Step 1: Get a hearing test

Before buying any hearing aid, get a professional hearing evaluation. A licensed audiologist will conduct a comprehensive audiological assessment that includes:

• Pure-tone audiometry: Identifies the softest sounds you can hear at each frequency — the foundation of hearing aid fitting
• Speech audiometry: Tests how well you understand speech at different volumes
• Tympanometry: Checks middle ear function
• Medical history review: Identifies conditions that require medical treatment before hearing aids

The result is an audiogram — a graph of your hearing thresholds across frequencies. This is the document that guides hearing aid selection and fitting. Keep a copy.

Exception: If you are considering OTC hearing aids for mild to moderate loss, a professional hearing test is not required — but it is still recommended. Knowing your exact audiogram helps you choose the right device and verify it is providing adequate amplification.

Step 2: Decide between OTC and prescription

Your audiogram and lifestyle will guide this decision:

• Mild to moderate loss (26–55 dB): OTC aids are a legitimate option. Consider starting with OTC and upgrading to prescription if unsatisfied after a genuine trial.
• Moderately-severe to profound loss (56+ dB): Prescription aids are necessary. OTC aids cannot provide sufficient amplification.
• Complex audiogram: Unusual configurations (asymmetric loss, steeply sloping, reverse slope) benefit from professional fitting regardless of degree.
• Medical conditions affecting hearing: Sudden loss, unilateral loss, ear pain, or discharge require medical evaluation before any hearing aid.

See our detailed OTC vs. prescription comparison for a full breakdown.

Step 3: Choose a provider (for prescription aids)

Prescription hearing aids are sold through several types of providers:

Private audiology clinic

Highest level of professional care. Audiologists hold doctoral degrees (Au.D.) and can diagnose hearing disorders, not just fit aids. Best for complex cases. Typically highest prices.

Hearing instrument specialist (HIS)

Licensed to fit and sell hearing aids but not to diagnose hearing disorders. Often work in retail hearing aid chains. Adequate for straightforward cases.

Costco Hearing Center

Licensed audiologists at significantly lower prices than private clinics. Mid-range technology at entry-level prices. Excellent value for most users. Requires Costco membership.

Online/telehealth providers

Companies like Jabra Enhance (prescription tier) offer remote audiologist fitting via telehealth. Convenient and often less expensive than in-person clinics. Best for straightforward cases with a recent audiogram.

Step 4: The fitting appointment

A professional hearing aid fitting involves:

• Selecting the appropriate style and technology level based on your audiogram and lifestyle
• Programming the hearing aids to your audiogram using fitting software
• Real-ear measurement (REM) — the gold standard for verifying that the hearing aid is delivering the correct amplification at your eardrum. Ask specifically for REM; not all providers do it routinely.
• Orientation to the devices — how to insert, remove, clean, and operate them
• Setting expectations for the adjustment period

Step 5: The trial period

All reputable hearing aid providers offer a trial period — typically 30–60 days for prescription aids, 30–100 days for OTC. Use it fully:

• Wear the aids consistently from day one — adaptation requires consistent use
• Test in your real listening environments (work, restaurants, family gatherings)
• Return for follow-up adjustments — most providers include 1–3 follow-up visits in the purchase price
• Keep a log of situations where hearing is still difficult
• Do not judge in the first week — the brain needs time to adapt to amplification

Step 6: Ongoing care

Hearing aids require ongoing maintenance and periodic professional adjustments:

• Annual hearing re-evaluation to check for changes in hearing
• Reprogramming if hearing changes significantly
• Professional cleaning 1–2 times per year
• Wax guard and eartip replacement (you can do this yourself)

Ask your provider about their service plan — what follow-up visits and adjustments are included in the purchase price, and what costs extra.