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5 Rules For Buying A Hearing Aid
RULE 1: Find out the cause of your hearing loss.
If you are having trouble hearing, go see an Ear, Nose, and Throat physician and find what the source of your hearing loss is. Some hearing loss is helped by surgery, but most types of hearing loss can be helped by hearing aids. Our staff of 10 physicians are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss.
RULE 2: Check out the folks selling you the hearing aid.
Hearing aids are sold by audiologists or hearing aid dispensers. Audiologists must have a Masters degree or Doctoral degree in Audiology, the science of hearing and balance disorders. Oklahoma requires that hearing aid dispensers meet state licensing and certification guidelines. Here at Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose, and Throat, we have a staff of audiologists holding either a Masters degree or Doctoral degree and are experienced in testing and fitting aids.
RULE 3: Find out what kind of hearing aid will help you the most.
The audiologist will give you a hearing evaluation in order to determine the kind of hearing loss you have and what type of hearing aids will best meet your needs. You want the right type and fit of a hearing aid in order to hear as well as you possibly can. It is not a good idea to try to buy hearing aids thru the mail or over the internet because you rarely get a good fit.
RULE 4: Make sure you have a trial period.
Most people want to be sure the hearing aids work before they purchase them. In Oklahoma , audiologists are required to see that you get at least a 30-day trial period. The law allows for a service fee of $150 per hearing aid if you decide not to purchase the instruments, but that is better than paying full price for something that may not work for you. Remember though, that hearing aids take awhile to get used to and no hearing aid restores your hearing to the way it was when you were young. Our audiologists will work with you throughout the evaluation period to see that your hearing aid fitting is successful.
RULE 5: Know your rights when shopping for a hearing aid.
Federal rules require the audiologist or hearing aid dispenser take the following steps when attempting to fit you with hearing aids:
The audiologist or dispenser must get a written statement from you signed by a physician within the past 6 months, saying your ears have been evaluated and you are cleared to be fit with hearing aids. You can waive this requirement if you are over 18, but the dispenser cannot encourage you to waive it and must tell you it is not in your best interest to be fit without an examination by a physician.
Please click a link below to learn more about our selection and policy on hearing aids.
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