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Hearing Aids Questions

The most popular questions I hear from my audience during my seminar 'Learn How to Hear Better' are asked below, as well as, my advice to those questions:

When do I know that I need a hearing aid?

Technically it is time to consider hearing aids when hearing levels drop to as low as 35 or 40 decibels (meaning you have difficulty understanding conversations and/or TV, and other everyday sounds).

However, consumers with early or mild hearing loss typically can not justify the use of a hearing aid and believe that they are 'getting-along' OK without getting hearing aids. The spouse or a family member of a hearing impaired individual may inadvertently support this 'getting-along' feeling by repeating themselves, by speaking louder, and by acting as an interpreter in social gatherings.

In fact, the spouse or family member has become the 'ears' for the hearing impaired individual.

The avenue to better hearing occurs when

  • the spouse or family member stops being the 'ears' of a hearing impaired individual
  • when the hearing impaired individual
    1. overcomes the denial that life has been changed due to lack of hearing
    2. wants to do something about it and arranges to see a doctor or an audiologist for an examination
    3. understands that he/she needs to be willing to accept the guidance and professional advice concerning the treatment so that he/she can make a good and informed hearing healthcare decisions
    4. must make a commitment to become a hearing aid consumer

What is the best hearing aid brand name?

Manufacturers of hearing aids specialize in a variety of models with a variety of hearing aid features but the only factor needed to help you select a brand that is better than all the others, in my opinion, is your audiologist.

Instead of shopping for hearing aids based on the brand name, you should focus on the qualifications and education of the person you will seek guidance from in determining the best brand for your hearing aid.

I recommend a college degreed audiologist instead of a hearing aid salesman.



What is the best style of hearing aid for mild/moderate hearing loss?

Your audiologist can recommend the best style of hearing aid based on your audiological examination and you're lifestyle.

However, if you still have some residual hearing remaining - Please - do not buy a hearing aid that plugs-up your ear. Stay away from the Completely-in-the-Canal models!

Investigate the new Over-the-Ear models with invisible thin tubes that leave your ear canal open and unplugged. The Over-the-Ear style is the most comfortable and naturally sounding hearing aid that I personally have worn!



Are hearing aids with larger batteries best for severe hearing loss?

YES



Can new hearing aid technology eliminate distracting background noise?

NO. New hearing aid technology can better manage distracting noise but not eliminate it!



Can I try hearing aids before I buy them?

All reputable hearing healthcare providers offer trial periods of at least 30 days. Manufacturers will not charge for hearing aids that are returned within that period. Always try before you buy. No one can guarantee that you will be happy with the hearing aid!



What is a fair price to pay for hearing aids?

When this question is asked during my seminar I tell my audience to shop around - do not make impulse purchases.

I tell my audience that I sell aids that are a good quality digital hearing aids from $690.00 each to my top-of-the-line model called Nano-digital hearing aid for $2300.00 each.

I also tell my audience to be cautious of advertising that offers dated specials like buy one and get one free. These are offers based on the manufacturers inflated suggested retail prices. Offers for a low price hearing aid model that a salesman has no intention of offering is called 'bait and switch' advertising.



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