How to Talk to Your Doctor: Choosing the Right Hearing Aids

Originally published July 31, 2017. Refreshed March 2026

If you're reading this post, hopefully you've already familiarized yourself with how to talk to your doctor about hearing loss (Part 1 of our series "How to Talk to Your Doctor). This blog is Part 2 and focuses on the conversations that happen after your initial hearing screening, when we've determined that your hearing loss may benefit from hearing aid technology.

Familiarize Yourself with Hearing Aid Options

First, you'll want to get a general understanding of the different hearing aid options available today. Technology has advanced significantly in recent years, offering more choices than ever before. There are in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, rechargeable options, smartphone-compatible devices, and more.

Before your appointment, think about what matters most to you in a hearing aid. Here are a few key considerations:

Your Lifestyle

How active is your lifestyle? Do you spend most of your time in quiet environments, or are you frequently in social settings? Are you mainly trying to hear the TV more clearly, or do you want to stay engaged in group conversations?

These answers will help guide which features may work best for you, such as background noise reduction, directional microphones, Bluetooth streaming, and personalized listening programs.

Phone and Technology Use

How often are you on the phone? If your answer is "often," you may benefit from hearing aids that connect directly to your smartphone for calls, music, and other audio. Many of today's devices are compatible with both Apple and Android systems, making it easier to stay connected throughout the day.

Discreetness and Comfort

Hearing aids vary in size and visibility, from nearly invisible in-the-canal styles to more powerful behind-the-ear options. Each style comes with its own benefits, depending on your hearing needs and comfort preferences.

Be sure to discuss the pros and cons of each with your audiologist to find the right balance between performance and appearance.

Your Budget

Hearing aids come in a range of price points depending on the technology level and features included. It's important to have an open conversation about your budget so your audiologist can recommend options that align with both your needs and your financial comfort.

Rechargeable Options

Rechargeable hearing aids have become increasingly popular in recent years. They eliminate the need to replace small batteries and can be a convenient option for many patients, which is worth considering from both convenience and long-term maintenance standpoints. While rechargeable lithium-ion models are now the industry standard, many manufacturers still produce models that use traditional disposable zinc-air batteries, particularly for specific styles or user preferences. You'll want to ensure you specify which you prefer.

Try Before You Decide

Hearing aids are an important investment, so it's reasonable to ask about trial periods or demo options. Many practices offer a chance to "test drive" hearing aids so you can experience how they perform in your daily life before making a final decision.

Even trying a similar model can help you better understand what features matter most to you.

Work with a Trusted Audiologist

Finally, it's important to find a reputable, local audiologist you feel comfortable with. The first few months with hearing aids are an adjustment period, and it's normal to have questions or need small changes along the way.

Ongoing care, follow-up visits, and fine-tuning are key to long-term success, and are the main reasons we recommend working with a local provider rather than purchasing hearing aids online. Hearing care is highly personalized, and there is no "one size fits all" solution.

Your audiologist will work with you to ensure your hearing aids are properly fitted, adjusted, and optimized for your unique lifestyle and hearing needs.

If you have questions about hearing aids or are ready to explore your options, our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.