Digital Hearing Aids, Beltone, Phonak, Resound

Maxisound Digital Hearing Aids

You can’t do both, you will eventually be diappointed and have wasted money on the cheapest way, see and audiologist and follow his/her advise.

Nexear Digital Hearing Aids

Your first step would be to consult a hearing instrument specialist or audiologist to establish if your hearing loss requires further investigation by an Ear, Nose & Throat doctor.

People are often drawn to purchasing hearing aids on the internet. Online dealers can offer one-size-fits-all models. Other dealers offer a custom made service where you take impressions of your own ears, and the company programs them for you.

All this is perfectly acceptable as long as you can predict that you won’t need: counselling, reprogramming as you adapt to the instruments or reshelling if the intial shell shape is not comfortable or a good enough fit to prevent feedback. Or any other service that a hearing clinic provides.

As an audiologist & hearing instrument specialist, I have fitted thousands of clients with hearing aids. The normal process is:
Initial hearing tests (and referral to ENT if necessary).
Discussion of needs, various products recommended or demonstrated.
Ear impressions (these are especially deep for completely-in-canal (CIC) models). Impressions are sent to the chosen manufacturer.
Fitting of the product. Including counselling, programming, verification etc.
Follow up visits to reprogram the heairng aids as the client adapts to their new sounds.
Then a regular schedule of cleaning & maintenance visits.

The clinic I work for allows clients a 90 day return period, so that they can return their instruments if they are not satisfied within that period. The company keeps $145 per pair if they’re returned.

So I wouldn’t tell people not to order off the internet, just be aware that you are purchasing a limited service. If you buy a pair of hearing aids from the internet costing $1500, it’s a very cheap deal. However, if they don’t work for you it’s a lot of money to waste.

Rexton Digital Hearing Aids

Yes you should see an audiologist to determine your thresholds and to advise you as to the different types of technology. There are different costs of hearing instruments depending on the level of digital technology you wish to employ in your instrument. All digital hearing aids are not alike. Be sure you understand the differences in technologies before you make a decision.

Remember, cheaper is not better – and also most expensive doesn’t mean it is the best. It is important for you and your audiologist to decide which is the best technology for your hearing loss and your lifestyle/listening situations. For basic information on hearing instruments and hearing loss check out.

Good luck!

Siemens Digital Hearing Aids

I’ve been a hearing instrument specialist for 12 years now. I am qualified and have practiced in both the US and UK. I have yet to see any cheap way of getting hearing aids that actually works.

Sooner or later you are going to need to get a proper hearing test done. This can be done by a hearing instrument specialist or audiologist. Next you will need to have impressions taken of your ear, unless you are able to wear one of the new OTE (on the ear) hearing aids, which have a special fit kit supplied with them.

Then most patients require adjustments to be made. Well if you buy online you are going to have to send your aids off each time you need an adjustment. Some digital aids have over 100,000 settings in them, so the chances of it being perfectly calibrated for you is slim if you buy online.

Analogue hearing aids are really a thing of the past. I have not fitted one in the past couple of years. You would be wasting your money with this kind of technology.

I hate to say it, but in all likelihood you are going to need to bite the bullet and shell out for some decent hearing aids. Make sure your hearing professional gives you extensive warranties, a free trial, and free service and adjustments.

Depending on where you live expect to spend at least $2,000 per ear.