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Ask the Audiologist

How Do I Choose the Right Hearng Aid for Me?

By Margaret Christiansen, Au.D.
Audiology Consultants, P.C.

There are many choices when it comes to selecting a hearing aid. The first step is to obtain a complete hearing test to evaluate the type and degree of hearing loss. After the hearing test, the audiologist and patient work together to determine which hearing aid styles, technologies and features will work best for an individual’s needs.

Hearing aids are available in different styles. There are a number of factors that go into selecting the best hearing aid style for you. The audiologist will review the different styles and make recommendations based on your specific hearing loss. Other factors such as rechargeability, patient preference, reduced dexterity and vision concerns may affect hearing aid selection.  

Hearing aids are available at different levels of technology. This essentially affects the brain inside your hearing aid and how precisely your hearing aid can adjust to the different situations you are in. For a hearing aid to be successful, it is important to select technology that is appropriate for an individual’s listening needs. Individuals who are active and in different social situations have different listening needs than someone who spends much of their time at home or talking with small groups. Your audiologist will help evaluate your typical listening needs and select technology that will give you the best chance at success.

As with every purchase, budget is always an important consideration. Hearing aids are available at many different technology levels and price points to help make sure we can find a hearing option that is appropriate for each patient. When needed, the audiologist can help direct you to resources that can help with acquiring hearing aids.

A trial period is offered with each hearing aid purchase. This allows an individual to wear their hearing aids in different situations and make sure they are pleased with the performance and feel of their hearing aids. Choosing new hearing aids is a big decision…exciting and scary! The audiologist and patient will work together to ensure success with your new hearing aids!

Margaret Christiansen is an audiologist at Audiology Consultants, P.C. For more information, visit audiologyconsultants.com. Stores are located in Davenport, IA, Muscatine, IA, Moline, IL, and Geneseo, IL.