If you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss, your audiologist may prescribe hearing aids. These can amplify sounds and increase your ability to hear what’s going on around you. Before you begin using hearing aids, however, you’ll want to learn a little more about them. With this in mind, take a look at these five questions to ask your audiologist about hearing aids.

1. Do I need hearing aids for both ears?

Whether you need one or two hearing aids will depend on whether you have hearing loss in both ears. Your audiologist will carry out a hearing function test to diagnose your hearing loss, and the results will show what type of hearing loss you have, whether both ears are affected, and the severity of your hearing loss. Following this, your audiologist will be able to confirm whether you should wear one hearing aid or two. 

2. What hearing aids are the most comfortable?

Hearing aids should deliver a seamless auditory experience and they should always be comfortable to wear. There are many different styles, so finding the one that’s right for you may mean trying out a few other models. When you visit your audiologist’s office, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various different styles to find out which one is right for you. 

In addition to this, your audiologist will adjust your hearing devices to ensure complete comfort. Many people forget they’re wearing hearing aids because of how comfortable they are!

3. How long will my hearing aids last?

The lifespan of your hearing aids will depend on numerous factors, including the model, your usage, and how well you take care of them. Your audiologist will be able to give you an idea of how long your preferred hearing aid should last, with reference to your particular type of hearing loss and lifestyle. Furthermore, your audiologist can provide tips and assistance to help you maintain your hearing aids and increase their longevity. 

4. Will my insurance pay for hearing aids?

Fortunately, many health insurance policies do cover the cost of hearing aids, but this is something you should always check with your audiologist. If you don’t have insurance or if your policy doesn’t cover hearing devices, you may also want to ask your audiologist whether any financing options are available. 

5. How often will I have follow-up appointments?

When you first start wearing hearing aids, you’ll need to attend follow-up appoints to ensure that they’re working optimally and that you’re happy with the devices. After this, you may only need to attend appointments every few months, but your audiologist will be able to create a bespoke treatment plan that includes follow-up appointments at appropriate intervals. 

Choosing the best hearing aids

With so many different styles of hearing aid available, there are a lot of factors to consider when you’re choosing hearing devices. However, with expert advice from your audiologist, you can determine which models are best for you and which features will have the biggest impact on your quality of life.