Purchasing a hearing aid can be a daunting task, especially for some older adults who are experiencing their first signs of hearing loss. A good first step in the process is to visit your doctor, because hearing loss can sometimes be due to a correctable cause, such as earwax buildup or an infection. If needed, your doctor will refer you to a specialist who will assess your needs and help you choose the specific type and style of hearing aid that is best for you. Your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist-better known as an ear, nose and throat doctor-or to an audiologist. An audiologist can perform a hearing test to measure and identify hearing loss.

Paying for Hearing Aids
The price of a hearing aid can range anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Unfortunately, hearing aids are not usually covered by health insurance. Medicare does not cover hearing aids for adults, but it will cover diagnostic evaluations that have been ordered by a physician, provided that the evaluations are used in the development of a treatment plan.

You do have options, however, when it comes to financial assistance. Nonprofit organizations are a valuable resource, as some provide financial assistance for hearing aids and other help to provide refurbished hearing aids. There are several agencies in southeast Michigan that provide assistance: 

• The Lions Hearing Center of Michigan (http://www.lhcmi.org) provides screenings, fittings, and hearing aids to those who need financial assistance.
  
• The Deaf & Hearing Impaired Services, Incorporated (http://www.dhisonline.org) provides information as well as referrals for reduced-cost hearing aids for.

To find out more, see our agency referral list for a list of local agencies. Please call ahead before visiting for updated information. You can also contact the Information Clearinghouse at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) for national resources.

Choosing a Hearing Aid
All hearing aids magnify the sound vibrations that enter the ear from the outside environment. However, there are many different styles to choose from. Some styles fit behind the ear (BTE) with the electronic parts fitting inside the outer ear. Some fit inside the ear (ITE), while some can even fit completely inside the ear canal (CIC). Choosing your style depends on your preference, degree of hearing loss, as well as the amount of wax buildup you usually experience.

Comfort and convenience are usually important factors in the decision-making process. Your audiologist can help you decide which style best suits your needs.

When choosing a style, it is important to remember that smaller hearing aids are generally less powerful and have shorter battery lives. Smaller hearing aids are also usually more expensive.

Trial Periods and Warranties Are Important
Many older adults find it helpful to choose a hearing aid manufactured by a company that offers a trial period. These periods are usually between 30 and 60 days, but sometimes they involve nonrefundable fees should you choose to return the hearing aid.

Warranty coverage is another important consideration when choosing a hearing aid. Since aids are not cheap, you should be sure of the warranty specifications, such as:

• Warranty length
• Whether the warranty covers both parts and labor
• If the warranty can be extended

Things to Keep in Mind
It is a good idea to be wary of free consultations and audiologists who offer only one brand.

Hearing aids are intended to improve your hearing and speech comprehension. They cannot restore hearing loss.

Hearing aids take some time to get used to. Have patience and wear your aids regularly.

Familiarize yourself with your hearing aid's features. A good time to do this is during a check-up with your audiologist. Be sure you know how to change the batteries, properly clean it, adjust the volume, and-if you wear two hearing aids-be able to identify right and left aids.