The process of comparing a hearing device can be complicated, as there are numerous brands and styles available. It is important to remember that most all brands are manufactured by one of eight major manufacturers.
Eartech Audiology is a provider of major manufactures and offer quality hearing aids and accessories devices products at affordable prices. We work with all hearing device manufactures, so our audiologists can help you select a hearing device that is right for you, no matter what your unique needs may be.
When researching hearing devices be sure to consider the following:
- Many retailers offer “private label” hearing devices. Examples are Miracle Ear and Audibel. These retailers limit you to one brand and a few models. They offer technology which may or may not be the latest available. The same technology can be purchased from the parent manufacturer usually at lower price.
- Don’t be fooled by claims of huge savings from MSRP prices. Don’t base your purchase merely on a claim of dollars saved. Compare prices and technology across brands.
- Eartech Audiology’s audiologist’s will educate and show you multiple brands and models that will meet your lifestyle. Other’s only want to sell you hearing aids.
Which hearing devices will work best for me?
The hearing devices that will work best for you depends on the kind and severity of your hearing loss. If you have a hearing loss in both of your ears, two hearing devices are generally recommended because two devices provide a more natural signal to the brain. Hearing in both ears also will help you understand speech and locate where the sound is coming from.
You and your audiologist should select a hearing devices that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Price is also a key consideration because hearing devices range from hundreds to several thousand dollars. Similar to other equipment purchases, style and features affect cost. However, don’t use price alone to determine the best hearing devices for you. Just because one hearing devices is more expensive than another does not necessarily mean that it will better suit your needs.
A hearing devices will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing devices will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. You will want to wear your hearing devices regularly, so select one that is convenient and easy for you to use. Other features to consider include parts or services covered by the warranty, estimated schedule and costs for maintenance and repair, options and upgrade opportunities, and the hearing devices company’s reputation for quality and customer service.
Do all hearing aids work the same way?
Hearing aids work differently depending on the electronics used. The main type of electronic used today is digital. Digital aids convert sound waves into numerical codes, similar to the binary code of a computer, before amplifying them. Because the code also includes information about a sound’s pitch or loudness, the aid can be specially programmed to amplify some frequencies more than others. Digital circuitry gives an audiologist more flexibility in adjusting the aid to a user’s needs and to certain listening environments. These aids also can be programmed to focus on sounds coming from a specific direction. Digital circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids.
What questions should I ask before buying a hearing aid?
Before you buy a hearing aid, ask your audiologist these important questions:
- What features would be most useful to me?
- What is the total cost of the hearing aid? Do the benefits of newer technologies outweigh the higher costs?
- Is there a trial period to test the hearing aids? (Most manufacturers allow a 30-day trial period during which aids can be returned for a refund.) What fees are non refundable if the aids are returned after the trial period?
- How long is the warranty? Can it be extended? Does the warranty cover future maintenance and repairs?
- Can the audiologist make adjustments and provide servicing and minor repairs? Will loaner aids be provided when repairs are needed?
- What instruction does the audiologist provide?
View by Lifestyle
One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is, “What is the best hearing devices?” That is a very difficult, if not impossible, question to answer. The more appropriate question you want answered is, “What is the best hearing devices for me?” In an attempt to make your research more thorough and purchasing decision easier, we have made recommendations based on our patients’ hearing devices experiences, their lifestyle characteristics, and their hearing needs. To make best use of this unique hearing devices review, we strongly encourage you to contact one of our Hearing Consultants to have your Hearing Profile completed to further enhance your hearing devices purchase. Below are three common lifestyle characteristics and resulting recommendations based on our experience with patients over the past 38 years.
On the go:
- You frequently find yourself in group meetings, both social and business.
- You frequently attend restaurants, movies, plays, concerts, etc.
- You frequently participate in outdoor recreation.
- Your job demands are stressful and require critical listening and communication.
- You are retired, but more active than ever – always “on the go”.
- You are a previous hearing devices user looking for the ultimate technology upgrade.
- You settle for nothing but the best in anything you buy.
Life of Leisure:
- You are in occasional group settings, including restaurants.
- You have critical job demands, yet you’re not closing multi-million dollar deals.
- You enjoy watching television but it’s frustrating because you miss conversation.
- Time spent with friends, family, and grandchildren is becoming difficult.
- You’re retired and active, but not traveling the world as others may be.
- You want the most “bang for the buck” in today’s hearing devices technology.
- You want your next pair of hearing devices to be an upgrade yet easy to use.
Value and Function:
There is good news with today’s entry-level digital hearing devices technology – value and function do co-exist! You may fit any of the two lifestyles noted above, but yet the cost of those devices may be slightly out of reach. The worst thing you can do is to not seek help as a result.