How to Buy Hearing Aids

If you are one of the millions currently experiencing hearing loss without any treatment, now is the time to take control of the situation. In most cases, then, knowing how to buy hearing aids is top of the agenda.

Whether looking to buy your first pair of hearing aids, upgrade your existing outdated solution, or learn more due to suspected hearing loss, the following advice is just for you.

Conduct your research

No two people with hearing loss will have the exact same hearing profile. Likewise, individuals have their unique lifestyles and daily habits to consider. When it comes to looking at hearing aids, then it's vital that you find the right pair for you.

An audiologist can help you analyze the pros and cons of each hearing aid manufacturer, style, and model. However, it's vital for you to conduct a little research of your own. Understanding the difference between behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, for example, will allow you to enter future appointments with greater confidence.

It's also worth reading reviews about different brands to see which ones offer reliable products at an affordable price. When you have a basic foundation of knowledge, the audiologist can provide even greater support.

Visit the audiologist

Whichever stage of the journey you are at, speaking to an audiologist about your hearing aid requirements is essential. Firstly, the audiologist can conduct a comprehensive hearing test to confirm the severity of hearing loss. This will be categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. However, the full hearing examination results will produce a far clearer profile.

The audiologist will use these results to provide a list of suitable hearing aid devices for the type and severity of hearing loss you experience. An audiologist's expertise can extend far further than this, though. Here are just some of the additional benefits to be gained from taking this route;

• Gain the opportunity to discuss your lifestyle and comfort needs, which could be equally important in the hearing aid device selection process.
• Gain the opportunity to actually see and feel different hearing aid styles. After all, the thought of wearing an in-the-ear (ITE) device can be vastly different to the reality.
• Gain the opportunity to discuss costs and potential payment plans. Speaking to an expert face-to-face is the best option by far.
• Gain the opportunity to learn about features you may not currently know about to determine which items are necessary.
• Gain the opportunity to find out about maintenance requirements for the hearing aid device while also considering your next hearing test.

The audiologist will ultimately support your quest for the best hearing aids tailored to your specific hearing loss and daily requirements. When added to the human elements of support, it's clear that this is the best way to buy hearing aids.

Check that they're right

An audiologist only works exclusively with reputable hearing aid brands, which instantly gives you the best chance of finding the perfect devices. However, it's equally important for hearing aids to be calibrated to meet your hearing profile. This is another reason why appointments with the audiologist are advised.

Once the hearing aids arrive, the audiologist can arrange a fitting session, which allows them to check the calibration and make any necessary adjustments. Other benefits include;

• Ask for advice on using the various features
• Find out about troubleshooting simple problems, such as battery faults
• Ensure that the hearing aids feel comfortable
• Learn about the other devices that may be used in conjunction with the device
• Book any future appointments

If nothing else, you can leave the audiology center secure in the knowledge that you have made the best choice. That's the least you deserve when buying hearing aids.

What about online purchases?

Buying hearing aids directly off the internet has become an increasingly common option, as it seems like the convenient option. Unfortunately, it does mean that you miss out on the many benefits that the expertise of an audiologist brings to the table.

Moreover, there could be doubts about the reliability of the service provider, the authenticity of the models purchased, and the calibration features of the devices. Given that you cannot take risks with your hearing health, only the best will do.

As the old saying goes: buy bad, and you'll buy twice. For the sake of performance, finances and your comfort, the audiologist route is the best option by far.

Book your hearing audiology appointment today

If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss or suspect that you need hearing aids, Davis Audiology can support you through every step of the process, from hearing tests to device selection and fittings. Find out more today by giving us a call at 864-655-8300.