Questions to Ask When Selecting Hearing Aids

When it comes to hearing aids there are a lot of questions to consider. You want to ensure you are getting the right hearing aid for you and your needs, especially when it comes to things like style, cost, aesthetics and performance. Let’s go over a few questions you may want to consider and ask your hearing instrument specialist (HIS) prior to purchasing your hearing aids.

• Cost: Ask about the cost of the hearing aids your HIS has recommended for you. Ask about other hearing aids and their price points as well. Ask about what is including with the purchase of your hearing aids. Ask about any future costs that may arise such as repairs, replacement parts, etc. so you can be prepared. Additionally, inquire about payment options for your hearing aids. Find out when the full payment is due or if they offer payment plans. Ask about payment methods. Ask if they direct bill to insurance companies.
• Types of hearing aids: Talk with your hearing instrument specialist about the different types of hearing aids that are available to you. Also, ask about the different manufacturers there are in the market as well. Each manufacturer designs their hearing aids a bit differently than the rest, and what may work for one person may not work for another. From behind-the-ear hearing aids to those worn completely in the canal, you have a wide range of options to choose from.
• Care and maintenance: Ask about the care and maintenance you will be required to perform on a daily, monthly and yearly basis with your hearing aids. This includes how to safely care for your devices, daily cleaning and any professional cleaning that might be required. Properly maintaining your hearing aids will help them function better and may increase their lifespan.
• Hearing aids and your life: Ask how hearing aids will affect your life. Ask about the dos and don’ts when it comes to using and wearing your hearing aids. Ask about functions within your hearing aids that can benefit your lifestyle, such as: Bluetooth compatibility, music program or different settings for different listening environments. Hearing aids will be an adjustment, but an adjustment that you will soon enjoy.
• Ease of use: Ask your HIS about the ease of use of your hearing aids. Will they be easy to insert and remove? Will they seamlessly switch through programs for different listening environments? Will they make your everyday tasks more tolerable? Will you be able to communicate with others better? Ensure they function well in your life so you can get the most out of your hearing aids.

Selecting your hearing aids is a big step in better hearing and quality of life. Talk with your hearing instrument specialist to find the right devices for your needs and wants.