Choose Wisely!

If you do your research, finding the right hearing aid doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

There are over 28 million adults in the U.S. who could benefit from the use of hearing aids, however, fewer than one in three people aged 70 and older have ever used them, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). 

Hearing aids could positively change the quality of life for millions of Americans. There are numerous choices for hearing devices in the market today, but how do you make the right choice?

Every person’s hearing loss is unique – like a fingerprint. And not all hearing devices will be the right choice for an individual’s hearing loss. In fact, choosing the wrong device could make a hearing issue worse over time.

A good turn of phrase to remember, “clarity in hearing is not always just turning up the volume.” Protecting the hearing a person has left is of the utmost importance. A hearing device that is an amplifier and not a true hearing aid does nothing more than turn up the volume – like turning your car radio or tv volume up.

Purchasing online or over-the-counter hearing devices can also have pitfalls. Without a hearing evaluation and testing, how will an online computer test or a person on the other end of the phone line understand your specific type of hearing loss? How will they understand your living environment, the causes of your hearing loss, the different levels of sounds and pitch you’re missing, and so on?

Another important element that should be considered when choosing a hearing device is aftercare service. The care, cleaning, and maintenance should be included with your purchase.

Hearing loss can change over time, and yearly hearing exams are essential to ensure your specific hearing aid prescription stays up to date. You should expect and receive continuous clarity from your hearing aids for the life of the devices. Will you be able to receive that level of service on the computer or over the phone?

Please research the options and know the facts. Many online and mail order hearing devices are hitting the market at record pace and their advertisements can be deceiving. Some of the alternative hearing devices may stay on the market and some may not. At the time of this blog posting, the Boston Globe reports Bose recently eliminated its health division, which develops and manufactures its SoundControl™ hearing aids. In a statement, Bose does not specify when its hearing aids will exit the market. This news could leave owners of Bose devices in limbo with future service.

Making choices should start with education.

A few facts about hearing loss in the U.S.:

• Hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the U.S. and is twice as prevalent as diabetes or cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Nearly 25 million individuals in the U.S. have experienced tinnitus, according to the CDC. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing in the ears.
• The number of individuals in the U.S. who experience hearing loss is expected to increase significantly over the next few decades, according to the CDC.

A few facts about the consequences of untreated hearing loss:

• Depression and anxiety
• Social isolation and withdrawal
• Communication issues
• Decline in self-esteem
• Cognitive decline, including early onset of dementia symptoms
• Balances issues
• Economic and educational disadvantages

How do you know an in-person hearing aid center would be a better option versus purchasing online or over-the-counter hearing devices? That’s a good question!

Luckily, there’s a free webinar to help answer those questions, “Are Mail Order Hearing Aids Right For Me?”  

Miracle-Ear is an advocate for hearing health and believes no one should suffer from untreated hearing loss.

Here are a few of the advantages you can expect by choosing Miracle-Ear for your hearing needs.

• Always free comprehensive annual hearing exams
• All insurance plans accepted
• Free aftercare hearing aid cleaning and maintenance
• Highly trained, caring, and knowledgeable Hearing Care Providers
• A variety of hearing aid options for every lifestyle and budget
• Financing available 
• Access to over 1500 Miracle-Ear locations nationwide
• Access to the Miracle-Ear Foundation: A program designed to help underprivileged children and adults receive hearing aids

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of hearing loss, please don’t wait – click here to schedule you FREE appointment!

With a free hearing exam and no obligation to buy – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!