Nearly 28 million Americans could benefit from the use of hearing aids. Many may not pursue getting hearing aids because they don’t know where to begin.
There are a few considerations to remember once you’ve realized hearing aids could be the right choice to benefit your hearing and overall health. Whether you’ve been on the fence or have been consciously considering hearing aids for some time, there are steps to take. Start by considering the following:
Steps To Take
- Start by seeing a hearing specialist.
Before buying hearing aids, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist. It’s important to determine the cause of hearing loss and act if you can avoid further hearing loss. Additionally, hearing aids will require an adjustment period and follow-up care, so it’s helpful to have a trusted expert to turn to when you have questions.
- Make a list of your needs and desires.
Consider your lifestyle and hobbies and list what’s most important to you. For instance, if you like walks through Ballast Point Park, you may want to research hearing aids that can be easily removed for cleaning or great for lots of movement. Consider the technological advancements and ability to connect to devices you’d like access to. How much does sustainability matter to you? Also, consider if you’d prefer batteries or a rechargeable device.
Your hearing specialist can help you determine the right size, style and model to suit your desires. Keep in mind that hearing aids don’t restore lost hearing and don’t sound exactly like your hearing used to, so it’s important to have reasonable expectations for your hearing aids. It’s also important to find the right balance with each of your desires to find the right device that provides optimal hearing for you.
- Consider how you plan to use and care for your hearing aids.
A proper understanding of hearing aid maintenance can extend the life of your hearing aids as long as possible. Avoid getting them wet, and create a routine for regular cleaning and maintenance. You will also need a routine to understand when to wear your hearing aids and when to remove them. Your hearing specialist can help guide you on building routines for proper wear, care, maintenance and even with understanding when to upgrade your devices.
Hearing aids are an important tool for social connection and well-being. They’re an investment that requires education and care to receive optimal benefits. As you begin the journey of getting hearing aids, it can be helpful to bring a loved one with you to your appointments. They can ask questions you may have forgotten to ask, take notes for you and help you with decision making.
To learn more about hearing aids, start by scheduling a hearing test for you or a loved one with Kampsen Hearing.