It is not until you need one, in most cases, that you realize just how costly hearing aids are, particularly the most up-to-the-minute digital ones. An illustration, for those who do not know, is that a hearing aid usually costs more than a laptop computer. If you want a digital deaf aid, then you could buy two or three laptop computers for one ear piece.
It is likely that prices will fall pretty radically as the Baby Boomers start to require them. And Baby Boomers will have to have them because they hammered their ear drums in their youth with loud music and they will live longer than their parents, in general. This means a large market for hearing aids in the future - over the next ten to thirty years.
The cheapest type of 'hearing aid' is in fact officially described as a 'listening device'. They cost about $20 and do not carry FDA approval, because they are not deemed sensitive enough. In fact, most people who buy these listening devices are hunters and twitchers, who want to be able to better hear the animals that they are looking for.
If anyone tries to sell you one of these units as a cheap hearing aid, turn and run: the person either does not know what they are doing or is a confidence trickster. If you are only having trouble hearing the television and you do not care about risking $20, then you could give it a try. Just remember that you are not buying an FDA approved hearing aid.
Some firms will want you to sign a waiver. This is proof to them that you are cognizant of the fact that you have bought the device without anyone giving you medical advice. If you have already consulted a doctor and you know that your loss of hearing is not due to disease, then this is fine, but you really do need to see a doctor before buying a hearing aid.
The old saying that you get what you pay for is true with hearing devices too. If you buy your device through your doctor or the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, you will get a long test period, during which you can get a near total reimbursement, if you return it.
You will seldom get any warrantees like this if you purchase over the Internet or even the High Street. Bear this in mind when you go trying to save money.
If you know what you are looking for, this is not a problem. Therefore, a good strategy is to visit your doctor, obtain as much information as possible and take up some brochures. Then use those leaflets to compare prices in the Mall and on line for the best deals.
Another point to look out for when you purchase a cheap hearing aid on line, is whether it is a 'behind the ear' (BTE) unit. The moulding of an online device, will be a standard fitting, but if you buy from a doctor, you will get a personal moulding, which will be more comfortable. Therefore, you have to factor this cost into your cheap on line costs.
It is likely that prices will fall pretty radically as the Baby Boomers start to require them. And Baby Boomers will have to have them because they hammered their ear drums in their youth with loud music and they will live longer than their parents, in general. This means a large market for hearing aids in the future - over the next ten to thirty years.
The cheapest type of 'hearing aid' is in fact officially described as a 'listening device'. They cost about $20 and do not carry FDA approval, because they are not deemed sensitive enough. In fact, most people who buy these listening devices are hunters and twitchers, who want to be able to better hear the animals that they are looking for.
If anyone tries to sell you one of these units as a cheap hearing aid, turn and run: the person either does not know what they are doing or is a confidence trickster. If you are only having trouble hearing the television and you do not care about risking $20, then you could give it a try. Just remember that you are not buying an FDA approved hearing aid.
Some firms will want you to sign a waiver. This is proof to them that you are cognizant of the fact that you have bought the device without anyone giving you medical advice. If you have already consulted a doctor and you know that your loss of hearing is not due to disease, then this is fine, but you really do need to see a doctor before buying a hearing aid.
The old saying that you get what you pay for is true with hearing devices too. If you buy your device through your doctor or the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, you will get a long test period, during which you can get a near total reimbursement, if you return it.
You will seldom get any warrantees like this if you purchase over the Internet or even the High Street. Bear this in mind when you go trying to save money.
If you know what you are looking for, this is not a problem. Therefore, a good strategy is to visit your doctor, obtain as much information as possible and take up some brochures. Then use those leaflets to compare prices in the Mall and on line for the best deals.
Another point to look out for when you purchase a cheap hearing aid on line, is whether it is a 'behind the ear' (BTE) unit. The moulding of an online device, will be a standard fitting, but if you buy from a doctor, you will get a personal moulding, which will be more comfortable. Therefore, you have to factor this cost into your cheap on line costs.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the writer of this article writes on many subjects, but is at present concerned with hearing aids comparisons. If you would like to know more or check out some great offers, please go to our website at Digital Hearing Aids Prices.
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