If you or someone you know is looking for help with hearing loss, it’s easy to be overwhelmed.
With varying opinions and adverts bombarding you online, it can be difficult to know which solution is the right fit for you.
And that’s exactly what it should be: the right fit for YOU.
Today, hearing loss impacts roughly 1 in 8 Americans, and by 2050, World Health Organization experts expect this number to double.
With so much more visibility in this growing market, it’s important you understand your options and the crucial points that will help you decide which one is right for you.
Before we begin, there are some factors I’d like you to make a note of that will influence your decision.
- Your diagnosis. How severe is your hearing loss and how does it impact your life?
- Your hobbies and interests. Where do you spend most of your time?
- Support. What level of support do you need? Do you prefer in-person appointments?
- Company size. Would you prefer a more local business with a tailored approach or a larger corporation with different representatives?
- Budget. Are you looking to make a premium investment in your hearing care, or are you looking for a quick, short-term fix?
Keep these questions in mind throughout the rest of this article as we dive into your options below.
1. Mobile Phone Apps and Earphones
There is an array of mobile phone apps and attachments available for no to low prices. Starting from free apps on your phone to paid apps and earphones, you could be looking at $0-$250.
However, these products are the very basic option and only offer a quick, short-term fix for those with a mild hearing loss and do not help address your hearing challenge.
2. Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
Over-the-counter hearing aids can be a very useful solution for those looking for a lower-level investment with the ease of purchasing online.
Coming in at roughly $500-$1500, they’re competitively priced and easily accessible but do not come with any prior testing and investigation or fitting, leaving you open to not getting the care you need or the hearing aids not working as they should due to improper fitting.
3. PSAPs (Personal Sound Amplification Products)
Starting from as little as $79.99 ranging to upwards of $1000, personal sound amplification products (or PSAPs), are a very easy-to-purchase product, available both in-store and online.
As with most of the other lower-investment options, PSAPs are not tailored to your hearing loss and there is no support in testing, fitting, or aftercare.
4. Online Hearing Aids with Remote Support
Online hearing aids are a good option, better yet when they come with remote support. With a mixed response in reviews, online hearing aids have gained popularity due to ease and often offer reliable products from reputable manufacturers. Following your online hearing assessment, you won’t receive any in-person support or be able to utilize your insurance benefits.
5. Retail Stores (Sam’s Club, Costco)
More and more frequently, we see people going to retailers, such as Costco or Sam’s Club, for their hearing needs.
At one of these retailers, you will receive a hearing screening, in-person fitting, professional technology, a warranty, and cleanings and support. Although you receive a screening, you won’t have a comprehensive or advanced hearing evaluation, which could identify other factors for hearing loss.
You may be subjected to long wait times, and you won’t be able to utilize your insurance or payment plans.
6. Local Clinic
When you visit a local clinic for your hearing care, you’ll be personally seen and treated by a hearing specialist, have a comprehensive assessment, be treated as one of our valued patients while receiving tailored care, and get the latest technology.
The only drawback of visiting your local clinic is that you’ll need to be able to attend multiple appointments in person.
7. Cochlear Implants
If all other avenues don’t help with your hearing concerns, hearing loss surgery is recommended for those with a severe hearing loss. A surgical implant is positioned inside your cochlear to improve its function, costing on average $30,000-$50,000.
Before you begin the process for cochlear implants, you will need to complete a candidacy evaluation to assess if you are viable for surgery.
Taking the Next Step
Hopefully, our deep dive into hearing solutions has helped you feel a little clearer about your options. However, if you do have any more questions or you’d like to book an appointment, you can schedule a callback here and someone from our team will be in touch to answer any questions you have.
