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Hearing aids have improved dramatically over the last 20 years. That means that there are many options and brands that need sorted out to find out what is best for you. Thankfully, the Doctors of Audiology at Waterford, CT’s County Hearing And Balance have compiled five tips to help you get started in this process.

5 Tips for Choosing Hearing Aids

1. Analyze Your Daily Routine

Because you’ll be wearing your hearing aids on a daily basis, it’s crucial they fit into your lifestyle and address the problems that you have. For example, if you have found that you have difficulty hearing in noisy restaurants or social situations, you need an instrument that will focus on where the speech is coming from rather than just amplify all the background noise. Similarly, if you conduct business over the phone, you would benefit from an option that makes the voice on the other end clearer.

2. Assess Your Level of Hearing

Seeing a Doctor of Audiology is the best way to determine the degree of hearing loss that you may have.  The test will determine which specific sounds need assisted to improve your ability to understand speech. Hearing aids come in many different sizes and styles, some that are virtually invisible when in the ear. 

3. Get Recommendations 

hearing aidsIf you have friends or family with hearing aids, don’t hesitate to ask for their advice. They can help you with the purchasing experience, as well as review any products they have tried. You should also speak with your audiologist for any recommendations specific to your case.

4. Prioritize Features

The devices obviously come with a cost, so it’s beneficial to determine which features you feel are most important. For example, some patients may simply desire rechargeable batteries, while tech-savvy wearers may splurge for the pair with smartphone-synchronization capabilities.  Most insurance companies and now covering hearing aids to some degree.

5. Ask for a Trial

When shopping for new hearing devices, always ask for a trial. An audiologist can show you how the hearing aid will sound in a variety of situations so you can make an informed decision. Additionally, this gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the device and obtain a comfortable fit.

When chosen correctly, hearing aids can greatly improve your quality of life. If you have been experiencing symptoms of hearing loss or need to replace your current hearing aids, the Doctors of Audiology at County Hearing And Balance are prepared to guide you every step of the way. Send them a message or call 860-443-6944 to schedule an appointment at any of the six convenient locations.

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