There may come a time in your life or that of a loved one when the guidance of a hearing specialist or physician is needed. Whether through illness or injury, genetics or aging, hearing loss may become an issue you or somebody in your family must face. The decision to invest in a hearing aid is an important, and not one to be entered into lightly. Therefore, it is important to be armed with the knowledge you need before you spend any money.
If ever you find yourself in this situation, take the time to ask questions of the provider before signing any agreements or payment plans. If the hearing aid provider is reputable, you will be thoroughly tested before hearing aids are brought up in conversation, but all the time it is good to be prepared with a few questions. Here are some to ask your physician, hearing specialist, or hearing device provider:
1) Are there any other alternatives to hearing aids?
It may be possible that medication or minimally invasive surgery can correct your hearing problem.
2) What type of hearing aid is best for me?
Hearing devices come in different sizes – from full shell inserts to smaller modules with nearly invisible behind the ear devices. Not all work for everybody, however.
3) What payment plans are available?
Find out if your provider accepts insurance, Medicare, and other alternative financing plans.
4) Is there a warranty or free trial period? What does the warranty cover and for how long?
Some companies offer both, other only one. Be sure to check.
5) Will I be able to wear a hearing aid in the shower, swimming, etc.?
Know the durability of your hearing aid before you buy it.
6) Will anybody else be able to repair the hearing aid?
If you move or are not near the provider, find out if others can work on the aid without difficulty.
The more you know about the hearing aid you are about to buy, the less headaches you are certain to endure should something ever go wrong. If you work with a reputable provider and quality equipment, that will likely not happen, but always remember to be informed.
