Hearing aids have advanced significantly over the years; long gone are the days of simply deciding on whether you want “the one behind the ear or in the ear”. Today’s hearing aids now incorporate many features aimed at enhancing various aspects of a hearing aid wearer’s lifestyle. Whether you're a newcomer exploring your first set of hearing aids or an experienced user considering your fifth pair, this article aims to get you on the right track when picking a suitable hearing aid for your lifestyle.
What does lifestyle have to do with hearing aids, anyway?
Lifestyle refers to “the way in which a person lives”. Lifestyle plays a pivotal role in selecting the right hearing aids, as it often dictates the diversity of hearing challenges and preferences different people face. Lifestyle also dictates what hearing aid capabilities, technology level and robustness is required for the best outcomes of the wearer. For example:
Active individuals, involved in sports or outdoor activities, often seek hearing aids with enhanced durability and smart health features to track movement and activity levels effectively.
Those frequently engaging in frequent social gatherings or family orientated activities will benefit from hearing aids equipped with advanced sound optimization features, including the latest AI powered features, ensuring clear communication in noisy environments.
Professionals working in office settings may prefer hearing aids with accessibility features and compatibility with accessories like telecoil loops for seamless interaction during meetings.
Tech savvy or ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle types often rely on technology to keep them connected with others, so considering hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing easy integration with smartphones and tablets for enhanced control and accessibility.
Explaining your lifestyle to your hearing care professional (HCP) is crucial to help ensure they recommend the right hearing aid for your lifestyle. Here are some helpful tips to consider to ensure the process is easy and thorough.
Tip #1: Make a lifestyle list (and check it twice)
Prior to your hearing appointment, think about all the aspects of your lifestyle that involve hearing, and how they may have been impacted by your hearing loss. Your HCP will most likely ask you specific questions about this, however, to ensure you are providing them with the full picture, a little preparation goes a long way.
It might be helpful to make a list of your regular activities that are most affected by your hearing difficulties, so that they can get a complete understanding of not only your hearing needs but also your lifestyle needs. Add as much information as you can, especially with regards to the listening conditions; HCPs will appreciate an understanding of things like how noisy the situations are, how many people are present or how far away you may be from a particular sound you need to hear.
Here’s an example of a lifestyle activity list for a hearing aid discussion.
Tip #2: Ask the audience or phone a friend
Getting insights from individuals who share your lifestyle can be valuable when considering your hearing, as they may offer unique perspectives on the effects of your hearing loss. Once you've compiled your list, it's beneficial to have them review it for completeness or provide additional suggestions. Additionally, consider bringing a trusted friend, family member, or partner to your appointment; research indicates that this can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your hearing care1.
Tip #3: Think about the future
When thinking about your lifestyle, remember to also consider the activities you want to do, not only the things you currently doing.
Hearing loss can make it harder to participate in certain activities, and as a result certain activities you used to participate in may not be part of your lifestyle today, but you may want to return to them in future. Considering the activities you wish to attend in future is crucial information for your HCP, as it will most likely influence what type of hearing devices are appropriate.
Tip #4: Do a technology audit
Modern hearing aids rival the connection abilities of the latest consumer electronic audio products, with rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, smartphone app integration and intuitive gesture-based control systems.
These new and powerful abilities can greatly enhance how you interact with any essential smart devices that form part of your lifestyle, and so it’s always a good idea to add any devices you may use on a regular basis as part of your list, so that your HCP knows to add them to your lifestyle considerations.
Discuss the best options to suit your lifestyle
Now armed with a detailed description of your lifestyle (and an important significant other!), you and your HCP can now choose the best type of hearing technology to suit your needs to deliver you the sounds that are most important to you.
Starkey Genesis AI: A perfect match for your lifestyle
Starkey’s latest hearing aid platform Genesis AI, launched earlier this year in Australia and New Zealand, includes an innovative range of hearing devices in different styles and technology levels, designed to suit all lifestyles. Whether you’re a retiree, or a working professional, a digital nomad or health fanatic, Genesis AI has the perfect solution to fit your lifestyle
Ready to try a hearing aid upgrade? Try Genesis AI by Starkey.
If or you are interested in finding out how the latest hearing aid technology can improve your listening goals and priorities, talk to your hearing care provider organising a Genesis AI hearing aid trial today, the platform that delivers the latest features and much more.