Researching the various types of hearing aids can feel like you are going down a deep rabbit hole of information and it can be extremely overwhelming. The various hearing aid manufacturer’s have some great information on their websites however, they are selling a product, and therefore the information on their websites can seem biased.

One website that I often like to refer my clients to is hearingtracker.com. This website was launched in 2013 as the worlds first independent resource for hearing aid consumers. My favorite page is “picking the perfect hearing aid” linked  here. This page will bring you through important points to consider when purchasing a hearing aid and rank the various manufacturers against each other. Below is a screenshot of what to expect:

Your needs matter most.

After getting a good idea about the various hearing aid manufacturers and their technological offerings it is best to consider YOUR needs. Specifically, what do you expect the hearing aids to do? If you are extremely socially active, live a busy lifestyle, and are involved in a lot of difficult listening situations, then you may want to look into getting a premium level of technology. However, if you are NOT very socially active but go out to dinner at a restaurant once a year, you may ALSO want to get a premium technology because you will be sure that the hearing aid will allow you to hear your best when you need it most! Clear as mud right? Not so much…. Which brings me to my next point.

Talk to a hearing healthcare professional.

This is why it is important to get your hearing tested by an audiologist, speak to them about your specific needs and budget, and together, you can agree on a treatment plan and hearing aid. It is really hard to funnel yourself into a category without considering all of the hearing aid technologies that matter most to you. Having an audiologist that you trust to help guide your decisions is extremely important.

Make use of hearing aid trials.

Most hearing clinics provide no charge hearing aid trials from two weeks to a month. This is the perfect time to test drive the various hearing aid technologies and find out what works best for you in real life, not just in the hearing clinic.

Consider your budget.

Hearing aid costs can range from $1000-$6500 for the pair. That is not a small price to pay! There are hearing aids available at every price point, and it is important to have an audiologist guide your decision making based on your hearing loss and your needs.

Shopping for a hearing aid can be extremely overwhelming and confusing but choosing the right audiologist who will work within your budget and consider your lifestyle will make the process significantly easier.

Happy Hearing Aid Hunting!

Gaby