1. Hear This
A hearing aid is a device that amplifies sound to improve hearing in people with hearing loss. There are several different types of hearing aids, all categorized according to style and the types of electronics they use. Work with an audiologist to choose the best hearing aid for you based on your needs and your budget.
2. Pay More for Less
The first decision to make when choosing a hearing aid is the style you want to wear. You can choose from the behind the ear (BTE) model, the in-the-ear (ITE) model, the in the canal (ITC) model and the completely in the canal (CIC) model. BTE aids are just what their name implies. They consist of a plastic case that rests behind the ear connects a plastic tube to an earmold that sits inside the ear. The ITE model sits right inside the ear and the ITC model sits inside the ear canal. CIC models sit totally within the ear canal. When it comes to styles of hearing aids, you pay for your vanity. The smaller the model, the higher the price tag is.
3. Choose the Electronics
Hearing aids come in two electronic models: analog and digital. Analog hearing aids amplify sound and have programs that a person can change depending on the setting. For example, if you are in a crowded restaurant, you can choose a setting that will block some of the background noise. Digital hearing aids are more flexible and allow the audiologist to program the aid to meet the exact needs of the wearer. For example, some people have perfect hearing in some ranges and poor hearing in others, and technicians program a digital hearing aid to match the wearer's special profile. Digital hearing aids are more expensive than analog aids.
4. Hearing Aids Take Some Getting Used to
Hearing aids are like glasses; they help you to hear better but they are not a substitute for perfect hearing. People who have had hearing loss for a while often have to adjust to wearing a hearing aid because they are not used to identifying and processing certain sounds. However, in time a person wearing the right hearing aid will not even be aware that he is wearing it.
5. Know Your Rights
Hearing aids are expensive and generally not covered by insurance. Most manufacturers offer a 30-day trial period that allows you to return the aid if you are not happy with it. In fact, some states have legislation regulating hearing aids. These laws require that you have a hearing test by a professional before receiving an aid and often mandate the trial period.
