Things You Should Consider Before Buying Hearing Aids

According to the MarkeTrak VIII survey, there areeasily, then you will have difficulty with a small device.
now about 34.5 million Americans with some degreeYou may get frustrated trying to wear an open fit
of hearing loss. It is interesting to note that 60% ofhearing aid or one of the smaller in the canal hearing
those are below retirement age, and the averageaids.
person waits about seven years to seek help after6. You should consider the warranty provided with
they first notice difficulty with their hearing. When athe hearing device. The average life of a hearing
person first decides to see a hearing professional, itdevice is four to six years so you want to get the
can be stressful and often times they don't knowbest possible warranty to ensure repairs can be
what questions to ask or what to expect as far asmade without spending an excessive amount on the
price or performance of the hearing device. I havemaintenance of the device. The average cost of a
developed a list of things every person shouldrepair can range from $175-$350 depending on the
consider before buying a hearing device(s).type of repair needed. Ask whether the product has
1. Never buy a hearing aid through the internet. It isloss and damage coverage, and how much is the
best to work with someone with whom you havedeductible on the coverage?
established a relationship, so that he/she can guide7. How long is the trial period? How much is the
you through the process and help you make therestocking fee or return fee?
best decision on a device that best fits your needs.8. It may take anywhere from a few days to six
This most often is a professional who has beenweeks to fully adjust to wearing them and hearing
referred by family, friends, or by your primary carenew sounds. You may have to visit with your
physician. Prices may seem cheaper online butAudiologist multiple times during the initial adjustment
considering the dispensing fee and charges for followperiod. This is why I stressed in the first point to
up visits, you may not save any money bypurchase them locally and not from the internet.
purchasing online.9. When you have a hearing loss in both ears, you
2. See an Audiologist for your hearing services. Anshould wear two hearing aids. Research over the
Audiologist is licensed and certified by the Americanyears has repeatedly shown the benefit of wearing
Speech-Language Hearing Association or Americantwo versus one hearing device. Most of today's
Academy of Audiology. Most Audiologists hold atechnology is developed with two hearing aids in
doctorate in Audiology or master's degree from anmind, and most people report better hearing in every
accredited university.environment, especially noise, while wearing two
3. Have realistic expectations about what the hearinghearing aids. Two hearing aids also give you better
device(s) will do for your hearing. It is true that theydirectionality, better sense of acoustic balance, more
will help you hear better in most situations, but not allcomfort in background noise, and customer
situations. A hearing device will not restore yoursatisfaction.
hearing to normal.Wearing hearing aids can improve your relationship
4. It is best to choose a device based on yourwith family and friends, help you get the confidence
hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget, not based on theto participate in social activities again, improve your
size of the device. While some of the newoverall well being, and improve your quality of life. So
receiver-in-the-canal models are very small andremember to always ask questions and to take
discreet, they may not be appropriate for everyone.someone with you to your first appointment that can
5. When deciding on hearing aid style or size, it ishelp you make decisions about which direction to go
very important to consider your level of dexterity. Ifwith your hearing aid purchase.
you cannot handle small objects or you drop things