Price and the type of technology you believe will help you hear better are the two primary considerations that come to mind while shopping for hearing aids. Both are significant concerns, but purchasing hearing aids is significantly more involved than buying many other consumer goods. Because the choice you pick will affect not only how well you hear but also how well you communicate with other people and your quality of life, it is essential to carefully consider all the factors involved in making such a crucial decision.
What to consider before buying one?
When considering your alternatives for hearing aids, in addition to working with a company that provides cutting-edge technology and prices that align with the industry standard, here are four additional key factors to consider.
Professional Assistance
This is the most crucial part of hearing aids. Finding a competent and trusted professional like Cole Harbour hearing centre makes buying more reliable for consumers. Choose an audiologist with a Ph.D. or Au.D. Your choice should be credentialed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and follow a code of ethics from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
A doctoral-level audiologist should be able to evaluate your hearing, interpret the results, and prescribe hearing aids. The audiologist should offer follow-up appointments to adjust your hearing aids and check for changes. Because your hearing may change over time and you may buy more than one set of hearing aids, it’s crucial to find someone who can assist you manage this complex process. Audiologists are experts in the newest hearing aid technology and can prescribe the best for you.
Back-up
When you buy a new set of hearing aids, you rarely consider anything that could go wrong, yet hearing aids can malfunction and require repairs. Make sure that the clinic and specialist you select to work with have choices for urgent maintenance and loaners if your hearing aids need to be returned to the manufacturer for repairs. Associated Audiologists provides Urgent ear service, which allows you to be seen in the clinic the same day for potential issues.
They provide loaner hearing aids if your hearing aid cannot be repaired in the clinic and must be returned to the manufacturer. They also offer curbside drop-off/pick-up for hearing aid repairs by appointment, and all of our clinics have after-hours drop boxes in case you need to leave your hearing aids for service or repairs when the clinic is closed.
Insurance and Payment Option
Before purchasing hearing aids, find out what your financing alternatives are. Hearing aids are not covered by an HMO, but many insurance policies have a benefit that might help with the costs. If you have an insurance benefit that will help deliver the price of hearing aids, make sure to inform your audiologist so that they can look into it. If your insurance provider does not cover the cost of hearing aids, inquire about payment options. Many clinics provide private pay discounts, accept credit cards, and provide payment plans such as Care Credit, a healthcare financing plan. You can purchase hearing aids with a flexible spending account (FSA) and save your receipts because they qualify as a healthcare expense if you itemize medical expenses on your income taxes. Visit their page and get more info about their products.
Loss and Damage Coverage
Most hearing aids have a one- to three-year manufacturer’s guarantee that covers faults. You may have loss and damage coverage during that time. Extended coverage is a good choice because most individuals wear hearing aids for five to seven years. Once your initial coverage is over, it won’t cover things like your dog eating your hearing aids, leaving them on a hotel bedside, or losing one when a face mask gets caught in the ear loops.
For further loss and damage coverage, ask your audiologist. This helps replace a lost or damaged hearing aid. The deductible is tiny compared to the cost of new hearing aids. Third-party insurance and hearing aid manufacturers may offer extended warranties. If you possess homeowners or renters insurance, you can add a personal property rider for your hearing aids.