Kelly C. Calkins, AuD., has practiced audiology for over 20 years. For more information about hearing aids or to find the nearest hearing aid professional to you visit our website at http://www.adviceonhearingaids.com
The Internet is a wonderful tool for finding information and sometimes it's a great place to buy things and save money. The pressure everyone is feeling from the current economy is sending more people to the Internet is search of deals on hearing aids. But just because something costs less doesn't mean it's a good deal!
When talking about websites that sell hearing aids, they basically have two modes of operation. One type will mail the hearing aids to you. The other refers consumers to local professionals with whom they have an agreement to provide the testing, fitting, and follow-up care that is essential to a proper hearing device fitting.
Companies that sell hearing aids direct to consumers do so without the approval of the manufacturers. Many of them buy the hearing devices from third party sources in order to sell them to you, kind of a hearing aid "black market". The problem is many of the hearing aids they sell are used, old and/or out of warranty. Some patients have reported they received used and broken products. Some of these companies actually sell their own products. The problem is you cannot get service anywhere else, so if they go out of business there is no where else to go.
The biggest problem with buying hearing aids directly online is that you sacrifice the care and service of a professional. I have been doing this for over 20 years, and I can definitively tell you that it is impossible to properly fit hearing aids without face to face service. There is no verifcation that it is phycially positioned correctly on your ear. This is crucial for hearing as well as you able. Improperly fit hearing aids can also cause soreness or not function properly. There is no way to know that the sound bore of the hearing aid is focused properly down you ear canal. If it is not, you will not hear well. Hearing professionals perform tests to make sure the hearing aid is actually correcting your hearing loss while you are wearing it. This process of fitting and verification cannot be. They can't even check your ear for wax or look at the shape of your ear.
Companies that work with professionals are the only way to go when buying online. You will not only get a better price than typical, you will also receive the essential professional care you must have to be successful with your new hearing aids. The only issue with these types of companies is that you have to pay a company that is far away. There have been reports of people having difficulty getting their money back when they return the hearing aids. There is one company, AidRight.com, they actually have you pay the local professional that they send you to. In this way, you are protected by your own state laws should there be any issues. Buying hearing aids online can save you money, just make sure you choose to work with a company that will ensure you receive proper care.
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