All About Hearing Aids: Can You Hear Me Now?

When you must repeat everything you say to your spouse three times in an increasingly louder voice, there’s a problem. One of the parties has a hearing problem and neither one wants to admit it. To end the frustration and get the help that’s needed, start with a visit to your primary care physician who can help determine what the cause is behind the lack of hearing and if a hearing aid can help. Moreover, read these sonus complete reviews and learn more about effective ways besides hearing aids. 

Examination

Your primary care physician will conduct an exam to determine if there is an underlying medical cause for the hearing loss. It could be something as simple as wax buildup in the ear which can be treated and hearing restored immediately. It could also be caused by more serious medical conditions, that’s why it’s not a good idea to purchase a one-size-fits-all hearing aid advertised in media without first obtaining a medical evaluation. If your doctor determines there is legitimate hearing loss, he or she will refer you to an audiologist (aka hearing aid dispenser) for a hearing test and an appropriate hearing aid. An audiologist must have a written and signed statement from the patient and examining physician stating that the patient has been examined and cleared for being fitted with a hearing aid.

Purchase Agreement

Hearing aids are not cheap. They are medical devices designed to improve quality of life for an individual and in some cases may be covered by insurance. Due to the cost of the device, have a clear understanding of the purchase agreement, and get it in writing.

Many states require that the consumer have a 30 day ‘free’ trial period before making an outright purchase. The ‘free’ trial period is not exactly free, there is often a small service fee charged, but needed adjustments are made for free during the 30 days. Understand the warranty, what it will cover, and who will honor the warranty – the dispenser of the hearing aid or the manufacturer? In the event of needed repairs, will you be provided with a loaner hearing aid? What services, such as cleaning or battery changing, are provided free of charge? How long is the return policy?? Many offer up to 90 days to return the hearing aid without charge.

How Hearing Aids Work

Hearing aids have a tiny microphone inside of them that amplifies weak sounds through a speaker. You must have some ability to hear before the device will work and since hearing loss affects people in different ways you must be properly fitted with the right device to improve your hearing.