Although price is important, there are some important factors to consider when buying hearing aids. Keep reading to learn what you should ask when making your hearing aid purchase.
You Need Hearing Aids…Now What?
If you’ve been seen by a hearing care professional, like an audiologist, and it has been determined that you need hearing aids, you naturally have a lot of questions. The introduction of a new medical device into your life will inherently cause some anxiety. You may have questions about how to use hearing aids, or how you’ll look wearing hearing aids, but first you’ll definitely have questions about what hearing aids you should buy.
While cost is a determining facet in buying hearing aids for some, there are other important details to consider when figuring out which hearing aids are best for you. Asking a reputable hearing aid professional the following questions should narrow down the options for which hearing aids are best for you.
Uncovering Which Hearing Aids are Best for You
Finding out you need hearing aids is a big deal and not something that should be taken casually. Picking the right hearing aids should result in very little change to your lifestyle, other than making sounds easier to hear. The questions you should ask yourself and a hearing care professional before purchasing hearing aids include:
- What is my hearing lifestyle? Your hearing lifestyle is determined by the way you live your life. Are you an outdoors person? Do you enjoy attending concerts and nights out at restaurants with friends? Your age is also an important component when considering the answer to this question. How active you are directly affects your hearing aid needs.
- What features and technology are available with the hearing aid? Having an app on your phone that accompanies and connects with your hearing aids is a smart option. Through bluetooth technology, the app on your phone allows you to customize your experience with your hearing aids. You can discreetly adjust the volume on your hearing aids depending on your environment and save those settings for the next time, like in a noisy restaurant. The ability to tailor your hearing experience is very powerful.
- What is the rechargeability of the hearing aid? Trust us, you do not want hearing aids that need disposable batteries. You want hearing aids that use built-in lithium ion batteries that can be recharged. Disposable batteries need to be replaced every 10-16 days. These types of batteries are small and hard to handle. Rechargeable batteries are easier to use and offer a longer lifespan.
- Does the hearing aid connect to the TV? Depending on your lifestyle, this may be a crucial point or it may not. Hearing aids that use bluetooth technology to directly connect to your TV send the audio directly into your hearing aids making the sound quality clearer. Hearing aids that do not use this technology rely on the microphones within the hearing aid to pick up the sound. Sometimes this technology is included but sometimes it is an added cost, make sure to ask your hearing care professional when deciding.
- How often do my hearing aids need cleanings or adjustments? Some people like to bring their hearing aids into their hearing care professional once every other month for a cleaning and adjustment, some like to wait four to six months. Depending on your hearing aid care needs, and your preference, it’s important to ask if cleaning and adjustments are included with your hearing aid purchase or not. This could be an additional cost if you don’t address it before purchasing.
- Do you bundle or unbundle? Asking this question before putting money into new hearing aids could save you a lot down the road. Bundling refers to charging all costs for the hearing aids and maintenance up front, sort of an all-inclusive package. On the other hand, unbundling charges less up front for the hearing aids, but every time you bring the hearing aid in for a cleaning or adjustment, there is a cost. Bundling tends to be the better option, and the less expensive way to go.
- Is there a trial period, and how long is it? Oftentimes there is a trial period of approximately 30 days to get used to the hearing aids and decide if they are the right fit and style for you. Some hearing care offices, like Hearing Solution Centers, offer up to 75 days as an adjustment period for new hearing aids. It does take some time to make sure you like the hearing aids and they are the correct choice for your lifestyle, and you should always take advantage of an adjustment period.
- What does my insurance cover? Truthfully speaking, hearing aids are expensive no matter which ones you choose. They range from $2,500 up to $7K making them a true investment in a better life. However, you should always have your hearing care professional check to see if your insurance covers part or all of the cost. Checking your policy on your own is also advised.
Acquiring hearing aids can change your life for the better. They help you be more involved with the world around you and provide a sense of security and belonging. Making an appointment with an audiologist to see if you need hearing aids, especially if you’re experiencing any hearing loss, is essential to continuing the lifestyle you desire.
Make your appointment for a hearing screening today at Hearing Solution Centers! We’ll answer all of your hearing aid questions!