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Page: Hearing aid Sales
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Hearing aids are often advertised at widely varying prices, from $300 US to $5,000 US per hearing aid. A major factor contributing to the wide variance in price is the number and complexity of hearing aids available. Comparison shopping may be difficult for one who has not studied hearing and sound sciences. Another factor in the variance of prices is the bundling of services needed to customize a hearing aid to a specific ear and hearing loss. The complexity of these devices, the amount of customization required, and the personal nature of hearing suggest the best place to buy a hearing aid is somewhere you are comfortable, from someone you trust.
Buyers of hearing aids will commonly seek the expert advice of audiologists, audiometrists, or Hearing Instrument Specialists. These professionals will typically have specially calibrated equipment and sound proof booths to conduct comprehensive hearing tests to describe a hearing loss.
In the United States, The majority of hearing aids are sold by Hearing Instrument Specialist. Prior to 1988 Otolaryngologist or audiologists did not dispense hearing aids directly but instead wrote prescriptions which were filled by Hearing Instrument Specialists. After 1988 a surplus of audiologists in the marketplace forced many audiologists to begin dispensing hearing aids themselves in order to capture additional revenue. This change ended the cooperative relationship that had existed between audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialist and put audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists in direct competition with each other.
Hearing Instrument Specialist are professionals with at least a high school diploma and 2 years of training/apprenticeship in hearing loss evaluation and hearing aid dispensing. Audiologists have three types of degrees: Masters (four years undergraduate, two years graduate, plus a 9-12 month fellowship), AuD (doctoral level - four years undergraduate, three years graduate, one year internship), and PhD (doctoral level - four years undergraduate, 3-7+ years graduate).
In addition to the results of a hearing test, which describe a hearing loss, a recommendation for a specific amplification instrument should consider a person's listening lifestyle. Many features available in hearing aids (multiple and directional microphones, noise reduction strategies, "programs", etc.) represent strategies to address specific situations. Features that are not used by the individual may increase the cost and complexity of a hearing aid.
Another consideration for determining the optimal hearing aid is physical and mental dexterity. Many hearing aids offer special features, such as different "programs". However, if someone lacks the physical dexterity to manipulate small controls, or does not have the presence of mind to keep track of which "program" is running, these features can make the instrument less effective since it may often be operating in a mode that is inappropriate for the situation.
Finally, there are also personal concerns such as cost and the visibility of the hearing aid. Hearing aids are typically not covered, or only partially covered, by most insurance plans in the United States. As a result, they represent a considerably sized purchase for most consumers. The visibility of a hearing aid to others is important to some people. There is often a stigma associated with large visible amplification instruments, such as BTEs, so many people prefer hearing aid that are discreet.
The US FDA recommends at least a 30-day trial period with hearing aids. Hearing aid trial periods are legislated by individual US states. During the trial period, a consumer may need to return for adjustments or continued counseling regarding realistic expectations before acclimating to hearing aids. If the hearing aid is returned, some facilities charge a restocking fee to pay for the audiologist or dispenser's time.
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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