You can purchase hearing aids online, in stores or at an audiology practice. Each option offers different types of hearing aids and levels of service. Understanding your choices will help you determine where to buy hearing aids that suit your needs.
Understanding Your Hearing Needs
It’s important to understand your type and degree of hearing loss. That information will influence which type of hearing aid is best suited to address your unique needs.
There are three types of hearing loss:
Sensorineural hearing loss: The hair cells in your inner ear that are responsible for sending sound signals to your brain are damaged. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by illness, infection, noise exposure and ototoxic medications.
Conductive hearing loss: Any interference, such as a tumor, foreign object or bone growth, that obstructs your middle ear can cause conductive hearing loss.
Mixed hearing loss: This type of hearing loss occurs when sensorineural and conductive hearing loss are present in the same ear.
Where to Buy Hearing Aids
Audiology Practices
An audiologist is a licensed individual who’s trained to assess and prescribe treatment for hearing loss and other audiological conditions.
Visiting an audiologist to buy hearing aids gives you access to a variety of comprehensive services, including:
- Hearing testing
- Balance testing
- Hearing aid fittings, adjustments and repairs
- Aural rehabilitation
- Earwax cleaning
- Custom hearing protection
- Tinnitus treatment
Audiologists are trained to identify the cause of your hearing loss and recommend appropriate treatment based on the source. You’ll find a variety of hearing aid brands at an audiologist’s office, and many carry the latest technology. Once you get the results from your audiogram, your audiologist can suggest the ideal hearing aid for you. Some hearing aids offer Bluetooth connectivity, remote programming, directional microphones and other features that enhance your listening experience.
Buying a hearing aid from an audiologist also gives you access to comprehensive follow-up care and service. If you encounter technical issues and are unsure what to do, you can contact your audiologist to schedule maintenance.
Online Retailers
Buying a hearing aid online is beneficial if you’re new to using hearing devices. Some online hearing aid retailers offer online hearing screenings to help you determine which device is right for you. You can also submit an audiogram to some retailers if you’ve received those test results from an audiologist.
MDHearingAid, Audicus and Lexie sell hearing aids with different features, including Bluetooth capabilities and rechargeable batteries. Those retailers offer competitive prices that range within a few hundred dollars. You may have to program your devices yourself or schedule a remote consultation to have a representative help you. They typically offer flexible warranties and trial periods.
While it has advantages, buying online means you won’t have as much personalized care and limited access to in-person support. Some online retailers are reputable, but others can make it nearly impossible to return the devices for a refund.
Box Stores
Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club and other big box stores sell over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids that are a cost-effective and easily accessible option. Some stores have an onsite specialist to help you determine which hearing aid is best for you, but they typically aren’t licensed audiologists.
OTC hearing aids usually have basic information and recommendations on the packaging, but you’re responsible for selecting and programming your own devices. Some OTC hearing aids have trial periods, so be mindful of return policies and warranties.
Some brands, like Lexie, provide smart apps so you can make your own adjustments. You’re not guaranteed selection or adjustment assistance if you buy OTC devices. Audiologists don’t usually offer repairs or maintenance on OTC hearing aids. Big box stores also “lock” their hearing aids so they can’t be programmed by another company.
Hearing Aid Manufacturer Websites
Hearing aids are available from manufacturers like Widex, ReSound, Signia, Phonak and Oticon. You’ll find the latest hearing aid technology and styles to suit your needs and can read reviews to learn what other wearers think about the products.
Hearing aid manufacturers offer online hearing tests and recommend their devices based on your results. Manufacturer websites also have provider locators so you can find a hearing care provider near you. That includes audiologists and hearing aid dealers.
Specialized Audiology Services and Hearing Aids at Hearing Associates
Finding the right hearing aid can seem daunting. Our expert audiologists will simplify your search and get you back to better hearing health. We prioritize patient-centered care and provide each patient with a custom care plan based on your type of hearing loss, treatment needs and lifestyle preferences.
If you’re looking for an audiologist in northern Iowa or southern Minnesota, then Hearing Associates is the practice to visit. Our expert audiologists are passionate about hearing health and take pride in getting to know you as a person before learning about you as a patient. That goes a long way toward improving clinical outcomes.
Call 888-760-2032 or schedule your appointment online.