It’s estimated that only 20% of the people with a hearing loss that impacts their communication use hearing aids! Many people are leery of getting hearing aids because they worry they may not like them. It’s not uncommon for someone who has purchased hearing aids to keep them sitting in a drawer. One important thing to remember about hearing aids is that they are customized for you. Where you get your hearing aids is crucial to the success you have when wearing them.
Where To Start
When you’re considering buying hearing aids, it can be difficult to decide where to go with daily mailings and ads bombarding you. Consumer Reports and AARP state that the best place to seek hearing healthcare is from a licensed audiologist who works with an ear, nose and throat physician. They emphasize that you should choose someone who focuses on providing health care, rather than selling a product. And there’s a reason for that. Each person experiences hearing loss differently. An audiologist holds a masters or a doctorate degree in hearing healthcare, not simply a certificate from a course. They can better diagnose your particular hearing loss and take the time to discuss your issues to help you choose a device that will work best for you. Audiologists also must keep current with new hearing aid technology and techniques for getting the most out of the devices.
Today’s Hearing Aids
People also tend to have misconceptions about how hearing aids look and work. They are no longer the hearing aids of your grandfather’s era. The same technology for computers that has allowed them to become smaller and more sophisticated has done the same for the modern hearing aid. Hearing aids are basically small computers. They are digitally programmed to your individual hearing. An audiologist can program the device to only enhance the areas of hearing where you need extra help. These devices can also now be controlled better for quiet, medium and loud sounds. Quiet sounds will still sound quiet, but are audible, and loud sounds will certainly still be loud, but not uncomfortable.
In addition, the newer hearing aids are much better at handling feedback (whistling) and background noise, which means that it’s easier to hear and understand in busy social situations without becoming overwhelmed. New hearing aids are lighter and more comfortable to wear, and are available in a variety of different sizes and colors to suit your preferences.
Cost Considerations and Trial Periods
Contrary to popular belief, there is little financial risk when purchasing hearing aids. When you buy hearing aids, you sign a contract that outlines your rights as a hearing aid purchaser. The State of Connecticut requires that you have at least a 30-day trial period with hearing aids. In our audiology practice, our policy is a 45-day trial period. If, at the end of your trial period, you decide you don’t want your hearing aids, and you don’t want to try any other hearing aids, we refund you 90% of the cost of the aids. A vast majority of patients end up keeping their hearing aids. The audiologists at our practice strongly believe that if you think your hearing aids are going to stay in a drawer, you should return them.
Research has shown that using hearing aids is associated with significant improvements in social, emotional, psychological, and even physical health. Using hearing aids has even shown increased earning power and satisfaction in the workplace due to improved hearing and communication.
So, don’t let hearing loss get you or your loved one down. Get tested, take advantage of the trial period. At our audiology and hearing aid services in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield and Norwalk, CT, our licensed audiologists can help you get the right hearing aids for your needs and have you hearing your best.