Whether your hearing loss is age-related, noise-induced, or the product of some outside factor, being fitted for a hearing aid can drastically improve your quality of life. There are many different types of hearing aids on the market, and it’s important to know what to look for to find the best fit. Because buying a hearing aid shouldn’t have to be a hassle, the following guidelines will help you find the perfect hearing aid for the perfect price.
Value
Buying a hearing aid is a big investment. As such, it’s important to make sure you choose the best fit. Investing in the right hearing aid will help ensure the best possible outcome, so be sure to choose the one you feel works best for you.
Comfort and Style
The second biggest factor to consider when shopping for hearing aids is how comfortable they are. Are you in the market for something more inconspicuous, or do you need a larger hearing aid with more features and a longer battery life? Since these are something you’re going to be wearing for a long time, it’s important to find a style that suits you.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are the more traditional model, with a curved case that fits behind your ear. While they’re more visible than other hearing aids, models like in-the-canal hearing aids are smaller, more discreet, and therefore may be a better choice for people with mild or moderate hearing loss. Look at the different styles available, and choose the one you’re most comfortable wearing. For more background on the different hearing aid styles available in the market today, there is plenty of information at Miracle-Ear.com.
Versatility
Next up on our list is versatility. Hearing aids have come a long way since the 17th century, with the hearing aids of today offering a palpable laundry list of options and available features. In fact, some hearing aids can now be programmed to filter out certain sounds, reduce or heighten particular sounds, and even enhance a person’s speech. And if you’re more tech-savvy, you can even find hearing aids that use Bluetooth compatibility – allowing you to answer phone calls and listen to music directly through your hearing aid!
Battery Life
Although battery life and versatility kind of go hand in hand, I thought it was important to highlight this aspect as well. Certain hearing aids styles allow for longer battery lives, and depending on the type and degree of your hearing loss, choosing a hearing aid with ample battery life is important. In addition, some hearing aids today are equipped with rechargeable batteries, which are able to offer improved power and smaller sizes.
Warranty
Buying a hearing aid is a big investment, so it’s also important that you have the best warranty. A good warranty should last at least 2-3 years, and should cover free aftercare, such as:
- free cleaning and adjustments
- free personalized programming to help customize your hearing aid to your specific needs
- free office visits to help make sure your hearing aid is working properly
If you find the right hearing aid but the warranty doesn’t include the following, look elsewhere. There are plenty of hearing aid brands on the market, and it’s important that you find one that you know will be well taken care of.
