Are Cheap Hearing Aids Worth Buying?

Buying on the Cheap

We all like to get a deal once in a while, right? The feeling of paying less for something you want or need is a satisfying emotion that makes you want to tell everyone about it! However, not all things are meant to be purchased “on the cheap.” 

Healthcare and hearing aids definitely fall into this category. If you knew you were desperately ill with a disease like leukemia, would you assume it was a mild case that did not need to be treated? No! You’d probably seek out the care of a trusted, experienced specialist who could explain the disease, discuss the complications, and review treatment and recovery options with you. 

The diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss should be treated no differently. Granted, you won’t perish from hearing loss, but the lifestyle you lead could. 

That’s because hearing loss contributes to social isolation. You may not want to be around people as much, and when you are, you may not engage in conversation because it is frustrating not being able to hear what others are saying. Hearing loss can also lead to walking problems, falls, and even dementia. 

An audiologist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating hearing loss, and when you’re facing an obstacle that can affect your entire life, like hearing loss, an audiologist is who you need. 

Cheap vs. Valuable 

You may think that the opposite of cheap is expensive, but when it comes to hearing aids, valuable is the more appropriate term. Cheap doesn’t fix problems — it only creates more in the long run. 

When you purchase cheap hearing aids, you will need to replace the technology much more often. This means buying new hearing aids every year instead of a valuable pair that should last 4-7 years. 

Buying cheap over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids from places like Costco or online sites that promise a deal does not take into consideration your personal hearing loss history. The places that are offering cheap hearing aids are not trained to know how to diagnose hearing problems, they do not take into account your unique needs, and they are not invested in your care. This is why these places have a hearing aid return rate of over 30%! 

There is immense value in seeing an audiologist for your hearing care. Audiologists are licensed to provide a diagnosis for treatment. They take the time to understand what is right for your ears and lifestyle, and they base treatment options on what will fit your personal needs. 

You should spend your money where there is value. Purchasing cheap hearing aids will only lead to dissatisfaction, frustration, and eventually even more money spent to correct the problem. 

Hearing Loss Treatment is Not “One-Size-Fits-All”

Hearing loss happens on a spectrum, meaning there are many variables when it comes to diagnosing what each patient’s loss is. There are four main types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, mixed, and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. An audiologist is trained to discern what type you may have and work from there to determine which hearing aid option is best for you. 

Many of the OTC hearing aids are not suitable for all degrees of hearing loss, and most have limited functionality. The advanced technology available on more pricey hearing aids — like noise cancellation for those who have a hard time hearing in loud environments — is usually not obtainable on an OTC hearing aid. 

OTC hearing aids are convenient to purchase because they are readily available, however they are generally “standard fit” which means they may not fit comfortably or in the correct position for everyone. Purchasing hearing aids from a trusted source, like Hearing Solution Centers, guarantees that your hearing aids will fit properly because you will be fitted by a specialist. 

In the end, cheap hearing aids are NOT worth buying. Spending money on your hearing to be able to hear the sounds of the world around you is crucial to living your life without interference. If you are experiencing hearing loss, have it treated by a qualified professional who can diagnose your issue, explain it to you, and prescribe a hearing aid that will more effectively solve the problem. 

Watch the video below for more information about cheap hearing aids, and call to set up an appointment today!