How do I know which hearing aid is best for me?

    There may be many different types of hearing aids that could help a particular individual.  The audiologist is the individual who would help the patient in reaching his/her decision.  The results of a comprehensive hearing test, and information from the patient, are necessary for the audiologist to assist the patient in making the best decision.  There are currently four basic styles of hearing aids available: behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, canal, and completely-in-the-canal.

     Here are a few of the considerations when selecting a hearing aid: The degree and shape of the hearing thresholds; the patient’s manual dexterity; the patient’s mental capabilities; cosmetic factors; acoustic feedback (whistle); occlusion of the patient’s voice; the patient’s lifestyle (Are they active socially?  Do they work in a noisy environment? Do they need special signal processing?  Do they need multiple programs?).  Finally, a trial period is very important to help certify that the appropriate recommendation has been made.