Buying a hearing aid can be one of the most important decisions you make for your hearing health. It’s not just a device, it’s a gateway to better communication, improved confidence, and reconnecting with loved ones. However, with so many styles, brands, and price ranges available, many people struggle to decide which one fits them best.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What do I need to know before buying a hearing aid?”, you’re in the right place. This blog will guide you through all the key points from understanding hearing loss levels to choosing the right model, cost, lifespan, and maintenance helping you make a smart and comfortable choice.
Understanding your level of hearing loss is the first step in determining whether you need a hearing aid. Hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB), which indicates how soft a sound must be before you can hear it. Generally, the greater the number, the more severe the hearing loss.
If your hearing test shows a threshold above 25 dB, you may benefit from a hearing aid. Mild hearing loss (26–40 dB) makes it difficult to hear soft speech, while moderate loss (41–55 dB) causes problems understanding conversations in noisy places. Severe hearing loss (71–90 dB) often makes speech inaudible without amplification, and profound loss (above 90 dB) makes hearing even loud sounds challenging.
If you find yourself asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the TV volume, or feeling left out in group discussions, it’s time to consider professional evaluation. An audiologist can perform a test to determine your hearing threshold and recommend the right device that restores your listening clarity.
Choosing the perfect hearing aid requires balancing comfort, performance, and technology. The best device for you depends on your hearing loss severity, lifestyle, and budget.
If you live an active lifestyle, look for water-resistant and rechargeable models that can handle movement and sweat. For office workers or people who attend meetings often, a model with noise cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity helps maintain clear conversations.
Today’s hearing aids offer advanced digital features like automatic volume adjustment, background noise filtering, and directional microphones. Comfort is key; models such as in-the-ear (ITE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) are discreet yet comfortable, while behind-the-ear (BTE) aids are more durable and powerful. Getting a professional fitting ensures optimal sound and comfort balance.
There’s no universal answer: the best hearing aid depends on your hearing range, comfort, and personal preference.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models are ideal for all ages and degrees of hearing loss. They sit comfortably behind the ear and are easy to adjust. In-the-Ear (ITE) devices are smaller and fit inside the ear bowl, offering discretion without sacrificing performance. For those who prefer lightweight and natural-sounding options, Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) models deliver excellent clarity. Finally, Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are nearly invisible, best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Each type has its pros and cons, so discuss your hearing lifestyle with an audiologist before choosing one.
Choosing a trustworthy brand ensures long-lasting performance and quality after-sales service. India offers several globally recognized hearing aid brands that meet diverse hearing needs.
Some of the top brands include Phonak, Signia, Oticon, Widex, and ReSound. Phonak is known for its crystal-clear sound and powerful noise management. Signia models offer great affordability and comfort, while Oticon provides natural sound processing with its brain-hearing technology. Widex focuses on pure, distortion-free sound, and ReSound delivers excellent connectivity with smartphones.
When comparing Phonak vs Signia, Phonak is best for advanced sound control, while Signia is great for comfort and budget-friendly performance. Always consider warranty and after-sales support when choosing your brand.
The average hearing aid cost in India varies depending on the technology and brand. Understanding cost helps you choose wisely and budget effectively.
Basic models with standard amplification features cost around ₹25,000–₹50,000. Mid-range options range from ₹50,000–₹1,50,000, offering better noise reduction and battery life. Premium aids with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth connectivity can cost up to ₹3,00,000.
Most hearing aids last between 5 to 7 years, depending on how well they’re maintained. Regular cleaning, professional tuning, and avoiding exposure to moisture and dust can help extend their life. Replacing parts like wax guards and domes also keeps them performing optimally.
Avoid wearing your hearing aid in the shower or while swimming, as water can damage internal circuits. Keep them away from sprays, perfumes, and lotions that can clog the microphones.
When not in use, store your aids in a dry, dust-free case. Use a cleaning brush to remove earwax, and schedule routine servicing every six months. Never try to repair them yourself, professional help ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Many people are surprised to learn that hearing loss can affect balance because both are connected to the inner ear.
The inner ear’s vestibular system helps maintain balance and orientation. When hearing deteriorates, it may affect your awareness of surrounding sounds and spatial cues, leading to occasional imbalance or dizziness.
While hearing aids can’t directly treat balance issues, they improve sound awareness and spatial perception, reducing the risk of falls and improving stability, especially in older adults.
Choosing the right hearing aid provider is just as important as selecting the device itself and that’s where Auritron stands out.
At Auritron, we’re committed to helping you hear better with personalized care. Our certified audiologists ensure every device is customized for your unique hearing profile. We don’t just sell hearing aids we guide you through diagnosis, fitting, and aftercare for a seamless experience.
We offer an extensive range of digital, rechargeable hearing aid, and Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids from trusted brands like Phonak, Signia, and ReSound. Auritron also provides free hearing assessments, extended warranties, and dedicated servicing to ensure your device performs flawlessly. When you choose Auritron, you’re choosing long-term support, comfort, and quality you can trust.
Buying a hearing aid isn’t just about improving hearing, it’s about improving life. Knowing what to look for before buying a hearing aid helps you make an informed decision that suits your budget, lifestyle, and hearing goals. With the right guidance and professional care from Auritron, you can experience better hearing, better conversations, and a better quality of life every day.
You may start missing soft sounds or asking people to repeat themselves often.
No. It’s best to remove your hearing aids before sleeping to prevent damage and allow your ears to rest.
Wearing them for 8–10 hours per day is ideal to let your brain adapt and improve sound clarity.
Hearing loss usually cannot be reversed naturally, but using a hearing aid helps manage and improve sound clarity effectively.
Clean them gently every day, store them in a dry case, and get them serviced by a professional every six months.
