No two ears are the same, and that same logic applies when it comes time to choose a hearing aid. It’s important for anyone with a hearing impairment to get the help and treatment specific to their loss, and this includes being fit with the appropriate hearing aid.
Whether you’re helping someone with a hearing impairment or need your own hearing technology, be sure to avoid misleading hearing aid ads. Do your research and consult qualified audiologists for the best in hearing technology.
“Too Good to be True” Advertising
This age-old marketing mantra applies even in the hearing technology industry. Take any “too good to be true” claims when it comes to pricing, promotions, technology, and evaluations with caution. There’s a good chance the advertisements are not as good as they appear, and that they’re merely marketing tactics.
Advertisers implement different misleading strategies marketed as deals. “Field trial” claims, for example, are one kind of marketing ploy used on unsuspecting buyers. The term is misleading as hearing aid companies are legally obligated to provide at least a 30-day trial to customers. This period allows buyers to return the pair or consider another recommendation. The FDA monitors hearing aids, which protects customers, but marketers use field trials to grab the attention without necessarily having novel technology.
Advertising aids at “little to no cost” is another tactic. It’s very rare that insurance covers almost the entire price. The low cost advertised is generally related to an entry-level hearing device. Both definitions are misleading, and aids at a lower cost don’t always provide the right technology needed. People need aids tailored to their needs, and the price point plays a factor in that decision.
Don’t trust an advertisement for free hearing tests, either. These are not comprehensive evaluations and usually just include hearing screenings. They typically are not a part of a medical record, don’t belong to the person being tested, and are usually not transferable. Full hearing evaluations from qualified audiologists determine if you have a hearing impairment and can be shared with your primary care provider. Audiologists then provide the necessary recommendation and help find the right aid specifically tailored to your hearing loss.
Do Your Research
Searching and buying hearing aids can be confusing, making it important for customers to research brands and audiologists before making a purchase. Only two groups can sell this product: audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. Buyers need to remember this when shopping and looking at hearing aid ads. Buying hearing technology from another source doesn’t provide the quality care or assurance needed.
Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing loss, and should have doctoral-level credentials. Dispensers pass a state exam to earn their dispensing license. Knowing where to buy hearing aids is just as important, particularly when online offers and features confuse you.
Your audiologist can assist in choosing aids that match your needs and budget. They can explain the technological differences between them, such as digital signal processing, feedback cancelling, noise reduction, wireless functions, and Bluetooth accessories.
See Licensed Professionals
The best way to get the right hearing aids for you is to see a doctoral-level audiologist. A doctoral-level audiologist has both the credentials and the experience to recommend the best fit and to explain the different features, price options, and other details.
Face-to-face meetings with these professionals are necessary for proper diagnosis and decisions. Audiologists know that every patient has a different lifestyle and the hearing aid they pick must accommodate those. They’ll fit and service the aids, provide comprehensive care for unique situations, take into account budgeting requirements, and other needs.
Keeping a watchful eye on the consumer gimmicks marketers use, alongside diligent judgment and research, makes it easier to differentiate the hearing aids that fit best from the ones that aren’t helpful.
Call us today to book an appointment for professional help from an audiologist who will guide you through every stage of purchasing new hearing aids.
