7 Questions First-time Hearing Aid Users Should Ask

Choosing a hearing aid for the first time can be daunting. Not only are you new to hearing aids, but there is a lot of information to take in. To make the right decision with confidence, here are some questions you may find helpful to ask the hearing specialist.

#1: What difference will a hearing aid make to my ability to hear?

This sounds like an obvious question, but it’s a matter of setting realistic expectations. If you expect a hearing device to fully restore severe hearing loss, then ultimately you will be disappointed.

Know from the start what improvement you can expect and this helps you adjust to life with the device once fitted.

#2: Which type of device is best suited to my needs and why?

From behind-the-ear to fully in-the-canal, there are many different types of device available. A good first step is to discover which type is best suited to your needs. Ask the hearing provider to explain why they made this choice, as this is a reassuring part of the decision making process.

#3: What difference will THIS Hearing Aid make?

Once the hearing care professional suggests a model, ask them to be specific about the benefits to your hearing. For example, you need to know how well it will correct your particular type of hearing loss. So if you struggle to hear in a busy restaurant, how will the device reduce the intrusion of background noise?

#4: How easy to adjust are the settings?

Even the most wonderful device won’t give you maximum benefit if the dials are too fiddly to change channels. Get hands-on with the device and practice adjusting the dials and switches, and work out if your dexterity or vision are equal to the task.

#5: How do I use the device when on the phone?

Again, another important question that’s easy to overlook. Some models require you to hold the phone to your ear as normal, whereas others may have a Bluetooth option that channels the phone call direct into your ear. Knowing how the device interacts with other technologies and how it benefits you, can be a confidence boost.

#6: How do I care for the device?

Hearing devices are sophisticated pieces of miniaturized technology. However, it’s not the technology inside that can be problematic as much as earwax or condensation from sweat. Any device will need some basic care at home, and again getting an idea what this entails at the beginning is a great help.

#7: What should I do if there’s a problem?

Find out what to do if the device isn’t performing to the max. Rather than leave a device languishing in a drawer because it whistles, have the confidence to know where to turn for help. The majority of the time this will be your hearing specialist and hearing this from them makes it easier should something go wrong.