What should you think about in buying hearing aids? Thefollowing is a list of seven factors to consider. All other thingsaside, your hearing aid must be a good match for your losscharacteristics, fit comfortably and be adjustable, either manually, byyou, or automatically. Read through these factors and make some notes asto your priorities so you can discuss them with your hearingprofessional.

Loss characteristics
The nature and severity of your hearing loss will play a large role indetermining which hearing aids are ultimately recommended to you. Yourhearing professional can help you understand your unique losscharacteristics, and explain the models that would best suit yourneeds.

Lifestyle
Consider your life, work, free-time activities. What are the things youdo 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 needsand set priorities. Your job may also be a factor. If you work outdoorsin the elements or travel frequently, and are concerned about a hearingaid's durability, you may want to consider a back-up instrument.

Technology
Sound quality is perhaps the most important considerationÑit's whyyou're even considering purchasing hearing aids, after all. Not everytechnological advance benefits every hearing loss, and it's safe to saythat even basic hearing aids can deliver appropriate sound quality.Consult your hearing professionalÑhe or she will help you assess thelevel 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 instruments adjustautomatically or via remote control. Your hearing professional willinstruct 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. Manypeople are overly concerned about appearance, and it's wise to rememberthat others will be far less aware of your aid than you. Most hearingaids are quite discreet. Keep in mind that hairstyle can also play arole.

Physiology
Physical factors can also influence your selection of a hearing aid. Theshape and size of the outer ear and ear canal can make it difficult forsome people to wear particular styles. For example, if your canal isextremely narrow, in-the-canal aids may not work for you. Your hearingprofessional will help determine which hearing aid options areappropriate for you.

One ear or two?
Two ears are better than one, since binaural, or two-ear hearing, iswhat helps us determine where sounds are coming from, and to distinguishbetween competing sounds more easily. If you have a hearing loss in onlyone ear, you may be fine with one hearing aid. Age- and noise-relatedhearing loss tend to affect both ears, but your hearing profile for eachear is probably different. If there is a loss in both ears, then youwill benefit more with a binaural approach. In addition, some of thebenefits of digital technology require two hearing aids.

Today, about two-thirds of new purchasers opt for dualhearing aids, and as a group, they report a higher level of satisfactionthan purchasers of a single aid. Discuss the pros and cons with yourhearing professional.