Can You Hear Me Now?
By: Source: AARP Bulletin Today Date Posted: 2005-05-17 10:48:35
Before buying analog hearing aids 12 years ago, Lewis Wetzel, 80, of Casco, Maine, went to a licensed audiologist for a hearing test and then to a hearing aid dispenser to have the devices fine-tuned for his particular hearing loss.
Last year when Wetzel decided to upgrade to digital technology, he had another hearing test but bought his new aids on the Internet. Why? To save money.
With the cost of a custom hearing aid ranging as high as $2,000, many consumers are going online to shop for cheaper alternatives. Hearing aids and similar devices sold on the Internet typically cost hundreds of dollars less than those sold through professionals who offer custom service.
But audiologists warn the savings come at a cost: buying online bypasses the medical evaluation required by the Food and Drug Administration and the custom services needed to fit the devices to the individual.
"A hearing aid is only as good as the professional who evaluates the patient, chooses the best technology, fits the hearing aid and, perhaps most importantly, offers training and follow-up," says Richard Gans, president of the American Academy of Audiology.
Just as eyesight can change over time, so can audio acuity. "If you think you need a different hearing aid from the one you have now," says AARP consumer expert Sally Hurme, "you probably need a new hearing test."
Some experts recommend that those who opt for a full evaluation see a physician to determine whether their hearing loss is a sign of another problem, like infection or a tumor.
A certified and licensed audiologist can test your hearing and determine how to correct the problem, says Tina Mullins, director of Audiology Adult Practice at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser—a professional who provides care and sells aids—can provide custom-fitted hearing aids and follow-up care.
Follow-up is important because a poorly adjusted hearing aid can be uncomfortable or even damage the ear. The wrong amplification may make loud sounds painful and not necessarily clearer, Mullins says.
If the cost seems prohibitive, there are ways to save. Although Medicare and most insurance companies do not cover hearing aids, Medicare does cover diagnostic tests. In addition, certain government agencies or civic organizations may offer financial help, says Sergei Kochkin, executive director of the Washington-based Better Hearing Institute, a nonprofit organization financed by hearing aid manufacturers.
At the least the Internet is useful for researching the kinds of hearing aids on the market today and for keeping up with new technology. Consumers who buy online need to investigate the vendor’s reputation, return policy and warranty. They can get information from corporate websites, the Better Business Bureau and Self Help for Hard of Hearing People. The Federal Trade Commission publishes guidelines called "Sound Advice on Hearing Aids."
In the long run, financial relief for the hard of hearing may be in sight: Congress is considering bills to provide a $500 tax credit for each device once every five years for those 55 and older or parents and guardians of children 18 and younger.
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