• Loss Characteristics: The nature and severity of your hearing loss will play a large role in determining which hearing aids are ultimately recommended to you. Your hearing professional can help you understand your unique loss characteristics, and explain the models that would best suit your needs.
• Lifestyle: Consider your life, work, free-time activities. What are the things you do that are most affected by hearing loss? What are the things, if any, that you're not able to do because of a hearing loss? Define your needs and set priorities. Your job may also be a factor. If you work outdoors in the elements or travel frequently and are concerned about a hearing aid's durability, you may want to consider a back-up aid.
• Technology: Not every technological advance benefits every hearing loss, and it's safe to say that even basic hearing aids can deliver appropriate sound quality. Consult your hearing professional - he or she will help you assess the level of sophistication you need based on a range of issues.
• Handling: The smallest hearing aids are the most discreet, but they are, well, small. If your eyesight or dexterity are less than what they used to be, size may indeed matter. Alternatively, some new aids adjust automatically or via remote control. Your hearing professional will instruct you as to your best choices.
• Appearance: Hearing aids come in a variety of sizes, from tiny, completely-in-the-canal models to those that sit behind the ear. Many people are overly concerned about appearance, and it's wise to remember that others will be far less aware of your aid than you. Most hearing aids are quite discreet. Keep in mind that hairstyle can also play a role.
• Physiology: Physical factors can also influence your selection of a hearing aid. The shape and size of the outer ear and ear canal can make it difficult for some people to wear particular styles. For example, if your canal is extremely narrow, in-the-canal aids may not work for you. Your hearing professional will help determine which hearing aid options are appropriate for you.
• One Ear or Two? Two ears are better than one. Binaural, or two-ear hearing, is what helps us determine where sounds are coming from, and to distinguish between competing sounds more easily. If you have a hearing loss in only one ear, you may be fine with one hearing aid. Age- and noise-related hearing loss tend to affect both ears, but your hearing profile for each ear is probably different. If there is a loss in both ears, then you will benefit more with a binaural approach. In addition, some of the benefits of digital technology require two hearing aids. Today, about two-thirds of new purchasers opt for dual hearing aids, and as a group, they report a higher level of satisfaction than purchasers of a single aid. Discuss the pros and cons with your hearing professional.
• Will my hearing aids ever need to be replaced? The most common repairs required by hearing aids are based on dirt and debris blocking the microphones and the receivers. In other words, the majority of repairs required are due to poor maintenance. Your hearing healthcare professional will review with you how to maintain your hearing aids, how to keep them clean and dry, how to change batteries etc. Nonetheless, if the hearing aids are well maintained, generally speaking, they can last 5 to 7 years.
• Will it be difficult to get comfortable with my new hearing aids? People learn and adapt at different rates. Some people need a day or two to learn about and adjust to their hearing aids; most people need a few weeks, and others may need a few months.

Start in a favorable listening environment (such as one-on-one conversations in quiet) and work towards more difficult listening situations. Let your friends and family know you're using your new hearing aids.

Please do NOT wear them to a cocktail party or restaurant during the first few weeks, thinking "this will be a good test!" It will absolutely not be a good test. You should not wear hearing aids in noise until you are very accustomed to them.