More than a million and a half hearing aids are sold in the United States annually. However, not all hearing aids are alike, and with so many different types on the market of varying quality, choosing the right one often involves first selecting the right hearing aid provider.
Purchasing a new hearing aid is an important decision, which is why you need to choose who you work with to acquire your hearing aid wisely. Here are 10 ways to help ensure you receive the best care and outcome from a reliable hearing aid provider:
1. Work only with a hearing care professional.
Anyone can sell you a hearing aid, but only a specialist who is licensed and has strong professional qualifications can guarantee you find the right hearing aid for you. Start by asking your primary care doctor for a good recommendation, or simply consult a “find a provider” website that is associated with the American Academy of Audiology or the International Hearing Society.
2. Look for a provider who offers a professional hearing evaluation.
This will determine whether you have a hearing loss, the type of hearing, its severity, and which sounds you are unable to hear. Your hearing aid provider can then recommend the best type of hearing aid for you based on your specific needs.
3. Choose a provider who is qualified to recommend a hearing aid and add-ons that meet your demands.
For example, if you are physically active or spend a great deal of time socializing, you might require a hearing aid that is designed for environments that include frequent background noise. The right provider will take these personal factors into consideration when recommending the appropriate product and services.
4. Shop around for a provider who offers a reasonable price for a hearing aid without sacrificing quality.
With a cost that can range from $1,000 to $4,000, a hearing aid is a substantial investment. Make sure your provider offers a written contract that not only shows the cost of the device, but also any professional services, such as fitting, adjustments, and follow-up appointments.
5. Work with a hearing aid provider whose services include proper fitting.
You’ll likely wear your hearing aid all day, every day. So, it needs to fit well and feel comfortable. Your hearing aid provider should be willing and able to make adjustments if the hearing aid recommended feels uncomfortable or moves or whistles when you speak or chew.
6. Look for a hearing aid provider that also offers accessories and apps.
Today’s hearing aids now offer advanced features such as direct streaming of sound from your TV or synchronization with apps, allowing you to stream calls, music, and videos from your phone. If this interests you, find a provider who offers this kind of technology.
7. Choose a hearing care provider with whom you can follow up.
This will help ensure that your hearing aid is working correctly and enable required adjustments as you get used to a wider range of sounds.
8. Opt for a hearing aid provider who offers a trial period.
Since it may take some time to get used to your new hearing device and to decide whether it’s right for you, you should look for a hearing aid provider who is willing to refund you if you need to return the hearing aid during a 30- or 60-day trial period.
9. Go over the contract’s return policy with your prospective hearing aid provider.
The right hearing aid provider should be more than happy to explain how long the trial period lasts, what fees (if any) there are for returning the hearing aid, and whether you are able to try a different model if you wish.
10. Work with a provider who offers a warranty on your hearing aid.
They should also offer an extended warranty or additional loss or damage insurance when the warranty expires.
Hearing Aids Doctor Near You in Georgetown, Texas
The right hearing aid provider can do wonders to improve your quality of life if it’s becoming harder for you to hear. The Georgetown Better Hearing Center at Georgetown ENT has been providing hearing aid sales and services to patients since 2003. In fact, we’re the only hearing aid retailer in Georgetown, Texas, run by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat physician) and a licensed audiologist. Georgetown Better Hearing is not affiliated with any particular hearing aid manufacturer, which means you get the device best suited to you, across a wide range of makes and models.
Georgetown Better Hearing at Georgetown ENT has a wide selection of hearing aids and customized earplugs for sale. Find out more about your hearing aid options by calling Georgetown ENT in Georgetown, Texas today at (512) 869-0604 or request your appointment now online.
