First, read this book:
The Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids: A Bridge to Healing
“Why?” you say. This book is a wonderful place to begin your research on hearing loss and hearing aids. It will give you an understanding of hearing aid technology, important questions to ask, and what to look out for. It will also help you understand some of the social and emotional ramifications your hearing loss may be causing you and/or your loved ones.
“‘A Bridge to Healing’? My hearing loss can’t be healed, I don’t need to be healed. My spouse just won’t stop bugging me to get hearing aids!” you might say. Fine, you don’t need to be healed…just read the book. There is no incentive for me to promote this book by the way – it’s just really useful.
“But I can’t wait that long to get it and read it.” Unless you’ve had a sudden hearing loss and have yet to see a physician about it*, you can take the time to do your research. In upcoming posts, I can give you things to do while you wait the 3-5 business days shipping will take.
*If you’ve had a sudden hearing loss you need to schedule an appointment with an Ear Nose and Throat Physician (ENT aka otolaryngologist) immediately. See the NIDCD website for more information.
I should note that the material in this book is completely relevant no matter what country you live in this blog pertains more to audiology in the US. Certain things are likely quite similar but with insurance, costs, and credentialing requirements, there a number of differences between the US and even Canada. If you know of good resources for those living outside of the US please share them.