subject: Hearing Aid - Buying Advice That Matters [print this page] Experts and patients agree that a hearing aid, while not intended or able to completely replace a person's natural ability to hear, can do more to help the impaired to live an unencumbered life than any other current technology. As such, many who have begun to lose their ability to hear look to purchase one, hoping that they will soon be able to do the things that have become difficult or impossible. Talking on the phone, holding a conversation in a crowded restaurant, and watching a movie-- these are but a few of the activities that can again become possible. When you purchase one of these devices, here is some buying advice to take with you.
Make Sure It Fits
Many experts recommend paying the extra money to get custom molds made for your ear canal when buying a hearing aid. Yes, you're already paying a lot just for the device, but this is an important addition. Everyone's ear is shaped differently. Because of this, many people find themselves unhappy with the "one-size fits all" model of marketing when it comes to these devices. It's one thing to deal with a set of earphones that don't fit quite right. You wear them for an hour or two a day and it's not a big deal. Wearing a hearing aid that doesn't fit is another matter.
Get Used to It
A very high percentage of customers find themselves miserable upon first trying out their new devices. Though your doctor and your hearing aid dealer may have told you that it won't be like having your natural hearing back, you probably thought it would be similar. In fact, it takes some getting used to. Once your brain can retrain itself to hear in this new way, however, you won't remember what you were missing. It's not perfect, but once you get used to it, it won't be bad, either. But there is that learning curve and you have to let it happen.
Return Policy
A hearing aid is too expensive an investment to purchase without a good return policy. Most states require a trial period, during which you can return the device for any reason. This period may not last long, however, so make sure there is some kind of reasonable return policy on top of that. Additionally, you may want to inquire about a warranty. These are precision devices and accidents can happen. Make sure you won't have to buy it all over again if they do.
by: Aloysius Aucoin
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