With alot of hearing aids brands in the market. Selecting the right one for you can most times be a difficult task. Find out some of the things to consider with selecting a hearing aid.
However, persons who are first time users, the experience isn't an easy one. First, they will like to find out if the hearing aid will help their condition. They are altogether concerned with how comfortable the hearing aid fits their ear. A few things you should know, to help reduce the anxiety. These include:
The kinds of hearing aid available in the market
What to watch out for on deciding to purchasing a hearing aid.
How to adjust to hearing aids.
In most cases, when a persons hearing is damaged, hearing aid can’t restore normal hearing. They are only designed to improve your hearing through amplified soft sound. It is designed to help you hear sounds that you normally have troubles hearing before.
Where can I find a used hearing aid at low-cost prices
A lot of hearing aid dealers won't let this little secret out. It is possible to access used hearing aids. In most cases, these used hearing aids were worn for less than a month. Majority of them were used for demonstration purposes. They are functioning perfectly well just that they can’t be resold as new.
The hearing aid dealers would want to sell you brand new hearing aids at high prices. The case is different for used hearing aids. The profit margin isn't that high.
Thus, laying hands on a used refurbished hearing aid will save you a lot of dollars. There are a lot of branded used hearing aids from manufacturers like Oticon, Siemens, Starkey, Phonak and ReSound. These hearing aids are available or resale for a fraction of the actual cost. There are online stores which also specialize in reselling used hearing aids.
Often times hearing aids are refurbished and reconditioned by experts to seamless working conditions. They also come with 6 months warranty and 30 days refund in case you don’t like the product you purchased.
Reselling used hearing aids for sale
Used and refurbished hearing aids must be packaged and tagged properly. Because buyer should know it was previously owned.
Noteworthy is the same laws regulating new hearing aids also apply to used/refurbished ones. Hearing aids can only be sold to people with medical reports from approved medical personnel with a valid practicing license. According to the FDA laws, you are required to obtain a medical report within six months preceding to the sale.
For individuals who have personal issues or religious obligations on medical evaluation, hearing aids can be sold to them provided they accept to sign a waiver. Even though this option is a valid one, the FDA makes it clear that it is not in the best medical interest of the individual. This practice is strongly kicked against.
For certain, there are a special set of rules guiding the resale of used hearing aids. This, however, depends on your state. Audiologists and dispensers may be bound to special laws and conditions for resale. Countries like Illinois and Colorado set aside legislative laws that clearly shows the Federal stand regarding the resale of used/refurbished hearing aids.
Like new hearing aids, visiting an audiologist is also recommeneded. This is the first step to buying a used hearing aid is to first visit an audiologist. Get your ear evaluated and obtain a report. Even though this is required, you can get used/refurbished hearing aids without it. It is legal to sell used/refurbished hearing aids. Therefore, you can likely lay your hands on one.
Few sites that resale used/refurbished hearing aids often post FDA warnings on their site. These warnings are meant for potential buyers on the dangers of not first getting a medical report.
Whenever you neglect the requirement to get a medical report before getting a hearing aid, you do that at your own peril. The importance of a hearing aid professional is more than just evaluation. He has the duty of guiding you and helping you get conversant with your hearing aid. When you purchase a used/refurbished hearing aid, it is important to replace the ear molds. You may also choose to sterilize it instead to save the cost of getting a new one. Take it to a hearing aid professional to help you with the sterilization. This is important to ensure you stay safe from bacteria from the previous owner of the hearing aid. Ensure a hearing aid experts examines the hearing aid and have it properly programmed.
Used hearing aids, are they really worth it?
The answer is certainly, a big yes. Since these products come at a huge price discount and a warranty, there is certainly nothing to lose. With a 30-day money back guarantee, you have enough time to test the device. If the device does not suit your requirements, simply return and have your money refunded.
Once you can adhere to the safety measures, this can be a good deal. Quality used/refurbished hearing aids can serve as long as the brand new ones.
How does the hearing aid work?
Are you wondering how a hearing aids work? It involves years of research and calculations to accomplish. Hearing aids are designed with components that help carry sound from the environment into the ear.
Hearing aids are design with small microphones which collect environmental sounds. These sounds are then sent to the amplifier. The amplifier is a small computer chip inside the hearing aid. The function of the amplifier is to convert analog sound to digital sound. The amplifier analyzes and adjusts the sound based on your hearing loss requirements. These digital sounds are then converted into sound waves and sent to the receiver. The receiver functions as a speaker inserted into the ear canal. It delivers sound directly into the ear canal for better hearing.
From this, we can figure out that, hearing aid is made up of three important components.
The Microphone
The Amplifier
The Receiver
Types of hearing aids
Hearing aids come in different types and brands. The common types of hearing aids are explain below:
The CIC (completely-in-the-canal) or mini-CIC
This kind of hearing aid is designed to fit completely in the ear canal. It is used to enhance hearing in adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. This kind of hearing aid is small. In fact, it is the smallest type it is designed to be kept concealed from the public. Because of its size and positioning, it is less likely to be disturbed by the noise of the wind. However, due to the size of this hearing aid, it uses very small batteries which has a short lifespan. It can be difficult to handle as well. It does not come with extra features which include volume control and directional microphone. The speaker is susceptible to ear wax clogging.
ITC (In-the-canal) Hearing aids
This kind of hearing aid is designed to fit the ear of the wearer. Therefore its specification is examined by a hearing aid specialist and sent down to the manufacturers. The in-the-canal hearing aid can help improve patients with mild to moderate hearing loss problems. It is most suitable for adults.
The in-the-canal hearing aid is not large and also not so visible. Some of them come with features such as volume adjustment and directional microphone. These features can, however, be difficult to adjust due to the size of the hearing aid. The speaker is also susceptible to earwax clogging.
ITE (In-the-ear) Hearing aids
The ITE hearing aid like the ITC hearing aid is custom designed. In-the-ear hearing aids is designed in two types. The first type is designed to fill almost all the outer ear. The second type is less bulky and is designed to fill only the lower part of the outer ear. Whichever style you choose depends on your personal choice. It is useful to improve hearing in those with mild to severe hearing loss.
In-the-ear hearing aids are easier to handle. They contain features that is not found on smaller hearing aids. The volume control is much visible and easier to handle on this hearing aid. Because of its size, it can accommodate larger batteries and can last much longer. However, because of its size, it can pick up more wind noise than the smaller hearing aids. ITE hearing aid is more visible in the ear than the ITC and CIC. The ITE hearing aid is also susceptible to ear wax clogging the speaker.
The BTE (Behind-the-ear) hearing aids
It is very easy to use,more people wearing their hearing aids behind the ear. This hearing aid is the largest of all the hearing aids available in the market. It is designed to rest perfectly behind the ear. The BTE is designed to hook over the ear. This hearing aid is connected to the receiver via a tube which fits inside the ear canal. This type of hearing aid is suitable for both adults and children. It can be used to enhance hearing in people with different kinds of hearing loss. It is the most widely applied kind of hearing aid.
BTE hearing aids are by far,the largest types of hearing aid in use today. There are, however, new slimmer designs that are well hidden behind the ear. They are less visible to the eyes when worn. The BTE has the capability of more amplification than the other kinds of hearing aids. BTE may pick up more wind noise than the other types of hearing aids.
The RIC (Receiver-in-canal) or the RIE (Receiver-in-ear) hearing aids
These kinds of hearing aids are similar to the BTE hearing aids. However, in this case, the receiver is connected to the main device by a tiny wire instead of a tube. The device is designed to fit perfectly behind the ear while the receiver is placed inside the ear or in the ear canal.
These kinds of hearing aids are least visible behind the ear. However, they are also susceptible to ear wax clogging their speakers.
The open fit hearing aid
This kind of hearing aid is uncommon. It is an alternative version of the BTE hearing aid with a thinner tube. This hearing id style is designed to keep the ear canal open. It allows low frequency sounds to find its way into the ear naturally. Only high frequency sounds that are amplified through the hearing aid. The open fit is designed to aid those suffering mild to medium hearing loss.
The open fit hearing aid is the least visible than the BTE hearing aid. It does not wire up the ear like the smaller hearing aids. This is why your own voice sounds better to you. Notwithstanding, the open fit hearing aid may be more difficult to handle than the BTE. This is associated to its smaller parts.
Additional features that may come with your hearing aid
Some additional features that may come with your hearing aids. These features are added to make hearing better and seamless. While some of these features are factory installed, others require a hearing aids app to function.
External noise reduction. This is a common feature of all hearing aids. However, the level of noise reduction varies from one hearing aid to another. This feature makes it easier to hear and communicate with people in noisy environments.
Directional Microphones. Most modern hearing aids are made with this feature. It helps the hearing aids pick up more specific sounds from the direction the wearer is facing. At the same time, it reduces the sound coming from behind or other directions. There are more advanced hearing aids that are capable of focusing on one direction at a time. This feature can greatly improve your hearing when you are in a very noisy environment.
Rechargeable batteries. While, some hearing aids make use of single-use batteries, there are some that are designed to work with rechargeable batteries. This kind is the best to maintain and saves you the cost of regular battery change. It is important to carry extra hearing aids batteries when on a trip.
Telecoils. Telecoil compatible telephones and this feature makes hearing much easier. The telecoil is a smart feature that gets rid of environmental noise. This allows you to hear only sounds coming directly from the telephone alone. The telecoil is designed to also pick up signals from some public address systems found in some theatres and some churches. This provides a better hearing from the speakers and the movies playing.
Wireless connection.
As hearing aids continue to advance, a few of these devices can interact wirelessly with Bluetooth compatible devices. These include cell phones, Bluetooth music, and video players. In some cases, an intermediary device is required to pick up the signals and send to the hearing aids.
Remote control device. If you’re lucky, you can find a hearing aid that has a remote control unit. This makes it easy to control the device without having to touch it.
Direct audio input. This feature allows you to plug in audio from other devices using a cord.
Flexible programming. Some hearing aids are designed to store various programmed settings. These setting are applied to various environments and listening needs.
Environmental noise. If you happen to come across a hearing aid that offers this feature, then keep it. This feature allows the hearing aid to block out environmental noise. Some can even reduce wind noise for better performance.
Sync feature. For those who use two hearing aids, this features enables them to programme and work as one. Any adjustment made to one ear automatically applies to the second ear.
Things to consider when buying a hearing aid
Before purchasing a hearing aid, it is important to check your options and know the exact type you require. Getting what best fits you will help you adjust to the hearing aid faster. Take the following steps to ensure you get what best fits you.
Go for a checkup. Do not conclude you need a hearing aid without first visiting a doctor. hearing loss requires a hearing aid. Some are caused by infections and a build-up of ear wax. Allow an audiologist to test you and decide whether you need a treatment or a hearing aid.
Ask for referrals to reliable audiologists. It is always good to seek your doctor’s referral for an audiologist. A good audiologist is key to getting the best treatment for your hearing loss problem. He will access your ear and proffer the best solution for your hearing loss. He recommends the best hearing aid for your condition. He will also adjusts the hearing aid to best fit.
He also helps you get used to your hearing aid.
Enquire if the hearing aid you’re paying for has a trial period. There are a number of hearing aids with trial periods. Getting used to hearing aids can take some time. It is important to have a written note clearly stating the cost of a trial. Also, enquire the terms of this trial period agreement. How much is refundable at the end of the period in case you have to return the product. Ensure all these little details are clearly stated down.
Enquire how the hearing aid will fit in the future. In case your hearing problem worsens, is it possible to increase the power of your hearing aid? This point is very important. To avoid spending another huge sum to purchase a new hearing aid in the future.
Don’t settle for a hearing aid without warranty. Ensure that the hearing aid you are buying comes with a warranty. The warranty should be elaborate enough to cover both labor and parts.
Watch out for false claims. Before purchasing, remember, that hearing aids can’t restore your natural hearing ability. It cannot also eliminate background noise 100%. Beware of dealers or manufacturers who have these claims at the back of their pack.
Have a big budget while searching for a hearing aid. Hearing aids are not cheap. Therefore, ensure you plan for it and have a big budget. For it.
The price range varies in thousands of dollars. For additional features and accessories, be sure to keep an extra budget. Make out time to discuss your requirements with your audiologist.
Within some countries where the price of the hearing aid is heavily subsidized. If you find yourself in such places, you might have to pay just half the price or less for a device. In some states, you may be required to get private insurance to pay for hearing aids for children. There are also other groups that can access the hearing aid for free. This includes veterans and ex-servicemen.

Conclusion
Hearing aids can surely make life easier for those suffering from severe to minor hearing loss. While they are a necessity, most people who need it find it difficult to get one. This is due to the high soaring prices of the hearing aid. However, investing in used/refurbished hearing aids can help reduce the cost of the hearing aid.
This option can save you cost, it is also important to check for state regulations concerning the purchase of used/refurbished hearing aids. Endeavor to pay a visit to a professional audiologist to have your ear examined. Obtain a medical report before proceeding to purchase a hearing aid.
Working with hearing aid experts is very important. While they help you recommend the best fitting hearing aid, they also guide you through the process of getting acquainted with your hearing aids. They take note of any observations you make and make the necessary corrections.