It’s one thing to buy books, electronic devices, and food online, however, hearing aids are a different matter. Because your ears and the condition of your hearing are unique, an in-person
consultation with a qualified audiologist will ensure that you get the right type of hearing device and the proper follow-up care.
Here is a list of reasons why you avoid buying your hearing aid online.
- Hearing Aids Require Proper Fitting. Hearing aids are unique to each individual and should be carefully constructed to fit the user’s ear. Regardless of where you buy your hearing aid, you will need to ensure that it is a proper fit. If you purchase your hearing aids online, you will have to outsource the fitting to a third party which might be more expensive than if you bought the hearing aid outright from a qualified hearing care professional.
- Hearing aid online tests are not the same as the tests by a qualified audiologist. When visiting a hearing specialist, you will undergo tests to determine the state of your hearing. These tests are in-depth and simply cannot be done with as much detail online.
- Hearing aids are not a cure-all. A hearing aid is ideally designed to balance or fix a specific problem, and your hearing will change over time. As with any medical process, periodic check-ups are needed in order to make sure your hearing aid is working as expected.
- Audiology is complicated. When presented with a choice between IIC, RIC, BTE, CIC, ITE, or ITC hearing aids, which one do you think is best for you? A qualified hearing specialists will be able to help you understand the best hearing aid for you.
- Value is not value. Your “great deal” may cost you even more. When buying a hearing aid from a qualified hearing specialist, you are buying a package including the fitting of the hearing aid, an orientation on how to use the device properly, as well as subsequent follow-up visits and check-ins. Buying a hearing aid online does not allow for any kind of warranty coverage whereas a standard hearing aid warranty generally lasts two years.
- Not addressing your hearing properly can lead to other health issues. The less your brain can comfortably hear, the harder it has to work to figure out what it’s hearing. Over years, this can be incredibly taxing on the brain, and can lead to other health problems, such as dementia.
- What you may be buying are PSAPs, not hearing aids. Any hearing aid sold online cannot legally be labelled a hearing aid. When you buy a hearing aid online, you are actually buying a PSAP (a personal sound amplifying product). PSAPs are far more basic than a hearing aid and perform a far less intricate process. How sure are you that you’re getting a quality product online? A qualified hearing care professional will recommend reliable, trustworthy brands and models and provide personalized consultation and services to ensure you get the most from your hearing aids.
While it might be tempting to save money by purchasing hearing aids online, the lowered price tag is often an illusion. When you buy your hearing aid from a qualified audiologist, the follow-up care is included in the purchase. After your initial visit, you will have a follow-up visit to make further adjustments, and to learn more about your hearing aids. You will receive valuable information on how to use your hearing aids, how they work, and how to care for them.
Dr. Joe “Tripp” Griffith, has an expert knowledge of how hearing aids work, the benefits of different types of hearing aids, and what type will benefit you the most. Because he will focus on you and your unique needs, Dr. Griffith can help you reach an informed decision, and he will continue to help long after you purchase your hearing aids.
