Very congrats on your first and crucial step towards better hearing, and now you are all set for hearing aids. With a range of hearing aids available in the market today, choosing the right one is not an easy task.

There are number of factors to think about when looking for hearing aids like degree of hearing loss, aesthetic preferences, style, budget and many more. Let's have a look at the top 11 tips on how to choose the right hearing aid for you.

1. Assess the Degree of Hearing Loss<

Before anything else, have your hearing examined. This fundamental step will help you identify the type as well as the severity of your hearing difficulties. It is usually measured in decibels. These are the essential steps for evaluating whether hearing aids and other assistive hearing devices will really be beneficial, and if so, which type of models will address your hearing problem effectively.

2. Study Your Ear Anatomy<

The size of both the outer and inner ear also plays a significant role in the type of hearing device that a person prefers. Individuals with specifically small outer-ears may feel more convenient with an ITE (in-the-ear) aid, whereas those with small inner-ears may go with a BTE (behind-the-ear) device. You can obtain more information from Wikipedia about ITE and BTE<.

3. Choose the Right Type<

Two individuals with an equivalent degree of hearing loss will process sound in a different way based on the root cause of the disorder. Hearing loss is usually categorized by the frequency that's affected, either low or high. Low-frequency hearing loss results from damage to the middle or outer ear. In such cases, low pitched sounds, like vowels, are impacted.

With high- frequency hearing loss, the damage has happened inside the inner ear. In these conditions, sufferers may not be able to hear consonants, which makes it extremely hard to understand others' speech.

Since the problem occurs in different places based on the type of hearing loss, it's important to buy a hearing aid that will work on the damaged area. For example, hearing aids with 'frequency-lowering' technology can be extremely valuable for high-frequency hearing loss patients.

4. Cosmetic Preference<

Since hearing devices are supposed to be put on regularly, it is important for you to feel comfortable and especially confident while wearing hearing aid. Technological developments have it made possible for the evolution of hearing aids in a number of styles, sizes and colors.

People who're more concerned about how a hearing aid will look on them could choose a device which is put into the ear canal, instead of behind or outside the ear. These aids are impressive yet almost invisible. Moreover, today’s hearing devices can be custom molded based on the size of the affected person’s ears.

5. One or Two?<

If your hearing loss impacts just one of your ears, you might need just one hearing device. However age and noise-related hearing problems usually affect both the ears and sadly hearing profile for each of your ears will be different. Typically, a two-ear (binaural) solution is ideal. It will help you differentiate sounds more easily and also identify in which direction the sound is traveling from. Also, you'll feel much more balanced and don’t need to keep on telling your family members 'Talk into my good ear'.

6. Consider Manual Dexterity<

In most cases, people with poor dexterity will opt for a BTE device. This will ease the process of placement, adjustment and removal of hearing device than an ITE aid. Also, those with exceptionally large hands or individuals dealing with joint diseases might have a hard time removing and inserting the small types of hearing aids. If you are one among those, then look for a larger model or one that's simpler to handle.

7. Opt for Technology<

In many of the current hearing aid units, the technology is similar, and the former versions - which were analog-based -- have become almost outdated. The digital hearing aids include signal amplifiers, receivers and purifiers, as well as transmitters, and in a few models it'll support hi-tech concepts like Bluetooth and phone adapters.

Hearing aids offered by LyJ Enterprises< has other additional features like directional mics, noise reduction, auto-volume control, feedback cancellation, wax guards and much more.

8. Keep Your Budget in Your Mind<

Hearing aids come in a variety of models and so do their cost. While price shouldn't be the main deciding factor, it'll naturally come into play. However, buying the highly priced hearing device doesn't always mean it'll be the most effective unit for an individual's specific needs. So, always choose the one that is affordable as well as effective.

9. Ask for Trial period<

You can generally get a hearing device with a trial period. It might take quite some time for you to get used to the instrument and figure out whether it meets your needs. You should ask the seller to put in writing the demo cost, whether this cost is credited towards the final price of the device, and how much will be refunded in case you return the device during the demo period.

10. Better Service Plan<

Buy a hearing aid that is supported by a network of skilled technicians for adjustments and repairs. Ensure all repairs/adjustments will be taken care of accurately and quickly - once you get accustomed to the difference with a hearing aid, you will never want to live a minute without one.

11. Inquire About Warranty<

Hearing devices usually are covered for 1 to 3 years, and the 1st year can include replacing the lost ones - perhaps the most common problem, since they are so small. Make sure to understand the manufacturer's warranty offered for the hearing aid as well as the battery. An extended warranty could be smart idea.

Hearing loss does not have to restrict your day to day activities. On the flip side, hearing aids help people lead more active and youthful lives. Once adjusted to your new hearing atmosphere, you will likely enjoy the clarity of new sounds uniquely produced by the hearing aids. By putting on and taking good care of your device regularly, you will definitely notice long term improvements towards the quality of your hearing ability and your life.