Getting hearing aids is a big step and a big decision. It’s very common to have doubts and questions regarding which ones to get but also about the process involved in getting them.
We have helped thousands of patients here in Arizona and are very familiar with matching you to a set of hearing aids that will suit you best.
These days, there are many options, and technology has come a long way. We are here to help guide you through that process. You wouldn’t order prescription glasses without seeing an optometrist, and the same holds true with hearing aids and your audiologist.
I have put together this short guide to give you a solid foundation of what to expect when purchasing prescription hearing aids.
What Can Hearing Aids Do For You?
Yes, you will hear better, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Hearing aids can now be customized to your exact degree and type of hearing loss. If you only have problems hearing when background noise is present, we can program them to help with that specifically.
You can also connect your hearing aids to your smartphone. This allows you not to have to deal with the volume buttons on your devices, which can prove to be a fussy task.
This technology can also be applied to your TV. If your family complains that you listen to the TV too loud, you can now customize the volume through your hearing aids. They can listen to the TV normally while you have complete control over your volume.
These are just a few things that prescription hearing aids and accessories can do for you.
What Are The Different Styles Available These Days?
Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, there are many hearing aid options available to you.
If you have a profound hearing loss, you will need a more powerful hearing aid that may be slightly bigger than others. Still nowhere near as big as your grandparents used to wear, though.
For those with a mild to moderate hearing loss, your options are vast.
Hearing aids can be as small as you’re comfortable with, the smallest being almost undetectable. It fits in your ear canal and is easily removed via a small handle.
We have experience with all leading hearing aid manufacturers to ensure we pair you with a set of hearing aids that addresses your specific hearing loss.
Why Are Online Hearing Aids Cheaper Than From An Audiologist?
In recent times, the category of hearing aids has expanded from the traditional hearing aids you and I are both used to.
Prescription Hearing Aids – These can only be acquired through the professional guidance of an audiologist. They have all the latest features to connect through Bluetooth, and they can be as low profile as you like. They also come with aftercare from your audiologist. So, if your hearing changes or something happens to your hearing aids, you have the full support of your audiologist and their team.
Over-The-Counter and Online Hearing Devices – Anyone can buy these either online or from your local pharmacy. They are only meant for those with a mild hearing loss. Like people who purchase reading glasses, they provide help but are not a long-term solution. They are cheaper because they lack the customizable features, do not require a test beforehand, and offer little to no aftercare. You will also have to fit them yourself, which can be a bit tricky in the mirror.
How Long Do Prescription Hearing Aids Last?
Your hearing aids will stay with you for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Even if your hearing loss advances, we can adjust the settings of your prescription hearing aids to address the changes.
We provide regular cleanings and recommend them to anyone who wears hearing aids. By keeping them free of moisture and debris, they will last a long time and perform at their best all the time.
Most prescription hearing aids are water-resistant as well. If you work outside or around water, this is another excellent feature to have to extend the life of your hearing aids.
How Do I Know If I Need Hearing Aids?
The only way to accurately determine if you need hearing aids is to have a comprehensive hearing assessment done. These painless and non-invasive tests will give us all the information required to diagnose you properly.
Even if you have a mild hearing loss, we may suggest an over-the-counter device for you if that is the best fit. We only make recommendations based on the data we collect.
If you have any more questions regarding the process of getting prescription hearing aids, then please give us a call anytime. We are always standing by and ready to help.
