Have you recently been told by an audiologist that you're suffering from hearing loss and are going to need a hearing aid as a result? If so, then you might be understandably nervous about buying your first hearing aid; how can you find the one that's right for your needs while also staying within your budget?
Fortunately, by simply avoiding some common mistakes people make when buying their first hearing aids, it's easier than you might think:
Not Having it Fitted
These days, many people shop for hearing aids online and have them delivered right to their doors, which is certainly a lot more convenient than shopping for one in person. However, the biggest mistake people make when buying hearing aids online is that of thinking they're "one-size-fits-all." In reality, hearing aids need to be professionally fitted, so be sure to bring yours in to a specialist once it arrives.
Failure to Consider Lifestyle
Another mistake to avoid is failing to consider your lifestyle and unique needs when shopping for a hearing aid. For example, if you will need to wear your hearing aid at all times, then you'll want to choose one that's easily portable. Furthermore, if you also have vision issues or dexterity problems, then you'll want to make sure that you find a hearing aid designed with those limitations in mind.
Not Understanding Maintenance
Most hearing aids require at least some degree of maintenance on your end, so make sure you know what you're getting into before you choose one. For some models, maintenance may be as simple as replacing batteries from time to time. On the other hand, other hearing aids may require you to follow special precautions when cleaning them or storing them. The last thing you want is to end up with a damaged hearing aid.
Buying Without a Warranty
Last but not least, make sure that any hearing aid you purchase comes with a reasonable warranty. Never buy one that's sold "as-is," because you'll want to have at least some peace of mind in the event that you have a problem with the device shortly after it's purchased. Warranties on hearing aids can last anywhere from a few months to several years; the longer, the better. And while you may spend a little more on a device with a quality warranty now, it may very well pay off for you in the long term.
Contact a company like Advantage Hearing & Audiology to learn more.
