My grandfather was hard of hearing. In the 70's, hearing aids were the huge devices that went in the front pocket of your shirt with an ear bud. Perhaps a precursor to the iPod. They are much fancier and high tech now and if my grandfather were still a live I have a feeling he'd still be carrying around that old device from decades ago. Most hearing aids are not covered by insurance.

Hearing aids come in analog and digital models with digital hearing aid models having a little more functionality. These two main categories have subcategories of fit. They are:

• Canal models

• Ear models
• Behind the ear models, and
• Open fit

Canal models fit inside the ear canal, either all the way or partially.

Pros of canal models: they are small and can't be seen

Cons of canal models: they are extremely expensive and hard to adjust due to small control knobs. They are easy to lose and the batteries don't last long.

Some of the more expensive canal models come with remote controls so you can due all the adjusting with minimal effort.

In the ear models fit in the ear outside the canal. They can be seen by others.

Pros of in the ear models: the are less expensive than canal models, the controls are easier to use and the batteries last longer.

Cons of in the ear models: they are easily seen by others. Of course, this is only a concern if that bothers you.

Behind the ear models are larger then in the ear models.

Pros of in behind the ear models: they are cheaper, more powerful and the batteries last even longer.

Cons of the behind the ear model: much more visible.

Open fit hearing aids also sit behind the ear but they are smaller than the behind the ear models.

Pros of open fit hearing aids: they are smaller and less visible. They can address more frequencies ranges of hearing loss. They are more comfortable than in the ear and canal models.

Digital or Analog?

Should you get a digital or an analog hearing aid? This depends on what your needs are and how much you are willing to spend. The benefit of digital models is that they can discriminate which sounds they alter, unlike most analog models that indiscriminately amply all sounds, including background noise that you are not interested in listening to.

Some people are only deaf to certain frequencies and only need those frequencies amplified while leaving others untouched. Digital hearing aids can do this. The best thing to do is talk to your audiologist and let him or her help you make the right decision based on your needs. You don't want to go buy the fanciest digital model just because you are the one that needs to have all the latest gadgets. You might in fact just not need such a model.

Batteries

Before you buy the hearing aid, check out the cost of batteries for it and how long they should last. Most people overlook this. Hearing aid batteries may not put you in the poor house, but I can think of better things to spend money on.

Finally, before you buy, make sure you have fully consulted your audiologist. Also, make sure there is a warranty and/or trial period for the hearing aid you are interested in. The last thing you want is $1000+ piece of equipment that does no good to you.