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Big box retailers like Costco offer decent hearing aid technology at a great price, and it’s no wonder that many of those with hearing loss give them some serious consideration when deciding on hearing treatment. In the short term, the cost savings can make it seem worthwhile.
However, when you consider the advantages of working with a dedicated hearing specialist, you might decide that going with a hearing practice is worth it in the end. The following are some of the advantages of working with a hearing specialist.
Online outlets and big-box stores both carry hearing aids, and they can even be cheaper than going with a hearing specialist.
However, hearing aids sold in retail stores are likely to be one-size-fits-all, and just as you might not seek medical assistance from the shelves of a department store, they may not be suitable for your needs.
In a big box store, your hearing aids might be fitted by a hearing professional, but they are likely to work with many patients in one day, so they may not have the time to give your hearing loss the care and attention it deserves. Put it this way – would you rather have a personalized birthday cake made by a factory or a small bakeshop that listens to your exact specifications? The answer is obvious.
For a household item such as a dishwasher, relying on user feedback can be appropriate. But hearing health practitioners more likely have the requisite experience to evaluate your symptoms and match you with the appropriate care. That’s why if you go for over-the-counter hearing aids, you might end up with something that exacerbates rather than fixes your problems.
That’s why we caution against a device-centric approach to hearing health care – the skill of the hearing professional is at least as necessary as the device itself in a successful hearing treatment.
Although there are several low-cost hearing aid options on the market, the unfortunate fact is that you get what you pay for. This is no more evident than when it comes to the fitting appointment.
Fitting effective hearing aids is an essential stage in which your hearing aids are programmed to address your unique hearing loss. A proper hearing aid fitting is needed to configure your hearing aids to include the frequencies you need rather than those you do not. This not only makes the hearing aids more comfortable to wear but also prevents noise-induced hearing loss.
And good fitting doesn’t stop when you get your hearing aids out in the world – you’ll almost certainly need to make some adjustments as you continue to wear them. A good hearing professional is happy to work with you until your hearing aids are at the stage for you to wear regularly. Be wary of the hearing aid provider that sells you a package of hearing aids and then disappears!
Apart from the practical factors that can make hearing aids from online retailers or big box stores a lousy investment, receiving personalized attention during your hearing recovery process allows you to engage with someone who can provide continuous support.
Let’s say you’re having trouble getting used to your new hearing aids. In that case, a dedicated hearing professional will provide you with advice and instruction when fitting your hearing aids and ensure you find the best fit for your lifestyle. This personal focus continues well into the life of the aids, including ongoing repair and maintenance.
With so many advantages to professional, dedicated hearing care, the decision is clear. When you consider the risk of a mismatch or misdiagnosis of your hearing condition, what appears to be saved in the short term can turn out to be a waste of money in the long run.
Hearing aids may help you in a wide range of activities that may have been difficult due to hearing loss. A dedicated hearing specialist will program and manage your hearing aids so that you get the most out of your investment.
To make an appointment with a dedicated hearing specialist to assist you with all of your hearing health needs, contact us today.
