Hearing aids vary a lot in price, size, special features and the way they are placed in your ear.

The best hearing aid for you depends on your needs and budget. It’s important to discuss your preferences with an audiologist before choosing a hearing aid.

Digital and Analogue Technology
Hearing aids today use digital technology to process the sound that enters your ear. These computers analyze a million times per second and can separate speech from noise to provide you with cleaner sound. They can also offer different programs for different listening situations, such as loud restaurants or quiet rooms.

Bluetooth Wireless Audio Input
Many newer hearing aids now include this feature. It allows you to stream music and phone calls from a smartphone directly through your hearing aid.

Bluetooth technology also allows you to connect your hearing aid to other devices such as TVs and computers. It can also store a record of your listening preferences.

Directional Microphones
Some hearing aids also have directional microphones, which help you hear the sounds that come from a specific direction. They’re especially useful in noisy environments where you may not be able to hear all the sounds around you.

Recharging Technologies
Like cell phones, some newer hearing aids use batteries that are rechargeable. This frees you from the annoying task of replacing tiny button batteries every day.

Hearing aids that are rechargeable can be a good choice for individuals with vision or dexterity issues who find it difficult to replace batteries. They usually cost about 10 percent more than battery-operated models, but they will save you money in the long run because they don’t have to be replaced as frequently.