Today’s hearing aids have a bevy of features ranging from Bluetooth streaming connectivity to multiple modes that allow you to adjust the device to changing surroundings. Here’s what senior users need to keep an eye out for.
Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-ear (ITE) aids? If you don’t mind a highly visible hunk of plastic hanging from your ear all day, BTE aids will be fine. Those who don’t want to telegraph their hearing loss will find ITE models much more discreet. We even have a pair of hearing aid glasses if you really want to hide your hearing loss.
Ease of use: Hearing aids are tiny things even steady hands can have trouble with. Are the devices easy to put on and take off? Are in-app support options and the manual intuitive? The more likely you are to remove and replace your hearing aids throughout the day, the more important ease of use will be.
Remote doctor support: Prescription hearing aids require a doctor visit, but OTC aids have a huge range of medical backup, ranging from a full telehealth experience to none at all. If you’re serious about improving your hearing you’ll want access to the former. If your hearing just needs a little boost, this will be less important.
Battery technology: Most hearing aids today use lithium-ion batteries that recharge by dropping them into a case (which itself carries extra charges). But aids with replaceable batteries still exist—and some are pretty good. Replaceable batteries last much longer, but you’ll have to keep buying extras and keep them on hand. They’re also easy to lose (and for pets to swallow). Most hearing aids these days opt for rechargeable, so this is something of a dying breed.
Cost: Even “cheap” hearing aids can be expensive, and most insurance plans don’t cover them. Make sure your chosen brand is within your budget—look for companies that offer easy returns and a 100 percent money-back guarantee.