Shopping For Hearing Aids - Why is This So Difficult?
I frequently talk with patients who tell me they have visited as little as two, and sometimes as many as five, different Hearing Professionals trying to decide which solution or product is best.
Given the cost of hearing aids, lack of product reviews, differing professional opinions, and numerous choices, the real question comes down to, "Who can I trust to help me make this decision?" Since there truly isn't a "best hearing aid," visiting several different Hearing Professionals may lead to even more confusion.
When it comes to your success with hearing aids, 50% is based on the science, the testing process, and the professional's experience and the other 50% is very subjective to the person wearing the hearing aids.
And since hearing aids are a medical device, it's important not put them in the same category as cell phones, flat screen televisions, digital cameras, etc.
when making a decision.
When you "shop" for hearing aids, there are 5 things to keep in mind.
1)Visiting several different Hearing Professionals will most likely add to any confusion.
Every professional will have an opinion/recommendation, and sometimes there are truly several products that can address your hearing loss and needs.
We've seen hundreds of patients delay doing anything at all because they simply get overwhelmed with choices of hearing aids.
2)Make sure the professional or company you buy from carries more than one hearing aid manufacturer.
This is extremely important.
If the first device you try doesn't work for your needs, then you want that professional to have choices with other companies to ultimately find your solution.
3)Every manufacturer's website you review will sound like they have the best hearing aid for you.
That's how marketing experts make a living! It bears repeating - there are several good hearing aid manufacturers and there is not a "best hearing aid".
4)Be careful when shopping the lowest price.
If you are looking for inexpensive hearing aids, there are plenty out there.
Today's better hearing aids should last 5 years.
Buying hearing aids based mostly on price may have you back in the market in a couple years if the hearing aids weren't ideal to begin with.
5)Most important - Eventually you will have to trust someone and simply get started evaluating hearing aids.
This is the only way you'll know how hearing aids will help no matter how much research and shopping is done.
In reality, you really should be shopping for a company that is knowledgeable and flexible, and will work hard to understand your lifestyle and hearing needs.
Since there is such a strong subjective component to hearing aids, it is critical that the professional working with you take the time to explain how the features of a particular model will have a positive impact for you.
Given the cost of hearing aids, lack of product reviews, differing professional opinions, and numerous choices, the real question comes down to, "Who can I trust to help me make this decision?" Since there truly isn't a "best hearing aid," visiting several different Hearing Professionals may lead to even more confusion.
When it comes to your success with hearing aids, 50% is based on the science, the testing process, and the professional's experience and the other 50% is very subjective to the person wearing the hearing aids.
And since hearing aids are a medical device, it's important not put them in the same category as cell phones, flat screen televisions, digital cameras, etc.
when making a decision.
When you "shop" for hearing aids, there are 5 things to keep in mind.
1)Visiting several different Hearing Professionals will most likely add to any confusion.
Every professional will have an opinion/recommendation, and sometimes there are truly several products that can address your hearing loss and needs.
We've seen hundreds of patients delay doing anything at all because they simply get overwhelmed with choices of hearing aids.
2)Make sure the professional or company you buy from carries more than one hearing aid manufacturer.
This is extremely important.
If the first device you try doesn't work for your needs, then you want that professional to have choices with other companies to ultimately find your solution.
3)Every manufacturer's website you review will sound like they have the best hearing aid for you.
That's how marketing experts make a living! It bears repeating - there are several good hearing aid manufacturers and there is not a "best hearing aid".
4)Be careful when shopping the lowest price.
If you are looking for inexpensive hearing aids, there are plenty out there.
Today's better hearing aids should last 5 years.
Buying hearing aids based mostly on price may have you back in the market in a couple years if the hearing aids weren't ideal to begin with.
5)Most important - Eventually you will have to trust someone and simply get started evaluating hearing aids.
This is the only way you'll know how hearing aids will help no matter how much research and shopping is done.
In reality, you really should be shopping for a company that is knowledgeable and flexible, and will work hard to understand your lifestyle and hearing needs.
Since there is such a strong subjective component to hearing aids, it is critical that the professional working with you take the time to explain how the features of a particular model will have a positive impact for you.
Source...