Buying New Hearing Aids – A Top-10 List for Consumers
Buying a hearing aid is an important decision on many levels: It is an investment in improving your life, but it is also an investment in money and time. Therefore it is important to take the right approach in shopping for a hearing aid to ensure you or a loved one get the optimal solution for improving hearing capabilities. Hearing Health Associates recommends this guide when you are evaluating a hearing healthcare provider and a hearing aid itself.
1. Research hearing aids types – Learn about hearing aids types and hearing technology to gain a basic understanding of the many choices available. We provide free, important information about the advancements in today’s technology for reference on our website, on the phone and in our clinics.
2. Undergo a hearing test and complete hearing evaluation – A comprehensive hearing test and evaluation is the first step toward identifying hearing loss and finding the right hearing aid for a specific hearing problem. At HHA we will work with you to recommend appropriate hearing aid solutions, if necessary, based upon your hearing evaluation and lifestyle.
3. Honestly identify hearing needs – Some hearing aids are well suited for noisy situations; others are not. Some hearing aids types are perfect for an active lifestyle, while others are better suited for quiet activities, such as watching television or listening to music. Features, controls – even color – may be important factors to consider when choosing the right hearing aid for your needs.
4. Understand hearing aid costs – Hearing aids may be a large purchase and as such, patients should receive a written contract which includes the cost of the hearing aids, as well as any services provided by the hearing professional. These services may include fitting, training and follow up appointments.
Insurance coverage and financing may also be available to help make certain hearing aids more affordable.
5. Get a comfortable fit – Custom earmolds ensure the best fit when purchasing new hearing aids. New hearing aids require a period of adjustment, and any level of discomfort could make the transition difficult.
6. Follow up – Adjusting to new hearing aids takes time as the brain learns to hear again in a new way. Follow up appointments are imperative to get the most out of new hearing aids.
7. Ask about a return policy – HHA offers a trial period for new hearing aids. Occasionally there may be a fee if the hearing aids are returned; frequently, however, we offer an opportunity to try a different hearing aid style at no additional cost.
8. Understand the warranty – As with any major purchase, hearing aids come with a warranty to cover repairs or replacement over a certain period of time. We remain committed to making sure you are satisfied throughout the life of your hearing aid, with extended warranty plans also available.
9. Consider using hearing aids with other assistive listening devices – Today’s hearing aids are designed to work seamlessly with mobile devices, phones and audio equipment. Imagine having the sound from your radio or TV come through your hearing aid, but at a level others in the room can hear comfortably.
New wireless hearing aids may be the ultimate in convenience for the hard of hearing. We can answer questions about the compatibility of hearing aids with assistive listening devices.
10. Help a friend– with the prevalence of untreated hearing loss it is likely you know or may encounter someone who could benefit from better hearing as well. At Hearing Health Associates we’re committed to helping all in our community that suffer from hearing loss. We appreciate any referral you can share with those in need.
We are committed to making sure every patient that needs a hearing aid gets the optimal solution for both their hearing loss and lifestyle. If you have any questions or are looking to start the process with a hearing test simply submit your request on our page, or make an appointment now . We will be in touch within one business day.