Hi,

My father is 67. Over the past 5-10 years, his hearing ability reduced gradually. These days, he is finding difficult.

1. He asks us to repeat few times when we speak in louder environment
2. In the quiet environment, it is kind of Ok. But, we still need to speak little louder than normal.
3. Many times, to avoid asking us to repeat, he sits quiet and does not involve in the conversation.

Few months back, we did a medical check-up and he was adviced for a hearing aid. (It was about 56 db for both ears). First, he was saying "NO". Now, he is little positive to go for hearing aid.

Few relatives are advising me to be careful, that their elders stopped using the aid for many reasons, even after spending the money for below possible reasons.

1. They do not want others to know that they are using hearing aid.
2. Not knowing how to use it

Here are my questions.

1. In Bangalore, where can I find a good doctor with quality and reasonable price.
2. While buying, what are the things to check and consider like Size, Battery Life etc..
3. What models are good? My budget is around 15k.
4. Which one is better to go for? Analog or Digital? BTE or ITC?
5. Do we need to change this aid after 1-2 years like that? What are the maintenance cost like battery?
6. What is needed to get my father comfortable in using it?