Everyone’s hearing needs are different. Some people have severe hearing loss while other people have mild hearing loss. To know what hearing aid is right for you is a hard call because of so many factors. Working with your audiologist will determine what your hearing needs are. As you prepare for that appointment, here are a few ways to determine what hearing aid may be right for you.

What is Your Lifestyle?

First and foremost, how do you live your life? If you are an active person who works out a lot, run a lot or has a very sporty lifestyle, you are going to want a hearing aid that fits deep within your ear canal. In-the-canal hearing aids are a style where the device sit in the canal – providing a natural listening experience. For the active person, this will prevent the device from falling out of your ear while you are in motion and will lessen your chances of losing or damaging your hearing aid. For people who live a more quiet or less active life, regular in-the-ear devices can help you hear better with a slightly bigger device that is placed closer to the opening of the ear canal.

How Severe is Your Hearing Loss?

If you are a person who has mild hearing loss, your options are different from those who have severe hearing loss. Also, the reasons behind your hearing loss also affect what hearing aid you should buy. Each device carries sound to your ear in a different way. Some people may need a behind-the-ear hearing aid for sound to be brought to their ear through a wire system. Others may need a hearing aid that sits in the canal to capture sound and bring it to the brain that way. By having a hearing test with your audiologist, you can find out what level of hearing loss you are experiencing and then you will know what hearing aid is right for you.

Do You Need Additional Features?

Some hearing aids come with additional features to make your life easier. Some larger hearing aids come with a volume wheel where you can turn the sound up and down as needed. Other hearing aids come with Bluetooth technology where you can wirelessly connect your hearing aids to devices like cellphones and televisions in order to optimize your hearing experience. If you are in need of this type of technology, you will need a certain type of hearing aid. Consult with your audiologist and find the styles and brands that will suit this need.

Ask About a Trial Period

To know for sure what hearing aid is right for you is to take the devices for a spin. Ask your audiologist if you can have a trial period with your new hearing aids to ensure they will work for you and your hearing goals. If they are working, keep them, if not, you can narrow down your options.