How to Choose Hearing Aids Your Parents Will Actually Use
- wehelphearing
- May 10
- 4 min read
Finding the right hearing aid for your parents isn’t just about picking the simplest device, it’s about making sure they have the support to actually use it. Even the simplest devices can find their way into drawers if patients are getting frustrated with their experience. Great support begins with setting reasonable expectations and then continues through to more advanced skills like changing noise reduction or program settings (if applicable). Some companies charge for this support while others will offer it at no cost - and the level of support can vary widely. Let's go through these different decision points and discuss the options you might find.
Selecting The Right Device
Not all devices are created equal, some devices won't have a single button on them and will be very minimal while others will have multi-use volume buttons and will be adjustable down to the fit.
It's important to understand that if you're buying OTC (over-the-counter) hearing aids they are more likely to put that flexibility in adjustment and maintenance in the hands of the user. That's the market they operate in. These companies have to find a way to be able to service a wide range of people and in doing so they need to make sure their aids can accommodate people with different needs. I don't necessarily equate this with complexity, but to people just getting started that can be intimidating.
Prescription hearing aids will often be less flexible - however, I'd hesitate to say that they are "simpler". Oftentimes a lack of flexibility at the device level means more complexity in getting adjustments and help. Though your parents may have less to learn as far as controls, cleaning, and maintenance, the lack of available adjustments and support can lead to periods of frustration while they wait to get in with their provider.
Consider your parent's independence level and their at-home support system.
Are they capable of learning how to adjust a volume wheel up and down?
Can they get their hearing aids in their ears themselves?
Do they have people around who can help them with these things?
Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint, so they don't have to learn all of these things at once. Thinking through these things will help you make an informed decision on which option to go with.
What To Look For In A Hearing Provider
To me, this is the most important piece in making sure your parents stick with their hearing aids and get the value out of them that they need. While no support model is perfect some certainly stand out in my mind.
You'll get a good sense of the kind of support you're dealing with right at the time of sale. Good support at the time sale sounds like:
Letting the patient know what to expect when they receive the hearing aids.
Advising them of the adjustment period and the need to wear them consistently.
Giving an overview of the return process in case things don't work out.
If you're hearing these things, that's usually a sign you're in good hands.
Some places are very transparent about this stuff and will make you feel like you've got a real team behind you. Others might rush through it or avoid talking about it entirely, which can leave your parents feeling lost later on. That first conversation tells you a lot.
Another thing to watch for is how follow-up support is handled. Some providers will charge you for every interaction after the sale, and those charges can really add up. In some cases, you're looking at over $200 just to talk to a hearing specialist on the phone. On the other hand, there are OTC companies like MD Hearing that have licensed professionals on staff who you can reach out to whenever you need help, and it's included. No hidden fees, no stress.
Some prescription hearing providers do an amazing job, but they might be tough to get into quickly. Others may only offer a limited number of visits per year as part of the plan. So make sure you're asking questions.
How long is the follow-up window?
Are visits included or do they cost extra?
Can you get help over the phone or through video?
The more you understand about the level of ongoing support, the better the experience will be for your parents. And the better the experience, the more likely they are to actually wear the hearing aids and stick with it. That's the whole goal.
Final Thoughts
I know this isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of guide. There’s no clear answer like "if your parents are like this, then go with that." The truth is, it depends on a lot of things. How comfortable they are with new tech, how much support they have at home, how involved the provider is after the sale, and what they feel good about using.
That’s why having this kind of context matters. It’s not just about picking the most popular hearing aid. It’s about understanding the trade-offs and making sure the choice fits your parents' real life. There are too many options out there to be overly specific about what’s right for everyone, but when you know what to look for, you’re way more likely to find something that actually works.
When in doubt, lean toward the option that comes with more support. That’s usually the thing that makes the biggest difference in the long run.
(Want to understand how to support them once they've purchased? Read This)
A Personal Note
Full transparency — I have a personal and professional relationship with MDHearing and may benefit if you choose to work with them. That said, I’m recommending them because I genuinely believe they offer a great product and great support. I have gladly recommended them to many friends and family because I trust the people who make that company great.
