Shopping for your first hearing aids can feel a little daunting, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for or what the market of hearing aids looks like nowadays. There’s been a lot of significant advancements in hearing aids, so your idea of what they might look like may be a lot different from reality. It’s good to know what to expect when shopping for hearing aids and what steps are required to get them that are tailored for you and your hearing needs:
Get a comprehensive hearing test:
The first step to getting hearing aids is to book in with your local hearing specialist for a hearing test. A comprehensive hearing test will look at anything and everything when it comes to your hearing to understand what exactly is missing and what needs improvement. Have a thorough hearing test to not only check your hearing but to rule out anything that might be underlying as a medical condition that you weren’t even aware of. There are often reasons why your hearing loss is the way it is, and for some, that might be an infection or wax buildup.
Discuss options and choose a professional:
Based on the test results you’re given, the audiologist will recommend some suitable hearing aid options. These may be prescription or over-the-counter options. Those who have mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase OTC hearing aids, but those with significant loss will be required to work with a professional to get a prescription device instead. This is due to the need for custom fitting and ongoing support for the user. Shop around for your options, as hearing care providers will often set their own prices and costs, which are bundled into the service.
Select the right hearing aid for style and features:
This may be the point at which you realize that the options for hearing aids are vast and a lot more versatile than you first thought. To find hearing aids, the right style and features are a personal choice. Take a look at everything that’s offered to see which ones match your style and needs. Common devices include Behind-the-Ear (BTE), Receiver-in-Canal (RIC), and In-the-Ear (ITE) or Completely-in-Canal (CIC) models. Features of the device are important to consider too, like noise reduction, rechargeable batteries, and Bluetooth connectivity, for example.
Trial periods and aftercare:
Before you commit to the hearing devices, review any associated policies and be aware of any warranty attached to them. Be aware of what trial period you have available so that if needed, you can return them for a refund if they don’t work well for you. You also will want all of the details when it comes to the aftercare of your devices to ensure its longevity.
Get fitted and follow up:
Finally, it’s time to get the hearing aids fitted properly and to adapt to these devices as you navigate day-to-day life. Keeping up with follow-up appointments will help to address any concerns you have so that adjustments can be made accordingly.
Life will change for the better once you find the hearing aid that is just right for you. Use the tips above to get started!







