Hearing aids and hearing devices may not make your hearing perfect. But, they can make a big difference in your life by helping you to hear better. First thing to know is that there is a law that requires all caregivers to do a hearing exam on you within 6 months before you buy hearing aids. You have
right to refuse this testing. But, you will have to sign a paper in
hearing aid store asserting that you know
hearing test is recommended. In
long run, it is better to have
test. Generally,
test will be free if you look around your area.
After you have been tested by a qualified hearing professional, and ruled out other possible causes for your hearing loss, you now will have to go through
process of finding
hearing aid that is right for you, and your type of loss.
The hearing professional should talk to you about how hearing loss has effected your life. Also, you will talk about any physical problems you have. This will better help you decide what type of hearing aid best meets your needs and life style. Once all things have been carefully talked about, your hearing professional can suggest a type of hearing aid. Ask questions if you do not understand. If
questions are not being answered to your satisfaction, ask another hearing professional.
Some areas that you should discuss are:
Your ability to do things with your hands. Can you pick up and put
hearing aid in your ear? Can you change
battery?
The shape of your ear, outside and inside. Different aids are better for different shapes.
Amount of wax build-up. If you produce a lot of wax, you will want to discuss
opening size of
hearing aid. You can also discuss
use of a product to clean
hearing aid regularly, or block earwax from getting into
hearing aid.
Your living, work, and play environments. A person living in a moist environment like Seattle will have different concerns than someone living in Arizona. Frequent swimming, or if you work in a dirty environment, you will want to consider this while in
process of picking
correct hearing aid for you.
Regular ear drainage or wetness inside your ears.