It is estimated that 40%-50% of all older people have a perceptible hearing loss. For some elderly people the consequences of loss are minor, while for others hearing loss affects almost every aspect of life. This condition often leads to communication problems, confusion and feelings of isolation. Hearing aids are indispensable devices in this case and right now they are available in the market in great numbers. What’s more they have become more affordable due to insurance for hearing aids which any hearing-impaired person can get.

Buyer’s Guide to Buying Hearing Aids

Buying hearing aids is a process rather than a task. This procedure is comparable in many respects to purchasing glasses prescribed by a doctor, but it is far more involved and costly. The methods outlined below will assist you in determining where to begin your search for the best hearing aids for you.

Compare Online Shopping to In-Person Shopping

It is now possible to buy hearing aids online. Some older people choose to have their hearing checked at an audiology clinic but then buy hearing aids in online stores, which also collaborate with insurance companies and provide insurance for hearing aids. Although industry professionals still prefer having patients fit their hearing aids in the office for certain reasons, however shopping online has considerable advantages too.

Shopping  for hearing aids in the office

pros

• A physical examination by an audiologist can rule out health problems and ear canal obstruction.

• Testing your hearing in person with high quality equipment is usually much more accurate than with a computer.

• Fine-tuning your hearing aid through a process known as real-ear testing means excellent sound quality tailored to your particular hearing loss case.

• Offices often have a huge number of brands, models and levels of technology in one place and can offer insurance for hearing aids for your purchase as an additional service.

• The risk of buying a product of poor quality is much lower.

cons

• Some offices sell products that can only be served by offices that belong to the same franchise, which may be a huge problem if you decide to move to another area or abroad.

• Costs can be much higher than online.

Online shopping experience

pros

• Costs are generally much lower than in audiology labs.

• Elementary tests can be done online and your hearing aids can be adjusted from home.

• In many cases, hearing tests done in audiology rooms can also be used to program your hearing aid if you wish.

Minuses

• Online tests and remote programming are less accurate and may therefore provide poorer sound quality.

• Most online companies are able to address mild to moderate hearing loss.

• Some Internet companies only sell hearing aids in pairs, regardless of the actual needs of the patient.

• The Internet is full of scams and low-quality products, so checking the quality of a company can be a difficult task.

When buying a hearing aid, make sure you know what service center can repair the device and if your insurance for hearing aids covers this service. In addition, you should know that all hearing aids need regular maintenance. This typically includes changing or recharging the batteries, regularly cleaning or wiping the outside of the hearing aid, replacing the wax protectors (they protect the inside of the hearing aids), and replacing the earmolds/caps and receiver wires. Some businesses will send you low-cost replacement components and cleaning supplies or these expenses can be covered by your insurance for hearing aids as well. When making a purchase, make sure you understand what you need to do to keep your hearing aids in good working order.