A 2022 article published in the National Library of Medicine reports, “Worldwide, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over 5% of people have disabling hearing loss, defined as a hearing deficit of 40 dB in the better hearing ear in adults and a hearing loss exceeding 30 dB in the better hearing ear in children. Only a fifth of people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually use one.”
Are you one of this population who could benefit from a hearing aid but hasn’t yet made the investment? If you’re considering doing so, you probably have a lot of questions. Below we review some of the questions to ask before choosing a pair of hearing aids.
What Will My Hearing Aid Look Like?
The appearance of a hearing aid is oftentimes one of the barriers people have against these essential medical devices. But many people picture the big, bulky devices their parents or grandparents wore. Today’s hearing aids are smaller, sleeker and more discreet than ever before. In addition, there are many types and styles available, and your audiologist can help you pick out the perfect one to suit your needs and aesthetic preferences.
Know, however, the size of the hearing aid does affect the amount of power it has. For example, you may want a hearing aid that’s tiny, like an invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid. But these are less powerful due to their small size, so if you have more severe hearing loss, they may not work for you. On the other hand, a behind-the-ear hearing aid that matches your hair or skin color might be a suitable alternative.
What Will My Hearing Aid Cost?
Cost is another prohibitive factor when it comes to making the investment in hearing aids, as they can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Some insurances do cover hearing aids, so be sure to check and see if yours does. In addition, many audiologists offer financing options and payment plans.
What Features Are Available?
Modern hearing aids offer amazing features that can help improve your quality of life in many ways. Some hearing aids are rechargeable, so you never have to pick up batteries. Other models have Bluetooth® capabilities, so you can connect to your smartphone, tablet, computer and even TV, and use your hearing aids as a wireless headset. Ask your audiologist what other features are available.
To learn more about the benefits of hearing aids or to schedule an appointment, call LeMay Hearing & Balance today.