Best hearing aid for the elderly: how to choose the right one

What is the best hearing aid for an elderly parent? The honest answer: the one they will actually wear every day. Many families buy an aid only to see it sit in a drawer because it hurts, whistles, has fiddly buttons or needs batteries that are hard to change. This guide takes you through the choices in the right order: check hearing first, then pick the style, power source, features and accessories, so your money turns into better hearing every day.

Why hearing loss in older adults deserves early attention

According to the World Health Organization, more than 25% of people over 60 have disabling hearing loss, and the WHO links unaddressed hearing loss with a higher risk of cognitive decline. Common signs include a very loud television, frequent requests to repeat things, trouble on the phone and avoiding busy gatherings. A hearing aid does not cure hearing loss, but it helps the wearer hear better while it is in and keeps everyday conversations going.

Step 1: Get a hearing test before choosing

Hearing loss can come from earwax, from an ear infection that needs treatment, or from age-related decline. An examination and hearing test at an ear, nose and throat clinic reveals the cause, which ear is affected and by how much. That tells you whether a ready-to-wear aid is enough or whether you need one programmed to the test results.

• Mild to moderate loss, similar in both ears: a ready-to-wear aid with several volume levels often works.
• Severe loss, or one ear much worse: choose an aid fitted by an audiologist to the test results.
• Sudden loss, or pain, discharge or dizziness: see a doctor right away and hold off on buying.

Before the appointment, jot down the situations where your parent struggles most, such as phone calls, family meals or the television. That list helps the clinic, and later helps you judge whether an aid is really working.

Best hearing aid for the elderly: comparing styles

For most grandparents, behind-the-ear is the safest starting point. Browse hearing aids for seniors, or see mini hearing aids if discretion matters.

Rechargeable or button-cell batteries?

Rechargeable aids simply go into a charging case each night, with no pea-sized battery to handle, which is ideal for weaker hands. Button-cell aids need the right size (10, 13, 312 or 675) and a spare supply, but you never have to remember to charge them on a trip. How to tell the sizes apart is explained in our hearing aid battery guide.

Features worth having, and features that are mostly marketing

• Worth having: several volume levels, a noise reduction mode for crowded places, buttons you can feel, ear tips in several sizes and a sturdy case.
• Consider: Bluetooth to a phone helps if the wearer is comfortable with a smartphone; otherwise it rarely gets used.
• Be wary of: claims to cure deafness or restore hearing. No hearing aid can do that.

Helping your relative get used to it

• Wear it for a few hours a day in a quiet place during the first week, then build up.
• Start at a low volume; it is normal for everyday sounds to seem odd at first.
• If it whistles, check that the ear tip is the right size and fully inserted.
• Wipe it every evening and store it in a drying box; see how to clean hearing aids.

Still unsure? Try the hearing aid finder; three questions point you to the right group. This article is general information and does not replace advice from an ear, nose and throat doctor.