Do you suffer from untreated hearing loss but finally feel ready to take the leap and purchase your first set of hearing aids? If so, you probably have a lot of questions about the process. In this article, we review the steps for buying a hearing aid. First, you must get a hearing test; second, you’ll select a device; finally, you’ll discuss your payment options.
Hearing Test
Comprehensive hearing exams often consist of a number of tests, including:
- Pure tone testing.
- Speech testing.
- Bone conduction testing.
- Acoustic reflex testing.
- Tympanometry.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR).
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).
These tests don’t just measure whether or not you have hearing loss, but provide the exact specifications of your hearing loss. This means they show exactly what sounds you can hear at different frequencies. The results of your hearing test are then plotted on an audiogram, which is a visual representation of your hearing loss.
Hearing Aid Selection
Once your audiologist has uncovered your exact type and degree of hearing loss, they’ll help you select a hearing aid. This process involves selecting a style that matches your hearing loss with features that match your lifestyle needs. You won’t receive this level of service if you opt to purchase a personal sound amplification device from stores such as Best Buy.
Popular styles of hearing aids include:
- Behind the ear (BTE).
- Receiver in the ear (RITE).
- Receiver in canal (RIC).
- In the ear (ITE).
- In the canal (ITC).
- Completely in the canal (CIC).
- Invisible in the canal (IIC).
Larger models like BTEs are suited for all types of hearing loss, while smaller models like IICs can only treat mild to moderate hearing loss.
After assessing what kind of lifestyle you live, your audiologist will then help you select a model that offers features you’ll benefit from, which may include:
- Rechargeability.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Smartphone compatibility.
- Telecoils.
- Background noise reduction.
- Automatic programming.
- Machine learning.
- And more!
Payment Options
It’s no secret that hearing aids can be pricey, especially if you opt for a model with lots of features. Fortunately, there are many options to make hearing aids affordable, including:
- Payment plans.
- Financing options.
- Leasing programs.
To learn more about what we offer at Victory Hearing & Balance Center or to schedule an appointment with an expert audiologist, call today!