Choosing the right hearing aid is important for your wellbeing and living a comfortable life. While there are numerous types of hearing aids, deciding which one is the best for you can be a difficult task.

People who experience hearing loss and decide to get a hearing aid will enjoy improved communication as they will be able to hear and speak more easily. This makes your day to day life more enjoyable and opens up more opportunities to socialize.

The top hearing aid brands on the market are Starkey, Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Siemens and ReSound. Each of these manufacturers has built a sturdy reputation for both quality and comfort. When you go shopping for a hearing aid it is important to consider your unique situation. This can include factors such as your degree of hearing loss, comfort, aesthetics, price and how your ear is formed.

Hearing aids can basically be put into three classifications: custom in-the-ear models (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver in the ear (RITE).

While the expense of a new hearing aid and hearing tests aren’t covered by standard Medicare, they might be covered by certain Medicare Advantage plans. Here is more information on hearing aid prices, recommendations and models.

How To Tell If You Need a Hearing Aid

Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of different things such as genetics, infection, injury or a tumor. If you start to experience hearing loss of any kind, please visit your physician to discuss your symptoms. Your physician may refer you to an audiologist for further testing.

What Kinds Of Hearing Aids Are There?

An audiologist will help find the right hearing aid for you. After examining your ear canal, an audiologist can walk you through the best hearing aids for your unique needs.

“Deep canal” hearing aids are made to fit deep inside the ear canal and completely hidden. Unfortunately, deep canal hearing aids aren’t suitable for people with narrow ear canals.

The second smallest type of hearing aid is called “completely in the canal”. These work well for individuals with narrow ear canals and mild to medium hearing loss.

A ” receiver in canal” hearing aid is a little one piece that fits inside the ear canal and is made for modest hearing loss. This is the smallest external hearing aid and has a receiver that is situated toward the end of the tube within the ear

An “open fit” hearing aid is a little case that sits behind the ear while the ear canal is open.

A “behind the ear” hearing aid is for mild to serious hearing loss and hooks over the top of your ear. It offers stronger performance than most small hearing aids.

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aid?

Traditional Medicare plans don’t cover the costs of hearing aids and tests, despite the fact that Medicare does cover other forms of durable medical equipment. Nevertheless, some Medicare Advantage plans do cover hearing aids. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private healthcare and insurance companies and each plan comes with its own coverage features.

How Do I Take Care of My Hearing Aid?

Cleaning a hearing aid is fairly simple and should be done regularly. Many hearing aids include cleaning tools intended to remove wax and keep the hearing aid properly fitted.

Are Hearing Aids Comfortable?

Getting used to a hearing aid can and will take time. Have an open conversation with your doctor or audiologist about any worries you have regarding your new hearing aid.

What Are the Best Hearing Aids on a Budget?

Hearing aids can cost from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, contingent upon the model. Talk about your spending limit with your doctor or audiologist and request to see hearing aids that fall within your budget.

Some companies offer you the option to pay in instalments. This can help make it easier to afford a high-end hearing aid by breaking up the payments into an affordable monthly amount.

How Often Should I Wear My Hearing Aid?

Some people need to wear their hearing aid all the time, while others may just need to wear a hearing aid in specific circumstances. Ask your doctor or audiologist how often you should wear your hearing aid. In the event that you are required to wear a hearing aid while driving, never drive without wearing it.

Will Other People Be Able to See My Hearing Aid?

This depends on the type of hearing aid you purchase. Some are so small that they are essentially invisible, while other are more obvious. If having an invisible hearing aid is important to you, request to see models that fit within the ear canal.

How Much Will A Hearing Aid Cost?

The cost will vary quite a bit based on the specific model purchased. Talk with your doctor or audiologist regarding any budget considerations you may have.