If you think you may have hearing loss, seeking help can make a huge difference in your life. The earlier hearing loss is detected, the more benefits can be gained from treatment. Before rushing in, however, it’s important to understand that there aren’t “one-size-fits-all” treatments for hearing loss. For the best solution to hearing impairment, hearing aids today are tailored specifically to each user’s needs.

1. Have Your Hearing Examined

When you suspect you have impaired hearing, it’s important to have it examined by a hearing professional. A thorough hearing test not only detects if there are problems, it also maps your hearing. A hearing test creates a portrait of the way you hear, the range of your hearing, as well as finding the tones and sounds that may present the biggest challenges for your ears.Here at Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids, all the information your hearing expert garners from your hearing test will determine not just whether or not you have hearing loss, it also serves as the foundation to finding the best solutions for any hearing issues. If it turns out that hearing impairment is present, your hearing test is the first step in finding the hearing aids that work best for you.

2. Evaluate Your Priorities

Your next step is to figure out the lifestyle priorities that will play a large role in the hearing aids you select. Do you spend a lot of time on your phone with family or for business? You may want to opt for a hearing aid that can directly stream audio from your phone. Are you an avid swimmer? You may want to find a completely waterproof hearing aid model. If you have coordination difficulties, or even if you’re just trying to live a little greener, you might consider models with rechargeable batteries.At Arizona Balance and Hearing Aids, we help you find the right option for your lifestyle. If you have special hearing desires, always bring it up with us. Whether you’re a music aficionado, or have young children in your life you love listening to, or if you enjoy attending parties or noisy social get togethers, there are hearing solutions that can help you get the most from the experiences you love.

3. Make a Financial Plan

Hearing aids are an investment in your health and quality of life. The hearing aid technology of today involves incredible microcomputers designed to be both intuitive and discreet, but this technology also costs money.Your next step in finding the right hearing solution is to make a financial plan for your hearing device. Some medical insurers will cover partial costs of hearing health care, but unfortunately, many insurance plans do not cover the complete cost of hearing devices. Talk to your medical insurance provider to see what they are able to cover. Veterans, federal employees and some Medicaid recipients often have coverage available for hearing aids. Many hearing specialists can offer financing plans, and other resources for financial assistance with hearing aids can be found by contacting the Hearing Loss Association of America. To prepare for hearing aid expenses, you may have to make a savings plan to stick to.

4. Understand Your Hearing Aid

When you start using your hearing aids, it’s important to thoroughly acquaint yourself with how they work and what they can do. Being fluent in the capabilities of your hearing aids and how to access those capabilities can help you get the most from them. Hearing aids can do things now like stream doorbell alerts or television shows directly to your ear, or give you access to customizable tinnitus relief when you need it, but you don’t want to feel lost or frustrated trying to access these features.Once you choose your hearing aid model and it is fitted and programmed for your ear, we will walk you through accessing the features and proper maintenance of your device. If you’re having trouble understanding something, we’ll be happy to help you, so that you can truly make your hearing aid a fluid part of your hearing experience.

5. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Hearing aids will take some time to get used to as your brain adapts to a new way of hearing the world. It’s important to stay positive and commit to wearing your hearing aids throughout your day. If you take the time to adjust to your new hearing aids, you will gradually notice your sound palette expanding and your comprehension of sounds and noises improving. Don’t get frustrated early in the process, and let your hearing aid integrate itself into your daily routine – it’ll just take a little relearning.Ultimately, hearing aids can help prevent the mental stress and social isolation that untreated hearing loss can instigate. They help give you access to sounds that would otherwise go unheard, but they do it in a way that may at first sound unnatural to you. Staying open and pro-active about hearing with hearing aids helps you adapt quicker and hear better.

Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids

When it’s time to get hearing aids, we want you to make a considered and thorough decision. That’s why we’re here, to offer you the best hearing healthcare and a full line of hearing aid options. Contact us today to learn more and set up a full hearing examination.