Buying New Hearing Aids – Top 10 List for Hearing Aid Buyers Buying new hearing aids is an important decision with the potential to greatly enhance your quality of life. Keep in mind these important considerations as you compare hearing aid types and styles, and find the best solution for your hearing problem. HearingAid.com and the National Council for Better Hearing offer this top 10 list for anyone planning to buy new hearing aids. 1.
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Choose a qualified hearing professional – Several types of hearing professionals including Audiologists, who usually have a doctoral degree in Audiology; hearing aid specialists; and ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors can provide information about, and help with, hearing aids. Hearing professionals with strong qualifications such as appropriate education, license or certification, experience and a good reputation in the community are generally a wise choice. Research hearing aid types – Learn about hearing aid types and hearing technology to gain a basic understanding of the many choices available. 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. An online hearing test is a good way to get started, but it is essential to visit a hearing professional for a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Honestly identify hearing needs – Some hearing aids are well suited for noisy situations; others are not. Some hearing aid 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 hearing aids. Understand hearing aid prices – Hearing aids are a major purchase and as such, the buyer 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 hearing aids affordable. Get a comfortable fit – Custom ear molds 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, so let the Audiologist know right away if there are any problems. Follow up – Adjusting to new hearing aids takes time as the brain learns to hear again in a new way. Follow up appointments with the Audiologist is imperative to get the most out of new hearing aids. Ask about the return policy – Most hearing professionals will offer a trial period for new hearing aids. Some may charge a fee if the hearing aids are returned; others may offer the opportunity to try a different hearing aid style. At Audiology and Hearing Aid Center a trial period is always provided. Understand the warranty – As with any major purchase, hearing aids may come with a warranty to cover repairs or replacement. Ask your Audiologist if an extended warranty is available. This warranty can come in handy in the event of loss or damage to your hearing aids after the initial warranty has expired. Consider using hearing aids with other assistive listening devices – Many hearing aids are designed to work well with telephones and audio equipment. Ask your Audiologist about the convenience of the new wireless hearing aids. Your hearing professional will answer your questions about the compatibility of hearing aids with assistive listening devices.