When it comes to purchasing hearing aids, there are many types and styles of devices from which to choose. As such, finding the right hearing aid for your degree and type of hearing loss can seem overwhelming; however, rest assured knowing the audiologist who diagnosed your hearing loss will be a vital teammate in helping you decide which device is best for your hearing loss.

While an audiologist has intimate knowledge of the many types and styles of hearing aids available on the market, it is important to tell your audiologist key information that will help narrow down which hearing aid is perfect for you.

Factors influencing hearing aid purchases

The most influential factor guiding a hearing aid purchase is the type and degree of hearing loss you have. Many styles of hearing aids are adept at helping those with mild or medium hearing loss while some are specifically tailored to help those with more severe hearing loss. Additionally, when choosing a hearing aid, it is important to consider the following factors, as they will influence the type of device you’ll be most comfortable purchasing and wearing:

  • Lifestyle: The life you lead — or wish to lead — is a big factor in a hearing aid purchase. Different styles will be more suitable for those leading more physical or active lives. For example, some hearing aids come with special features and accessories that help keep hearing aids in place during sports or other outdoor activities like skiing.
  • Special features: Speaking of special features and accessories, you will want to discuss with your audiologist any add-on options available with hearing aids. Some features can help those hear better in noisy environments or enable hearing aids to connect to one’s cell phone or Bluetooth speaker. These options would be useful for those individuals who talk on the phone often, either for work or with loved ones.
  • Cost: Another major factor driving a hearing aid purchase is cost. The more accessories and newer the technology, the more expensive a pair of hearing aids will cost. Hearing aids are an important investment and insurance rarely covers the cost, so make sure to talk with your audiologist about a realistic price point for your devices.

Your audiologist will walk you through most of these points and more. If you have any questions or concerns about a particular device, don’t hesitate to discuss these with your audiologist. You want to ensure you’re happy and comfortable with your hearing aids, so work to find the best fit for you!