Tips for Choosing the Right Hearing Aids in Waterloo, IA

February 15, 2018

When you are told by a doctor that you should strongly consider the use of a hearing aid to improve your hearing, you might be wondering what the best way is to choose a hearing aid that will work best for your situation. Your doctor will likely provide you with some recommendations, but the final decision will often be left up to you alone to make.

So how do you ensure you get the right hearing aids in Waterloo, IA? Here are a few tips from our hearing aid company:

Get the help of a friend: When you go out shopping for a hearing aid, bring your spouse or significant other, or a family member or friend who can help you. You’ll be able to take in more information, and if you’re hard of hearing, your friend will be able to take in a lot of that information for you. A friend who already has a hearing aid can also guide you through the process based on their own experiences.
Find a good provider: A skilled, experienced hearing aid provider will be able to give you an aid that will get you the best results. Before you go out shopping, get some references from your doctor, or contact organizations like the American Academy of Audiology or the American Speech-Language Hearing Association for recommendations on hearing aid professionals.
Consider your needs: Any reliable hearing aid provider will ask you some questions about your general hearing needs and your lifestyle. Do you tend to stay at home, or are you frequently out and about? What specifically do you want to get out of your hearing aid? Are you looking to hear the TV better? Do you want to hear what’s happening in church? These types of priorities are important to know so your professional can better serve you.
Get a hearing test: If you haven’t already, get a hearing test done so your audiologist or hearing aid specialist understands the exact type of hearing loss you have. Knowing this will help your specialist choose the best type of hearing aid for you.
Get copies of any contracts: You should get signed copies of any contract that outlines exactly what you’re buying, including the make and model of the device, the price you’ll pay for it, information about trial periods, nonrefundable fees and warranties. You’ll often find you can get a one- or two-month trial period.
Make sure it works: Be sure to test out the hearing aid before you leave the office. It should fit comfortably in/on your ear, and it should actually assist in your hearing.
Don’t rush: The purchase of a hearing aid is a big decision that will have a major effect on your life moving forward. As such, don’t feel like you need to rush through the process. Take the time you need to make sure you are doing what’s right for you.