re: Tell me about hearing aids

I am an audiologist...

1. Behind the ear hearing aids will be more powerful and will be better in background noise due to the position of the microphones.
2. Don't let the Audiologist win you over because it has multiple programming - all hearing aids have multiple programs. Yes, you sometimes need different programs for certain situations, but the goal of an Audiologist should be to fit your hearing aid to the best where you aren't fiddling with it all day. You should put it in and go about your way daily. Especially for a unilateral hearing loss, make sure you feel balanced with programming.
3. Be honest with your Audiologist at follow-up appointment(s). Follow-up appointment(s) should be free to ensure happiness and appropriate fit. If something doesn't sounds right, speak up. I tell all my patients that I love to hear about all the improvements, but more importantly I need to know what is not right. Also, you need to be realistic that it may not be "absolutely perfect" like when you were younger but it should feel like it is helping. Give your brain some time to adjust.
4. Be sure you get at least a 30 day trial and make sure your contract spells out how much any future appointments, earmolds, repairs cost.

And with all of that being said, I hated Siemens products. Customer service was a nightmare when I needed to deal with them in school. Personally, I like Resound, Oticon, and Phonak. Good Luck wherever you end up!