Now that Over-The-Counter hearing aids are being offered, how do you know which device is best for you? Without guidance from a professional, you will need to do you due diligence before ordering.
Are you choosing an off brand or one from a known worldwide manufacturer of hearing aids? This may be important if you want to have them adjusted locally. Is Bluetooth important to you? If so, is your cell phone compatible with the OTC device you are looking at? Do they offer tech support for cell phone connectivity? Do the hearing aids have noise management to help you hear better in restaurants and parties? Do they have directional microphones to help you “zoom in” on the person you are talking to in that noisy place? Will they be easy for you to manage? Will you be able to get them in and out easily? If you want to be able to adjust them from the device, how easy is it to access the part that you will use to adjust them? Is the device rechargeable and if so, is the battery warrantied and for how long?
Make sure you know what you want from a hearing aid and that you will be able to manage what you ask for. You will not have the in-person counseling so it will be important that you can be self-sufficient! Be sure to have an in-person test to send with your order so that you will start off on the right foot and know that we are here to provide support in any way we can so that you are successful on your journey.
Visit these resources about how to shop for OTC aids:
https://www.gardneraudiology.com/research-otc-hearing-aid-options-episode-2/
https://www.gardneraudiology.com/avoid-otc-hearing-aid-mistakes-episode-3/
https://www.gardneraudiology.com/how-to-judge-otc-hearing-aid-value-episode-4/
https://www.gardneraudiology.com/otc-hearing-aid-technology-episode-5/
Visit www.GardnerAudiology.com for more information.
