Getting a hearing aid can be an effective way of improving your hearing if you’re experiencing hearing loss. But there can be a lot to think about when it comes to choosing the right one for you. When you make an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist (HIS), make sure you take the opportunity to ask questions to help you when selecting your hearing aid. It can also help you address any concerns you might have about wearing a hearing aid and how to care for it. Here are some of the top questions to ask your HIS about hearing aids.

What Types of Hearing Aids Are Available?

This is a great question to ask your hearing instrument specialist. Not only will they be able to explain each hearing aid type in detail, but they’ll be able to explain which hearing is best suited for your type of hearing loss. The main types of hearing aid include:

  • In the ear (ITE)
  • Behind the ear (BTE)
  • In the canal (ITC)

Which Hearing Aid Is Right for Me? As part of your consultation with your HIS, you’ll be able to learn about the different types of hearing aid and which ones are suitable for different people. Someone who is older, with reduced dexterity may be better suited to one type of divide than someone who is more active. You should ask questions about the fitting and the individual features to help you learn more about different hearing aid types.

Which Battery Type Is Best?

Hearing aids are constantly being developed to benefit from the latest technology. This means their battery life is better than ever, with different types of batteries available. You could choose a single-use battery or one that is rechargeable, giving you different power options. A hearing instrument specialist will be able to advise you on which battery type is best for your needs.

How Do I Care for My Hearing Aid?

This is a very important question to ask your HIS. Hearing aid aftercare can help make sure you get the most from your hearing aid but will also help ensure your hearing aid lasts longer. Improper aftercare could mean you need to replace or repair your hearing aid sooner than you’d expect.

What Can I Do to Get Used to My Hearing Aid?

Adjusting to life with a hearing aid can take some time, but a hearing instrument specialist is there to give you advice on using your hearing aid. Your hearing aid will be custom fit for your ear, and you should ask if there is follow-up care available to help see how you’re getting on with your hearing aid. They will also let you know what signs to look out for in case of a fault and how to troubleshoot different problems. Your HIS is a fountain of knowledge on all things hearing aid-related, so make sure you ask as many questions as possible to help you feel more confident about buying the right hearing aid for you.