Consumer Articles of Interest
Things You Should Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids
According to the MarkeTrak VIII survey, there are now about 34.5 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss. It is interesting to note that 60% of those are below retirement age, and the average person waits about seven years to seek help after they first notice difficulty with their hearing. When a person first decides to see a hearing professional, it can be stressful and often times they don't know what questions to ask or what to expect as far as price or performance of the hearing device. I have developed a list of things every person should consider before buying a hearing device(s).
Never buy a hearing aid through the internet. It is best to work with someone with whom you have established a relationship, so that he/she can guide you through the process and help you make the best decision on a device that best fits your needs. This most often is a professional who has been referred by family, friends, or by your primary care physician. Prices may seem cheaper online but considering the dispensing fee and charges for follow up visits, you may not save any money by purchasing online.
See an Audiologist for your hearing services. An Audiologist is licensed and certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association or American Academy of Audiology. Most Audiologists hold a doctorate in Audiology or master's degree from an accredited university.
Have realistic expectations about what the hearing device(s) will do for your hearing. It is true that they will help you hear better in most situations, but not all situations. A hearing device will not restore your hearing to normal.
It is best to choose a device based on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget, not based on the size of the device. While some of the new receiver-in-the-canal models are very small and discreet, they may not be appropriate for everyone.
When deciding on hearing aid style or size, it is very important to consider your level of dexterity. If you cannot handle small objects or you drop things easily, then you will have difficulty with a small device. You may get frustrated trying to wear an open fit hearing aid or one of the smaller in the canal hearing aids.
You should consider the warranty provided with the hearing device. The average life of a hearing device is four to six years so you want to get the best possible warranty to ensure repairs can be made without spending an excessive amount on the maintenance of the device. The average cost of a repair can range from $175-$350 depending on the type of repair needed. Ask whether the product has loss and damage coverage, and how much is the deductible on the coverage?
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How long is the trial period? How much is the restocking fee or return fee?
It may take anywhere from a few days to six weeks to fully adjust to wearing them and hearing new sounds. You may have to visit with your Audiologist multiple times during the initial adjustment period. This is why I stressed in the first point to purchase them locally and not from the internet.
When you have a hearing loss in both ears, you should wear two hearing aids. Research over the years has repeatedly shown the benefit of wearing two versus one hearing device. Most of today's technology is developed with two hearing aids in mind, and most people report better hearing in every environment, especially noise, while wearing two hearing aids. Two hearing aids also give you better directionality, better sense of acoustic balance, more comfort in background noise, and customer satisfaction.
Wearing hearing aids can improve your relationship with family and friends, help you get the confidence to participate in social activities again, improve your overall well being, and improve your quality of life. So remember to always ask questions and to take someone with you to your first appointment that can help you make decisions about which direction to go with your hearing aid purchase.
