8 Steps before purchasing your new hearing aids.
Today, there is a variety of hearing aids available on the market. It can be daunting which one you should choose because technology in the hearing industry is advancing and changing rapidly. However, it is important to find one that will work best for you because not all hearing devices accommodate everyone’s needs. In order to find the best type of hearing aid, you will need to have a comprehensive hearing evaluation with an audiologist first before purchasing one.
A hearing test will help determine the severity of your hearing loss and the type of hearing aid would be most beneficial for you. It is important to clearly understand your hearing loss, so we have outlined 8 steps of what you should do before purchasing your new hearing aids.
Step 1: Are you having trouble hearing?
If any of the following apply to you, it’s possible that you may have hearing loss.
- Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments
- People mumbling or not speaking clearly
- Having to ask people to repeat themselves often
- Frequently turning up the TV or radio louder than you used to
- Noticing a ringing, buzzing, or whistling sound in your ears (tinnitus)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the first step is to schedule a hearing test with an audiologist or visit your local hearing clinic.
Step 2: Book an appointment and get a comprehensive hearing test.
A comprehensive hearing test will help identify the severity of your hearing loss. It is important to have a baseline so that your hearing specialist can accurately measure any future changes in your hearing. You can also decide if you are ready to take the next step of finding a hearing aid that is best for you and your lifestyle.
Step 3: Review your test results with an audiologist
Your audiologist will review your test results with you and explain the type of hearing loss you have. They will also provide recommendations on what type of hearing aid would be best for you. This would be a great time to ask questions you may have about the hearing aids or your specific hearing loss
Step 4: Get a second opinion
You are not obligated to purchase hearing aids from the first audiologist you see. In fact, we recommend you get a second opinion to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision. Once you have seen multiple audiologists, you can compare their recommendations and make an informed decision on which hearing aid is best for you.
Step 5: Consider your budget
Hearing aids range in price depending on the type, brand, and features. It is important to consider your budget when choosing a hearing aid. Not all hearing aids are made equally. Most advanced hearing aids cannot be purchased from a local chemist. Reputable brands such as Widex, Oticon, Bernafon, Starkey, and Phonak offer a wide range of hearing aids for different budgets. They have been in the hearing industry for decades and know exactly what you need to improve your hearing.
Step 6: Consider your lifestyle
The style of the hearing aid is important to consider as it will affect your day-to-day life. If you are an active person, you may want a water-resistant BTE or ITC hearing aid. If you are frequently in noisy environments, you may want to consider a hearing aid with noise-cancellation technology. But if you are a tech-savvy person who wants wireless connection, portable charging, wireless streaming, and hearing aid with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology you may want a miniRITE hearing aid.
Step 7: Ask for a hearing trial period and get fitted for your new hearing aids
Most audiologists offer a trial period for new hearing aids. This means you can wear the hearing aids for a few weeks to see if they are a good fit for you. This is a great way to test out the hearing aids in your everyday life and see if they are suitable to you. After you have decided on the perfect hearing aid, it’s time to get them fitted!
Once you have found the right type of hearing aid and have decided on a budget, it is time to get fitted. A qualified audiologist will help you adjust to your new hearing aids and provide you with enough information to look after your hearing aids. They also have an ongoing support to help you get comfortable with your new hearing aids and with any problems you may encounter.
Step 8: Maintenance and care
Like any kind of investment, looking after your hearing aids is important to ensure they last a long time. Make sure to follow the instruction that your hearing specialist has given you on how to clean and maintain your hearing aids. You can also refer to the Instruction-for-use booklet that came along with the hearing aids you purchased.
Most importantly, always have regular check-ups with your audiologist to ensure that your hearing is in optimum condition and to readjust the settings of your hearing aids or if you have any further questions.
Now that you have the basics on how to buy hearing aids, it’s time to book an appointment with a qualified audiologist and start your journey to better hearing!
DISCLAIMER:
The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only. We do not support, nor recommend any products or treatments without proper hearing diagnostic and proper hearing evaluation. All users must seek professional advice before beginning treatment as well as inform themselves of known side effects/risks associated with said procedure(s).
Check more related topics below.
Of our 5 senses, hearing is probably the most important for our feeling of connection to the world around us. It allows us to communicate with friends and family, enjoy the sounds around us like music or nature and helps keep us safe by alerting us to warning signals, the various sounds in traffic and other forms of danger. To properly understand how we conduct a hearing test, it is best to understand how the ear works.
All Ears in Hearing can assess hearing for both children (from age 3) and adults. No referral is necessary and rebates may be available from your private health fund. A Medicare rebate is only available for General Practitioner Referrals through the Chronic Disease Management program or with a referral from an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist or a Neurologist.