This is a new topic in the world of hearing aids. You will now see hearing aids sold online and even offered through your insurance company. This new process for obtaining hearing aids is not without its own set of problems. You need to make certain you do not have a hearing loss that needs medical attention. Also, as I mentioned in a previous article, it is important to have a good relationship with your audiologist so that you can have the settings in the hearing aids adjusted a few times during the first month of use and then again at three and six months of use.
When you purchase hearing aids online or from other sources outside of your living area, you must be careful about the level of technology you are actually getting. Some companies are offering hearing aids with entry level circuitry with no ability to upgrade. An entry level circuit may be adequate for that individual who lives alone, does not leave the house very often and is rarely in a noisy environment. The average individual needing hearing aids has a full array of listening environments such as at the grocery store, church, meetings, restaurants and family gatherings.
Online Hearing Aid Purchases
Online hearing aids may sport a great price, but remember that price is typically for a device only. The upkeep, cleaning, programming and repairs may not be included. Hearing aids are high maintenance and will need to have someone check them every three to four months to keep the sound quality good by cleaning them and making sure the ear canals are clear. Be prepared to purchase service and upkeep from a local audiologist if you choose an Internet hearing aid. Ask your audiologist if they can offer a total package for that model hearing aid and the service/adjustments at a comparable price.
Hearing Aids Through Insurance Companies
Before you select a particular insurance supplement based on the fact that it offers a hearing aid benefit, research the actual benefit, the hearing aid make and model and ask how the hearing aid will be maintained for any damage and all the necessary adjustments to the sound. Realize that if the sound is not good or needs to be changed, you are limited on the skills of the technician to whom you mail the aid for that adjustment. That individual has not met you, and will change the settings based on a flow sheet that the industry has provided. If you don’t like the new settings or the hearing aids hurt your ears, you have to mail the aids back again and again.
Some insurance companies offer hearing aids to the consumer with various levels of technology. The consumer sees an audiologist who completes an evaluation and assists the consumer in selecting a certain level of technology. The consumer pays the insurance company for the hearing aids. The audiologist is paid a flat rate by the insurance company for the fitting and adjustments of the hearing aids. There are also insurance plans that offer a flat rate toward the purchase of hearing aids. The difference in actual price is paid to the audiologist by the consumer.
Ask Your Local Audiologist
Another option is to make an appointment with a local audiologist and ask for their advice on the hearing aids offered through the plan on which you are focusing. The audiologist may be able to offer suggestions to reduce your risk of being saddled with hearing aids with which you may not be happy. You may be able to see if that audiologist carries a hearing aid with similar technology at a comparable price. If they do, then you will get hearing aids and the ongoing service that you will need with a person you can see and talk to!
Remember, you wear the hearing aids every day and expose them to moisture, heat, wax and the potential of physical damage; you deserve an ongoing team to help you with your hearing health! FBN
By Dr. Karon Lynn, Au.D.