Hearing aid dispensers help with the selection and fitting of hearing aids. When you see your hearing instrument specialist (HIS), they can provide advice and help you to make sure you get hearing aids that work for you. If you have hearing loss and have been recommended that you wear hearing aids, you can take the opportunity to talk about the benefits of hearing aids with an expert.
Whether you already have hearing aids or you’re in the process of getting your first pair, your hearing aid dispenser will answer any questions that you have. When you attend an appointment, there are some key questions that you might want to ask about hearing aids in general and how to ensure you have the best hearing aids for your needs.
What type of hearing aid is right for me?
There are different styles of hearing aids, which can be suitable for different people. The various hearing aid styles can each be best for certain levels of hearing loss and other lifestyle needs.
Some examples of hearing aid styles include in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids. Hearing aid styles differ by how and where they are worn, which can affect their size, as well as their technical design. Not everyone can necessarily wear every type of hearing aid. Some hearing aid styles are better for people with milder forms of hearing loss, while others are better for those with more severe levels of hearing loss. Some styles are smaller and more discreet, with some of them being practically invisible.
Your hearing instrument specialist can help you to decide which type of hearing aids are right for you. They can help you to explore the benefits of each type and show you what they look like, as well as how they are worn.
What features will benefit me?
Hearing aids can include a broad range of different features. Hearing aid technology has come a long way and continues to develop. Hearing aids have gotten smaller and you can choose from many different features and design elements. You can speak to your hearing instrument specialist about which features might benefit you. They can take your lifestyle into account and help you to find hearing aids that fit around how you want to experience the world.
You might want hearing aids that feature Bluetooth so that you can connect them directly to your phone or other devices. Or perhaps you’re looking for hearing aids that can hold settings for multiple programs so that you can change them in different environments. You might want to make sure your hearing aids have a T-coil for connecting to certain assistive listening devices and systems. You can even look for hearing aids that have rechargeable batteries so that you don’t have to keep replacing your batteries all the time.
Your hearing instrument specialist can show you a range of hearing aids and help you to test them out. They will help you to find hearing aids that are a good fit for your lifestyle and various needs,
How do I get the most from my hearing aids?
Getting a new pair of hearing aids is the first step to improving your quality of life, but you should also make sure you’re getting the most out of them. Your hearing aid dispenser can give you advice about how to make your hearing aids work for you.
As well as helping you to choose the right hearing aids and fitting your hearing aids for you, they can give you tips and advice. Before you leave with your new hearing aids, your hearing instrument specialist will explain how to use them and how to take care of them. They can explain the basics, such as how to clean your hearing aids, how to change the batteries, and how to change the settings or use the features. They can also provide advice on adjusting to new hearing aids and how you can get used to them.
You can ask for advice on your hearing aids whenever you might need it. You can make an appointment for a hearing aid evaluation or fitting to make sure you are wearing the right hearing aids and get advice on how to use them effectively. If you want to get more familiar with your hearing aids, get in touch with your hearing instrument specialist.
Contact us at Hearing Aid Place by calling 510-768-7091 to ask us about our hearing aid evaluation, dispensing, and fitting services.
