If your hearing healthcare professional has determined that you require hearing aids, you will have several questions about the next steps. Knowing the right questions to ask can help you better understand the nature of your hearing loss and what to look out for when receiving and using your hearing aids. 

Will I need hearing aids forever? 

The need for hearing aids is commonly associated with old age, but people under 40 will also require hearing aids depending on their situation. Your hearing specialist will tell you whether your hearing aids are required forever, and this depends on the reason behind your hearing loss.

Sometimes, hearing loss occurs because of an illness or blockage in the ear canal, which means your hearing aid are not forever. Conversely, those who are experiencing permanent hearing loss will need to use them all the time. 

Which hearing aid style is right for me?

There are three hearing aid styles you can choose from. The most common include in-the-canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) types. Everyone is different, so you can ask your hearing healthcare professional about the most suitable style for you. BTE hearing aids are larger and more powerful due to a bigger battery, but ITE and ITC models are discreet and often come with advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity to help you adjust the settings. 

How do I use my hearing aids?

This is arguably the most important question. You don’t want to misuse and damage your hearing aids, so it’s vital to go over how to properly use your hearing aids with your hearing healthcare professional. They can give you a thorough guide on how to wear your hearing aids and how to operate the features so you get the most out of them. 

Will I need two hearing aids? 

People do not always experience hearing loss in both ears, and single-ear hearing loss is common. If this is the case for you, ask your healthcare professional whether you will need two hearing aids. Often, a single hearing aid for the weaker ear is enough, but this can depend on the level of your hearing loss. 

Which hearing aid features are best for me? 

Modern hearing aids come with a wide range of high-tech features that make them ideal for any scenario. However, you will need to pick a hearing aid with features that are most appropriate for you. Speak to your hearing health professional about which features are most beneficial, such as noise reduction, directional microphones or wireless connectivity.

How do I look after my hearing aids?

Finally, you need to know how to look after your hearing aids to keep them in excellent condition and work for as long as possible. Hearing aids are built to be worn every day, but they still come with delicate components that can become easily damaged. Your hearing healthcare professional will be able to provide advice on how to look after your hearing aids to extend their lifespan.        

Using hearing aids can be slightly intimidating at first. But, once you understand that it will dramatically improve your quality of life, you will be happy to wear them whenever possible. With these questions, you can understand everything you need to know about your hearing aids so you can get the most out of them.