or spend time with your friends in noisy environments, you would be better off with a hearing aid that has advanced noise reduction, directional microphones, and feedback management.
4. Check your Insurance Policy
Hearing aids can be a significant investment but before you decide on your budget, check if your insurance policy covers any of the costs. Currently, 5 states (Arkansas Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) require insurance companies to cover the cost of hearing aids for adults. You should also check if your policy covers ongoing costs for maintenance, batteries, and potential repairs.
5. Assess your Technological Comfort Level
If you are not tech-savvy, you will be better off with a simple, user-friendly hearing air which has controls that are easy to use. Conversely, if you are comfortable with technology, you can look at hearing aids that have advanced features and customizable settings via apps.
6. Determine your Personal Sound Preferences
Many hearing aid manufacturers highlight the crisp sharp sound of their product. This crisp sound makes it easier to hear the edges of spoken words so that it’s easy to understand conversations with others. However, not everyone prefers this kind of sound. Furthermore, if you are a musician, you may hear echoes. Everyone has different preferences and your audiologist will be able to create a tuning that improves your experience.
7. Find out the Cost of Follow-up Visits
A hearing aid replaces or augments the function of your ear and it takes a while for you to adjust to this change. Think of it this way – after hip replacement surgery, you need to go through physical rehab; it’s no different with your hearing aid. According to current expert recommendations for hearing aids, you will need an in-person appointment 6 to 12 weeks after fitting so that your audiologist will be able to make any necessary adjustments. You might need another 3-5 visits for adjustments so it’s important to find out the costs in advance.
8. Check the Trial Period and Warranty
It can take a lot of time to get used to your first pair of hearing aids because it can be uncomfortable and the sound can be loud and overwhelming. If this is your first pair, make sure that your hearing aid comes with a lengthier trial period, allowing you to test its performance in real-life situations before making a final decision. Most states require a 30-day trial but some manufacturers offer a trial period of 60 or even 180 days.
9. Find out about Support and Follow-Up Care
Ensure that the hearing aid provider offers comprehensive support and follow-up care. Regular check-ups, adjustments, and ongoing maintenance are crucial for keeping your hearing aid functioning optimally. Good support can also help you troubleshoot any issues that arise, ensuring you get the most out of your device.
10. Decide if Discretion is Important
Some people feel self-conscious about their hearing aids and would prefer to have a discrete device. There are several devices that sit either fully or partially within the ear canal which makes them invisible to others. Unfortunately, most of these devices are only meant for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss so if you have severe hearing loss, you should discuss other options (such as behind-the-ear devices) with your audiologist.
