Have you finally decided to purchase a hearing aid? If so, what are your concerns before buying? Some people are not interested in the preparation phase of treating their hearing loss. They immediately purchase the device, which is not advisable, especially if your hearing situation is significantly affecting the quality of your life.

A hearing aid is not a universal device, just as most medical assistive machines. Hearing aids today have different levels of technology which are dedicated to distinct types of hearing loss. Hearing specialists consider factors such as the severity of the hearing impairment in determining the frequency to be programmed. Aside from that, patients can also customise the size, look, and comfort of their personal hearing aid.

Before anything else…

This article has these two assumptions as you are reading this: You have already talked to your audiologist, or you are going to. If not, you must. According to Australia’s Department of Hearth, more than 1.3 cases of hearing problems could have been prevented.

Certified hearing specialists or audiologists must be in charge of prescribing your hearing device. They will diagnose the kind of hearing loss you have, and they will plan the best course of action for it.

Now, the questions…

After consulting an audiologist, styles of hearing aids are laid out for you to choose. You don’t have to decide immediately. Invest enough time and effort to gather all the information you can get so you don’t waste money.

Here the critical questions to ponder which will determine the perfect hearing aid for you:

 What is my lifestyle?

Health consultant from Monkeyfoodz, David Wilson says, “working out regularly and watching your diet are important aspects of maintaining your ear health. While most people believe that hearing loss happens naturally due to aging, certain nutritional patterns and physical activities may decrease your risk of developing loss of hearing. 

Observe your daily activities. Does it require you to expose yourself regularly in a setting full of noise? Is your occupation heavily reliant on people’s speech? Create a list of activities that comprise most of your day, and your plans for the future, as well. Digital hearing aids today have background noise removal features that fit individual patient’s needs. Describe your everyday listening situations to your audiologist so they can suggest the most suitable device for you.

What should my hearing aid look and feel like?

Comfort is always paramount when choosing hearing aids. There are standard and custom-made devices. When trying hearing aids, feeling a little different and sweaty due to unfamiliarity is fine. But if you feel an itch, pain, or rubbing sensation, tell your audiologist right away.

You can also specify its appearance. Do you want a tubing inside your ear? Or attaching it on the back is enough? Do you want a specific colour to match your skin tone? If you are conscious about these attributes, then make sure to clarify it with your hearing specialist.

Do you want connectivity to external devices such as smartphones and TV?

On the surface, it seems like there is no reason to turn down this wireless innovation. However, it still depends on you. If your hearing device has Bluetooth capabilities, it’s possible to stream movies and shows directly from your TV. Some still prefer the old school types, as they want simplicity and precise controls.

Am I financially ready to purchase and maintain hearing aids?

The typical lifespan of a standard hearing aid is five years. Also, be wary of the warranty of your device. Some plans offer a trial period, as well. Here at Ear and Hearing Australia, we provide hearing assessment and rehabilitation to pensioners and veterans. Explore the financial plans of your desired hearing clinic and carefully balance the options. Always remember that hearing aids is a lifetime commitment.

Researching on your own is fine, but can sometimes be a drag, especially with the digital advent of false claims everywhere. Hearing aids cannot fully restore your hearing, stay away from advertisements that say otherwise.

For hearing problems assistance, reach us by requesting an appointment through our website. We welcome all kinds of inquiry about hearing and communication.

Share this page!