Thinking of going DIY with your hearing?
Yes, it’s possible to buy off-the-shelf hearing aids online and in shops. So, how do they perform? The price tag seems like a sweet deal. One off-the-shelf example is the Bose hearing device. The FDA says it’s on a par to a professionally fitted hearing aid. So, what does that mean? That the device is good. Great! However, this style of hearing aid will not be for everyone. The important thing to keep in mind is, that to end up with great-fitting, great-sounding hearing aids, that are the right for your type of hearing loss and fit your individual needs, you really do need both a professional hearing evaluation and a professional hearing aid fitting.
Why is a professional Audiologist the best choice for hearing treatment?
When you have trouble with your teeth, you go to the dentist. Right? Just as every person’s teeth have unique requirements, they also does their hearing. A professional hearing check tests for the cause of your hearing loss and evaluates exactly which parts of your hearing are missing.
Audiologists. More than just hearing aid providers.
An off-the-shelf product and a DIY fitting can never match the service an Audiologist provides for their patients. What’s more, they will go over and above providing hearing aids. They’ll also give ongoing support, advice, hearing aid maintenance (including repair and cleaning – often for free), and will always have your best interests and hearing health in mind. In comparison, companies selling off-the-shelf hearing aids generally have their profit margin highest in mind.
What’s so great about a professional hearing aid fitting anyway?
Wearing hearing aids is not just about turning up the volume of every sound. It’s about carefully matching and replacing the frequencies you’re not hearing properly. Not only will you need to have the right type of hearing aid but it will need to be set up to fit your needs. These will be different for everyone, like a fingerprint. Only a trained Audiologist will be able to get your hearing aids set up just right. How?…
Real ear measures
During a hearing aid fitting your Audiologist will use real ear measures to monitor how well your hearing aids replace the specific frequencies of sound you’re missing out on. Real ear measures are the most reliable way to check whether your hearing aids are right for your hearing prescription. There are lots of other things that Audiologists use to check that your hearing aids are the right fit, however, this one is really important for getting the settings just right and making sure you can enjoy as many sounds as possible.
And the professional hearing test?
There are many hearing loss causes and many hearing loss treatments. It’s important to get to the root of your hearing loss and rule out associated diseases or complications. Only a professional Audiologist will be able to properly evaluate your hearing and recommend the correct treatment for you.
If you’re think you or a loved one has some hearing loss, our professional Audiologists at Clarity Hearing are here to help you. Why not give us a call today?
