In some cases, you might want to rule out a medically treatable problem by consulting a physician first, says Warner of Lovelace's audiology department, which coordinates treatment with ear, nose and throat specialists. Individuals who qualify can buy hearing aids at reduced costs, Bowers says. The biggest factor in determining cost is whether the hearing aid is digital or analog. Smaller, more flexible, less noticeable hearing aids also cost more. An audiologist can work with clients to hold down costs.
Considerations are lifestyle, budget, dexterity and cosmetic needs.
Don't pay for the bells and whistles if you don't need them. If you watch TV all day, are isolated, don't go out to eat, you are not needing something so advanced. It depends on the nature of the hearing loss, too, Bowers says. People who hear well at lower pitches but not at the high end are good candidates for digital hearing aids. Bowers says there are a lot of good programmable traditional aids, too.