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Ed. Note: Last month, we published an article about selecting an over-the-counter hearing aid for mild hearing loss. This article is about getting a professionally-fitted one, for those with greater needs.

Perhaps you’ve thought about getting a hearing aid, but you’re worried about how it will look or whether it will really help.  

It may help ease your concerns to know more about: 

• The hearing aid options available to you
• What to look for when buying a hearing aid
• How to get used to a hearing aid

Keep in mind that hearing aids can’t restore normal hearing. They can, however, improve your hearing by amplifying sounds that you’ve had trouble hearing. 

How hearing aids work 

All hearing aids use the same basic parts to carry sounds from the environment into your ear and make them louder. Most hearing aids are digital, and all are powered with a traditional hearing aid battery or a rechargeable battery. 

Small microphones collect sounds from the environment. A computer chip with an amplifier converts the incoming sound into digital code. It analyzes and adjusts the sound based on your hearing loss, listening needs, and the level of the sounds around you.  

The amplified signals are then converted back into sound waves and delivered to your ears through speakers, sometimes called receivers. 

Hearing aids vary a great deal in price, size, special features and the way they’re placed in your ear.  

Hearing aid designers keep making smaller hearing aids to meet the demand for a hearing aid that is not very noticeable. But the smaller aids may not have the power to give you the improved hearing you may expect. 

Before you buy 

When looking for a hearing aid, explore your options to understand what type of hearing aid will work best for you. Also: 

• Get a checkup. See your doctor to rule out correctable causes of hearing loss, such as earwax or an infection. And have your hearing tested by a hearing specialist (audiologist).
• Seek a referral to a reputable audiologist. If you don’t know a good audiologist, ask your doctor for a referral. An audiologist will assess your hearing, help you choose the most appropriate hearing aid, and adjust the device to meet your needs. 

If you have hearing loss in both ears, you will get best results with two hearing aids. 

• Ask about a trial period. You can usually get a hearing aid with a trial period. It may take you a while to get used to the device and decide if it’s right for you. 

Find out the cost of a trial, whether this amount is credited toward the final cost of the hearing aid, and how much is refundable if you return the hearing aid during the trial period. 

• Think about future needs. Ask whether the hearing aid you’ve chosen is capable of increased power so that it will still be useful if your hearing loss gets worse. Hearing aids do not function indefinitely, but they should last about five years.
• Check for a warranty. Make sure the hearing aid includes a warranty that covers parts and labor for a specified period. Some dispensers may include office visits or professional services in the warranty.
• Beware of misleading claims. Hearing aids can’t restore normal hearing or eliminate all background noise. Beware of advertisements or dispensers who claim otherwise.
• Plan for the expense. The cost of professionally-fitted hearing aids varies widely, from about $1,500 to more than a few thousand dollars each. 

Professional fees, remote controls, hearing aid accessories and other hearing aid options may cost extra. Talk to your audiologist about your needs and expectations. 

Some private insurance policies cover part or all of the cost of hearing aids — check your policy. Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids for adults. Medical assistance covers hearing aids in most states.  

If you’re a veteran, you may be able to get your hearing aid at no cost through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

Getting used to them 

Getting used to a hearing aid takes time. You’ll likely notice that your listening skills improve gradually as you become accustomed to amplification. Even your own voice sounds different when you wear a hearing aid. 

When first using a hearing aid, keep these points in mind: 

• Hearing aids won’t return your hearing to normal. Hearing aids can’t restore normal hearing. They can improve your hearing by amplifying soft sounds.
• Allow time to get used to the hearing aid. It takes time to get used to your new hearing aid. But the more you use it, the more quickly you’ll adjust to amplified sounds.
• Practice using the hearing aid in different environments. Your amplified hearing will sound different in different places.
• Seek support and try to stay positive. A willingness to practice and the support of family and friends help determine your success with your new hearing aid. You may also consider joining a support group for people who have hearing loss or are new to hearing aids.
• Go back for a follow-up. Specialists may include the cost of one or more follow-up visits in their fees. It’s a good idea to take advantage of this for any adjustments and to ensure that your new hearing aid is working for you as well as it can.

Your success with hearing aids will be helped by wearing them regularly and taking good care of them.  

In addition, an audiologist can tell you about new hearing aids and devices that become available. He or she can also help you make changes to meet your needs.  

The goal is that, in time, you find a hearing aid you’re comfortable with and that enhances your ability to hear and communicate. 

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