Patient Resources

Over the years, there has been some stigma around wearing hearing aids, as many people only remember the large, whistling devices of the past. Thankfully, those days are gone. Professional hearing aid fitting and modern technology have advanced so much that hearing aids today can even help you do things that people with normal hearing cannot. 

Hearing aids will not give you new ears, but they will give you life-changing opportunities and significantly improve your everyday quality of life. 

Many of the features available in today’s hearing aids can make a huge difference to how you communicate with others and how you experience the world. When human connection is more important than ever, it is vital to make the right decision when selecting your hearing care professional and the hearing devices that will help you hear better. 

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting Hearing Aids 

We’ve put together some questions to help you think about what you really want from your hearing aids. These will also help your hearing care professional understand your lifestyle and needs, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome and a truly personalised solution. 

What Environments Do I Need To Hear Best In? 

This is an important consideration, as your hearing needs may vary depending on where you spend your time. You might not need the most advanced level of technology, or there could be specific features that would suit your daily activities perfectly. Your hearing care professional will help you decide, but it’s useful to think about the environments where hearing well matters most to you. 

For example, you may want to hear the television or radio more clearly without having to turn the volume up too high. You might want to hear better on the phone so you don’t need to keep saying “pardon” or use the loudspeaker. If you attend meetings or social events with background noise, you may benefit from hearing aids that can focus on speech and reduce unwanted noise. 

If you choose a private hearing care professional like Neil here at Beckenham Hearing, they will take the time to understand your individual hearing needs and explain which devices will best support your lifestyle. 

How Well Do I Hear Soft Sounds? 

Hearing soft sounds can be particularly difficult when you have a hearing loss. You might struggle to hear children’s voices or high-pitched sounds, as female and child voices are often higher in frequency. Consonants at the beginnings and ends of words may also be harder to distinguish, especially in noisy environments. 

Modern hearing aids are designed to detect soft sounds automatically and adjust to different listening environments. With the right device and a professional fitting, your ability to hear soft sounds can be greatly improved. 

Never underestimate the importance of having a qualified and experienced hearing care professional fit your hearing aids. Even the best technology will not perform as it should without the right fit and proper programming. 

What Do I Want It To Look Like? 

Appearance can be an important factor for many people. You may prefer a hearing aid that matches your skin or hair colour or one that is as discreet as possible. The severity of your hearing loss will influence which styles are suitable, but most technology levels offer multiple design options. 

Some people choose behind-the-ear devices that sit neatly behind the outer ear and blend into the hair or skin. Others prefer in-the-ear options, which can be easier to manage with glasses or masks. Both have their advantages, and your hearing care professional will help you select one that fits comfortably, performs well, and looks the way you want it to. 

Start Your Hearing Journey With Confidence 

There are many other useful questions to ask your hearing care professional before choosing your hearing aids. If you would like expert guidance, please get in touch with us at Beckenham Hearing. We’ll be happy to discuss your options and help you find a solution that suits you perfectly. 

It’s important that you like and trust your hearing care professional and that they provide regular reviews and ongoing aftercare to support you throughout your hearing journey. 

We look forward to welcoming you into our hearing family and helping you reconnect with the sounds and moments that matter most.