Hearing aids vary a lot in price, size, special features and more. It’s also important to consider the company’s reputation.
Remember that hearing aids are not a cure-all and they cannot eliminate all background noise. Be wary of any companies making exaggerated claims about their hearing aids. Also check that they have a warranty and professional services included.
Cost
While you can buy hearing aids at pharmacies, big box stores, and even tech stores, buying them from a clinic allows for the most accurate assessment of your hearing loss. This is a crucial step in finding hearing aids that work well for you. In addition, hearing aids sold in clinics typically come with a warranty and service plan, which can be helpful in lowering the overall cost of your purchase.
Most people with sensorineural hearing loss will benefit from using hearing aids. These devices help to reclaim sounds that the brain has lost through injury or aging. They can also help to mask tinnitus.
The newest hearing aids offer high-fidelity chips that allow you to clearly hear speech and other sounds. These new models are more accurate than ever before at separating sound from background noise, and many offer special features like smartphone connectivity and rechargeable batteries. Choosing the best hearing aids will make your life easier and more enjoyable.
Technology
Many of the latest hearing aids feature technology that wasn’t available even a few years ago. Some amplify different frequencies, and some allow for smartphone connectivity and automatic adjustment to your listening environment.
These advances have helped drive prices down. Competition from less expensive personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), which aren’t regulated by the FDA, has also played a role.
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles and sizes. Your hearing professional can help you decide which type is best for your lifestyle. Some examples are behind-the-ear, in-the-ear and completely-in-the-canal models.
A key consideration is whether you want a device with premium features or basic-feature technology. Unfortunately, there are no scientifically grounded guidelines for practitioners to use when deciding between these two levels of technology. This leaves most practitioners relying on unverified manufacturer claims about the benefits of premium features to make this determination. This may lead to some patients receiving unnecessary or excessive amplification.
Appearance
As with any other medical device, it’s important to buy your hearing aids from a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. They will perform a comprehensive assessment to ensure your devices fit properly and address your specific hearing loss.
The audiologist will recommend a specific type of hearing aid to fit your needs, and they may even provide you with a range of options that are available in their practice. However, you can also shop around, as many big box stores and local retailers carry a variety of hearing aids from various manufacturers and may offer financing options.
In addition to being available in different colors and styles, the latest models of hearing aids often have a sleek outward appearance that resembles other modern digital devices like iPhones. Additionally, some models are equipped with directional microphones that help focus on sound coming from in front of you. This feature helps reduce background noise and makes it easier to follow conversations in noisy environments.
Warranty
A warranty is an important feature when buying hearing aids. Almost all vendors will include a warranty with their products, and it will cover any issues caused by the manufacturer. However, some will go further and offer additional warranties for things like loss and damage.
Most hearing aids come with a standard one-year warranty. This will cover any repair costs or replacements if the hearing aid stops working. In addition, most manufacturers will provide a money back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with your hearing aid.
When choosing a warranty, you should look for coverage that will work with your audiologist. This will help ensure that your hearing aids are properly inspected and maintained, which is vital for long-term performance. Also, make sure you choose a company that has a good reputation for customer service. It will be worth the extra cost to work with a vendor that you trust. They should be able to address your concerns quickly and efficiently.