Unfortunately, hearing aids aren’t something most people like to talk about. That means, if you’re ready to start shopping for a hearing aid of your own, you likely have no idea where to start! Not to mention, you may be doing whatever you can to put off getting a hearing aid. For people of all ages, getting caught wearing a hearing aid can be embarrassing. It doesn’t have to be! And what you need to know about getting a hearing aid isn’t as complicated as it might sound, but there are some things that are likely to surprise you.
Hearing Aids Only Work Best with a Proper Checkup
It’s true that any hearing aid is better than no hearing aid if you’re having a difficult time with hearing. It’s kind of like how choosing a pair of reading glasses at your local pharmacy is better than squinting while trying to read a book. However, it’s always better to get an eye exam so you can get custom glasses, and it’s always better to schedule a hearing exam to get the perfect hearing aid for your unique hearing challenges. According to audiologists at Happy Ears Hearing real ear measurement and verification is the best way to learn about your unique hearing challenges, as well as your strengths. After discovering what problems you’re facing, your audiologist can then recommend the right hearing aid for you.
There Are Ways to Save on the Cost of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are amazing devices that can boost your hearing instantly. It really is quite amazing that such a small piece of technology can greatly improve your hearing, but that technology comes with a high cost. Don’t let the fact that hearing aids cost thousands of dollars keep you from hearing the world like you should. There are ways you can save on the cost of a hearing aid:
- Know what hearing aid you need, then see if you can find it at a discounted price.
- Don’t be afraid to say no to features you don’t think you need.
- Use a flexible spending or health savings account to pay for your hearing aid.
- Ask your Medicare Advantage Program if they will cover the cost.
- Simply ask for a discount and you just might get one!
- Your hearing aid might help you save on taxes too!
There Are Many Hearing Aids to Choose From
When you think of a hearing aid, you probably only think of the bulky style that is obvious when worn. Fortunately, there are many other types of styles available today that weren’t available decades ago. They include in-the-ear hearing aids, as well as behind-the-ear hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids are more convenient than hearing aids of the past as well. Rechargeable hearing aids are the norm, which means you never have to worry about replacing the batteries in your hearing aid. It also means hearing aids are even smaller today, since they don’t have to contain a battery.
Some Styles Are Nearly Invisible
Even if you can find an affordable hearing aid, and you can get it customized for your hearing challenges, that doesn’t mean you want one. Hearing loss can be embarrassing, and the last thing you want to do is call attention to the fact that you can’t hear like you used to. No one will know you have hearing issues if you choose your hearing aid carefully. There are styles that are invisible in the canal (IIC) and completely in the canal (CIC), which means no portion of the hearing aid can be seen outside the ear. No one will know you’re wearing it unless you tell them!
Getting Used to a Hearing Aid Can Take Time
You may notice a big difference in the quality of your hearing when you first put in your hearing aid, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have some adjusting to do. It can be strange to hear noises you weren’t hearing before! You have to get used to using your hearing aid. It may also mean physical adjustments of your hearing aid too. You might have to adjust it so it feels more comfortable in your ear, you may find that your own voice sounds amplified, or there’s a whistling or buzzing sound. Checking in with your audiologist can help you fine-tune your hearing aid. Don’t stop hearing the world the way you should because you don’t want a hearing aid! They are more effective, more invisible, and more affordable than you think!