Who is a Good Candidate for a Hearing Aid?

Millions of Americans with hearing loss rely on hearing aids. Most of these patients are satisfied with their device, while others are more ambivalent. Perhaps they weren't good candidates for hearing aids, or perhaps their hearing loss has progressed to a point where hearing aids cannot provide the most benefit. If you are considering purchasing a hearing aid, read on to find out if you're a good candidate.  Hearing aids can be comfortably worn by people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. The ideal candidate for a hearing aid is someone with moderate hearing loss in one or both ears, who is having trouble making out words in conversations, on television, or at movies. Since hearing aids are very expensive, they are not typically recommended for people with very mild hearing loss. If hearing loss is severe, hearing aids might not be powerful enough to overcome it. Some types of hearing loss respond better to hearing aids than others. For example, people with nerve-related (sensorineural) hearing loss might require implanted devices rather than traditional earworn hearing aids. Also, patients with severe damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, or those who have no hair cells at all, are not good candidates for hearing aids. The cost of hearing aids is a prohibitive factor for some. You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the type of aid you select. Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids. Before you get a hearing aid, you'll be taken in for a thorough hearing test and consultation. The doctor will determine how well you hear in a silent setting and in a noisy environment. Then they will discuss the potential benefits and disadvantages of hearing aids, which will help you decide if this option is right for you.