We completely get it. The moment you’re told you need hearing aids is the moment you think, “Wow. This really sucks.”
But, let us tell you this, although there will be many things that go through your mind such as cost, appearance, and the inevitable feeling of getting old (which isn’t always the case), hearing aids are actually a brilliant way to live a much more enjoyable life, as more often than not, you’ll experience clarity better than ever before.
With the advancement of technology, there’s now a ton of choices for you to pick from, which can actually make it quite hard choosing the right ones for you.
That’s where we come in!
So, to help you make the right choice, here are a few pointers to help you along your way …
#1 Speak with your Audiologist FIRST
As tempting as it is to jump to Google and pick a pair at a discounted rate, trust us here, you’ll regret doing it. Hearing aids will quickly become a very personal and important part of your life and for that, you need to seek advice from someone who knows all about them … an ear expert.
Acadian have some of the best Audiologists in the state, having helped patients choose carefully for years.
#2 Choose your style
Oh we know, we wish it could be as simple as one size fits all too. However, different hearing aids do different jobs – they’re unique – like you!
Here are the 3 main types of hearing aids:
- Behind the ear: These sit behind the ear with a coil that hooks from behind. Although the most common and definitely the best for people with severe hearing loss, they’re also the ones that can be visible on people with short hair.
- In the ear: These sit right inside the ear just on the outskirts of the ear canal, which makes them less visible than behind the ear ones. The beauty of these is that they are fit precisely to your ear’s measurements, but can be rather costly.
- Completely-in-canal: These sit completely in the ear canal and are almost invisible. These are the preferred option for people suffering from mild or moderate hearing loss.
#3 Additional extras
Whether you want to connect them to audio loops, adjust the bass levels, or even connect them to SMART technology, these days, there is no end to the additional extras you can play with.
A word of warning – don’t get too carried away – your hearing aids’ primary purpose is to enhance the quality of your hearing and therefore your life – don’t get bogged down by choosing extras that might cause you stress trying to figure them out!
Your Audiologist can help advise on any features they think will be appropriate for you.
#4 Your lifestyle
Remember, these hearing aids are meant to fit into your lifestyle, not you fit into theirs, so it’s really important to think about your lifestyle as it is and choose the pair that complement it.
If sports are your thing, you might find a behind the ear pair is cumbersome, whereas, if you’re into music concerts and your hearing is really bad, a “completely in canal” pair won’t provide you with the level of protection and quality you need.
And don’t forget your working environment too, as different jobs carry different responsibilities that require different levels of hearing and dexterity to carry out (You can see where we’re going with this!).
Again, your Audiologist will emphasize the qualities in each and match them to your specific needs.
#5 ALWAYS ask for a demonstration
When it comes to your ears, you’re right to be over inquisitive, so don’t be afraid to ask for more information, and a demonstration is by far the best way to choose your right fit and design.
Also, be aware of any fine print before investing – you’ll thank yourself should you need ongoing maintenance work done to them.
The team here at Acadian Hearing & Speech Services would be delighted to speak with you about your hearing aid needs and guide you through the picking process.
Why not give us a call at 337-436-3277 or fill in our short contact form to book in to see one of our friendly Audiologists.
