There are 2 things that I always tell people when they ask me about hearing aids:
- you get what you pay for
- it’s absolutely imperative that you consult a licensed audiologist before buying anything
With that being said, let’s talk little bit about the basic types of hearing aids that are available. Certainly, this is not meant to be an exhaustive discussion regarding the basic types of hearing aids, rather an introduction to the topic.
When buying discount hearing aids, it’s helpful to make sure you know the basics so you won’t be tripped up by a tricky salesperson.
1st up is the BTE, or behind the ear, type. These are the ones that fit on the outside of your ear sort of in the same way that glasses do. These are just about the opposite of inconspicuous, as you will be able to notice this type of hearing aid from across the room without much difficulty.
The ITE, or in the ear, style sits within the ear and is a bit less conspicuous than the BTE type. You will also find a higher level of sound reproduction quality over the 1st type although some report the difference to be marginal. You’ll have a harder time seeing this model from across
the room.
The in the ear canal, or ITC, type of hearing aid is a bit smaller than the ITE models is less noticeable yet.
The crème de la crème of hearing aids is the CIC, or completely in the canal, style. These are the most difficult to detect, certainly you wouldn’t find it from across the room. That’s because it sits so far down inside the ear canal that literally much less detectable than any other type.
Discount Hearing Aids Cost Versus Technology
Of course, as I stated previously, you do get what you pay for. And you probably won’t be surprised to find that I’ve listed these types in ascending order of cost, meaning that the BTE is least expensive and the CIC is most expensive.
The reason for the increased cost is that there’s simply a higher level of technology in the more expensive models. Most of the hearing aids that you find a market today are digital–the days of analog hearing aids are largely over in favor of the more precise sound reproduction capabilities of a digital hearing aid.
If you’re so inclined, there are even models which allow you to connect via Bluetooth to a cell phone. This lends a whole new meaning to the “can you hear me now” idea.
Discount Hearing Aids Concerns
So, beyond cost, your going to want to think about what style is most appropriate for you.
With this information in mind, here are a few of the downsides of each type of hearing aid:
- the behind the ear type can get in the way of your glasses–they can also make it awkward to use the telephone
- in the ear hearing aids require remolding every so often if being used for a child who is still growing–they also tend to generate complaints about feeling unnatural or that they’re ears are plugged up
- in the canal hearing aids require a deft touch to adjust as their smaller size means the adjustment controls are also considerably smaller
- finally, the completely in the ear canal type does tend to use batteries a bit quicker than others–this is because the batteries are necessarily smaller and simply don’t hold as much energy. There is also a maintenance issue with these as you will need to have them in for cleaning of wax as build up occurs more readily on the style. Additionally, your audiologist will have to make all the adjustments herself because there are no controls on the outside of this style–no worries though: your audiologist just these wirelessly via computer
Once again, make sure that you have an actual audiological evaluation by a state licensed audiologist. Those hearing aid dispensaries you may see from time to time are there for business and business only: they are not licensed audiologists, they’re only licensed to dispense hearing aids.
Keeping all these facts in mind, discount hearing aids are a possibility. Your best bet is to speak to your audiologist and decide which style is best for you. From there, find out what brands are recommended (you’ll likely hear the name Phonak and Sharkey) and what the cost is.
Wherever you ultimately decide to buy your discount hearing aids, make sure that you have full understanding of the policy with regard to a trial period, usually 30 days or so, to make sure you’re really happy and that the device you’ve chosen enhances your life. Also be sure that you understand the warranty period and what is covered should a repair be necessary.
