Know Before You Buy
You’ve been told you’re a good hearing aid candidate. Now what? A quick Google search reveals a common challenge consumers face when looking for hearing aids: endless products, various prices, and unanswered questions about what works best! Where should you start?
Find a provider.
There are two providers who can fit hearing aids: audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. The main difference between these providers is their educational background. Currently, audiologists must hold their doctoral degree. Hearing aid dispensers in the state of South Dakota are required to graduate high school and pass an exam.
Know the difference between OTC and prescription devices.
You visit an audiologist who quotes you a higher price for hearing aids than those you’ve seen online or at a nearby Costco. So, what’s the difference? The 2017 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid Act (H.R. 1652) and subsequent 2022 FDA guidelines allowed for OTC hearing aids to hit the shelves. These devices can be purchased without a prescription and are intended for those with a perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. While these devices work for some individuals, they will not work for everyone. Prescription hearing aids, on the other hand, are fit to your hearing loss.
If an audiologist uses bundled pricing, they are likely quoting you for the hearing aids, fitting procedure, and serves/accessories provided through the warranty period.
Ask for a written quote.
Ask your audiologist or hearing aid dispenser for a written quote with the warranty period and pricing.
Ensure your provider follows the best practice.
Prescription hearing aids should be specific to your hearing loss and the size of your ear canals. In other words, they should be set to a prescription, as the name implies! This process is called taking real-ear measurements, and this is best practice in audiology. Ensure your provider completes this important step!
Discuss financing options.
It’s no surprise that hearing aids are an investment, especially with many insurance policies lacking a hearing aid benefit. Ask your provider about income-based or interest-deferred financing programs.
Ask about a trial period.
Does your dispenser or audiologist offer a trial period? Here at Schwab Audiology, we offer a 75-day trial period that starts the day of your fitting.
Know the golden rule in audiology.
Maybe your friends or family members had less-than-ideal experiences with hearing aids. Each person is unique, and it’s the job of an audiologist or dispenser to appropriately fit and fine-tune your devices. In other words, a hearing aid is only as good as it’s programmed! Find a provider who follows best practice, and don’t be afraid to ask for adjustments.