Questions to Ask before Buying a Hearing Aid

Embracing the fact that you need a hearing aid to carry on a normal conversation can be a difficult choice. Visions of large, unsightly hearing aids may make you shudder and feel embarrassed to seek out medical help. Changes in technology have created a new experience for hearing aid users.

Small, barely detectable hearing aids can help you listen to your grand children, communicate with your spouse or run your errands without feeling self-conscious about wearing your hearing device.

If you’ve suffered through hearing loss due to damage of your small sensory cells in your inner ear a hearing aid can magnify sound vibrations which enter the ear. Hearing aids can also improve speech comprehension.

Ask these questions before buying a hearing aid to find the right device for your needs.

Who Should You See?

Seek out expert advice from an ear, nose and throat specialist. Since some hearing problems can be reversed medically it makes sense to visit a specialist. Suffering through dizziness, hearing loss, a heavy build up of ear wax or ear pain may indicate a serious a medical problem. Go to the specialist immediately to address your discomfort.  Receive a hearing assessment from an audiologist versus a hearing aid dealer to receive a thorough analysis of your hearing ability.

These tests can determine both the type of hearing loss and degree to which you’ve lost your hearing.

What Style of Hearing Aid Should You Choose?

Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids are the least visible of the lot. If you want a virtually unnoticeable hearing aid choose this option.  In-the-ear aids fill a portion of the ear canal and the full bowl of the ear. The smaller cousin of the in-the-ear hearing aids are referred to as in-the-canal or half-shell aids. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are placed over the ear and connect to a fitted earpiece with tubing. For a virtually invisible option go with the open fit receiver-in-the-ear. These aids are placed over the ear and are barely noticeable.

Do You Need Aids for Both Ears?

It depends if you are suffering from hearing loss in both ears. If this is the case you should use aids for both ears. Using 2 hearing aids can help you tune in to conversations in a noisy, distracting environment.

What General Questions Should You Ask?

Inquire into repair and services regarding the hearing aid you choose. Are fees refundable if you’re unhappy with your hearing aid and want to return the device? Is there a trial period for usage? Check into warranty coverage as well to determine what’s covered and what isn’t before you make the buy. Inquire into consumer’s protection for buyers of hearing aids in your state to be well-informed and to know your rights.

Where Should You Buy a Hearing Aid?

Since you need to have a physical evaluation in hand to show before purchasing a hearing aid make sure to visit a doctor prior to shopping for the device. Independent dealers, audiologists or ear, nose and throat doctors can sell you hearing aids.

Avoid mail-order hearing aids or any aid purchased over the internet because these devices cannot be properly-fitted for your specific needs. Although you shouldn’t make the buy online doing web research can help you see what type of hearing aid options are out there.

New Jersey residents may consider Newton Hearing Center & Hearing Aids for their hearing aid needs but any licensed location can help you address your loss of hearing.

Conclusion

Choosing a hearing aid can be a stressful and embarrassing process for the resistant person. Learning more about options and the different types of seemingly unnoticeable aids can change your opinion quickly. Tell your ego to step aside. You can return to hearing conversations without sitting on top of your family or friends again. Demand that each of these questions is answered thoroughly so you can pick the right hearing aid for your needs.

– Image http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/agree-terms.php?id=100198563