In July, 2009, Consumer Reports sent 12 people with hearing loss to buy multiple sets of hearing aids over six months.  They found that two-thirds of the 48 devices purchased were either the wrong kind of hearing aid or not properly adjusted for the people buying them.  Most of the aids were either turned up too high, or not high enough.  Hearing aids turned too high can cause more ear damage.  Hearing aids turned to low lead to frustration and ultimately rejection of the device.

Here’s how to ensure you get the right aids for you:

• Start with a check-up by a physician, preferably an otolaryngologist. They can determine if hearing aids will help you, or if you have another need.
• From this physician, get a recommendation for an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser.
• If it is convenient for you, Consumer Reports found, on average, that an audiologist working in a doctor’s office was the best experience.  If there is not audiologist working in this environment near you, go to a licensed hearing-aid provider.
• Call this provider and set up and appointment.
  • You will work closely with this specialist before, during and after the purchase of the aids.  Keep this in mind.
  • Make sure that the person easy to get an appointment with and has office hours and availability that works for you.
  • Make sure the provider has multiple brand and style choices.
  • Ask what kinds of tests they will perform during the fitting.  Make sure one of them is the “real ear” test.
• During the appointment, a good provider will ask you about telephone, TV and conversational habits as well as your hearing needs in workplaces or other social settings.
• If the provider does not ask these questions, leave and get another referral.
• Once you have decided on an aid or a set of aids, make sure there is enough residual amplification in the aid, in case your hearing gets worse.
• Remember:  not everyone needs the most expensive aids.  Do not feel pressured to buy the most expensive product.  In fact, the more expensive the aid, the more expectations wearers have of them.  This can occasionally lead to disappointment.
• Find out about the trail period and the warranty policy.  Most aids have a 30 day money back guarantee and a warranty of three years or so. Get the terms in writing.  All follow-up and maintenance appointments should be free.
• Once the aid arrives, the provider will fit the aid and perform a series of tests, including the “real ear” test.   These tests will adjust the aid to your special hearing loss profile.
• Now that you have your aids, practice with them and pay attention to the results.  If there are places for improvement, go back to the provider with notes about what is happening.    Keep working with your provider to get the amplification and profile right.  You have 30 days to determine if the aids you bought are not the right ones for you.  Whatever you do, don’t toss them in a drawer and give up.
• Finally, give it time.  Like a new exercise program or learning a new hobby, the brain and the body needs to adapt to the new input of sounds.

Here is the key:  Getting the right provider is the most important part of the process.  They are the ones that will make sure you have the right aid for you.  Don’t rush this step.  On average, a person spends a bit more that $3,300 for a set of aids.  Take the time to find the right hearing aid partner, before you buy.

Note:  If you are a vet, go to your local Veterans Affairs office.  They may have a solution for you.

Additional resources:   FDA hearing website,  Consumer Reports