CLICK AND SAVE? NOT REALLY!
If you've spent any time researching hearing and hearing aids on the Internet, you have most likely seen advertisements for different types of amplification. From personal listening devices to hearing aids, you can pretty much get anything online. While venturing online is a great way to gather information about hearing aids, it is NOT the place to buy them.
BUYING HEARING AIDS ONLINE
It's amazing what you can buy online. It's even more amazing to see what people try to sell (and do!) over the Internet. Unfortunately, hearing aids tend to fall into this category of buying and selling online. Normally, people upgrade current technology for themselves and then try to sell older technology to people who most likely have never tried hearing aids before. These buyers are usually having some trouble hearing and figure that buying hearing aids online will save them money. However, they will end up losing time and money in the long run. Also, their initial interaction with hearing aids will be negative and they will be less likely to pursue help for many more years.
Most hearing aids sold on the Internet are custom aids. Custom hearing aids are ones that are made specifically for the person wearing them. Did you know that no two people in the world have the same ear? It's true! The outside of your ear is as unique to you as a finger print. No two ear canals are the same either- even with the same person. Any non-custom hearing aid sold online could still require a custom element in the form of a custom ear mold. Improper fit can lead to a loose or too tight fit, overall discomfort, and swelling and in some cases pain.
AMPLIFICATION DANGERS
Another key factor for success is getting the proper amount of amplification. Even the most basic hearing aids are sophisticated pieces of technology that can be programmed for the wearer's specific hearing loss. Wearing hearing aids not meant for you can pose the risk of you getting too much amplification or too little. Either of these can lead to further hearing loss. Hearing aids that are set for your specific hearing loss will amplify sounds in proportion to your needs.
ONLINE HEARING TESTS
You may have some across some websites that offer hearing tests online or even downloaded an app on your smart phone to test your hearing. These tests are great as a starting point. If you fail a test online or on an app, it is recommended that your next step be a complete hearing evaluation done by a professional (Audiologist). If a complete hearing evaluation is a detailed hand-painted work of art, an online screening is like a stick figure of the same subject. An audiologist will perform a hearing evaluation and explain the results to you. Understanding your hearing loss is important in the hearing aid journey.
FOLLOW-UP CARE (OR LACK THERE OF)
In a study published on the Better Hearing Institute website, 5 out of the 10 factors of success wearing hearing aids directly involved working with a hearing professional. When you purchase hearing aids over the Internet, you choose to remove the key factor for your success with hearing aids. An audiologist will guide you on the journey to better hearing. From explaining the results of your hearing evaluation to the initial fit of your hearing aid for your specific hearing loss to regular appointments where the aids are cleaned and programming is checked, the hearing professional is there every step of the way.
Hearing aids purchased online do not have a follow-up care option. This isn't something that can be added to the cart at check-out. Any savings you may initially gain from buying hearing aids online will quickly dwindle as the cost to service and program Internet purchased hearing aids is expensive if you can find a place willing to work on them at all.
Taking to the Internet is a great way to gather information about hearing and hearing aids. With so much knowledge at our finger tips, most people do as much research as possible before making major purchases. But when it comes to hearing aids, working with an educated, trained hearing professional is the only right option for your hearing health. Online hearing aids run the risk of major fit issues, improper programming and no follow-up care.
Your hearing is worth more than a click-and-save online experience.
For helpful information about hearing and hearing aids, check out www.hearinghealthcarecenters.com
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