When it’s time to shop for a car, most of us know exactly what to do. We carry out some research, evaluate options, and compose a list of questions to ask the dealership. We do this so that by the time we’re set to stop by the dealership, we have an idea of what we’re looking for and we know which questions to ask.
When it’s time to purchase hearing aids, on the other hand, most people don’t know where to start. Even though the process is comparable to purchasing a car, it’s also in many ways more complex (and probably not quite as fun). It’s more complicated because every person’s hearing loss is unique and each pair of hearing aids requires custom programming. If buying a car was like this, it would be like you taking it home and having to install the transmission yourself.
Thankfully, you don’t need to know how to program your own hearing aids, but you do need to know the questions to ask to make sure that your hearing specialist covers all bases, properly programming the most suitable hearing aids for your preferences and lifestyle. In this manner, producing a list of questions to go over with your hearing specialist is the single most important thing you can do prior to your hearing test.
But which questions should you ask? Here are 35 to get you up and running, separated by category:
HEARING LOSS
Specific kinds of hearing loss require specific types of treatment. The more you know about your own hearing loss, the better you’ll be able to compare hearing aid alternatives. You want to know what form of hearing loss you have, if it will get worse, how soon you should treat it, and all of your treatment choices.
Questions to ask:
- What kind of hearing loss do I have?
- Do I have unilateral or bilateral hearing loss?
- Can I have a copy of my hearing test?
- Will my hearing loss worsen as time passes if left untreated?
- Will hearing aids improve my hearing?
- How much of my hearing will hearing aids reestablish?
- What are my other alternatives besides hearing aids?
HEARING AID STYLES AND FEATURES
Hearing aids are offered in many styles, from several manufacturers, armed with numerous features. You need a systematic way to narrow down your choices to ensure that you get the most effective hearing aid without wasting money on features you don’t need or want.
Questions to ask:
- How many different kinds of hearing aid styles do you offer?
- Which hearing aid style is most beneficial for my requirements and lifestyle?
- Which digital features would be meaningful to me, and which could I do without?
- What are telecoils and directional microphones and do I need them?
- Do I need Bluetooth compatible hearing aids?
- Do my hearing aids need to be professionally programmed?
- Do I need one or two hearing aids, and why?
HEARING AID PRICES, FINANCING, WARRANTIES, AND TRIAL PERIODS
The total price of a pair of hearing aids frequently includes the professional fees associated with custom fitting and programming, along with several other services or accessories. You want to make sure that you fully grasp what you’re receiving for the price, if financing is available, if insurance will help, what the warranty covers, the duration of the trial period, and if any “restocking fees” apply to the end of the trial period.
Questions to ask:
- What is the total cost of the hearing aids, including professional services?
- Do you supply any financing plans?
- Will my insurance policy help pay for hearing aids?
- How much will my hearing aids cost me each year?
- Do the hearing aids have warranty coverage?
- How much do hearing aid repairs cost after the warranty has ended?
- Are repairs handled at the office or someplace else?
- If my hearing aids have to be mailed out for repairs, are loaner hearing aids available?
- Is there a trial period and how long is it?
- Is there a restocking fee if I return my hearing aids during or after the trial period?
HEARING AID OPERATION, CARE, AND MAINTENANCE
Your hearing specialist should explain to you how to care for, clean, and operate your hearing aids. To make sure that nothing is forgotten, make sure all of these questions are answered:
Questions to ask:
- How do I operate my hearing aids?
- How do I use hearing aids with telephones and other electronics?
- Can you show me how to use all of the buttons, features, and settings for my hearing aids?
- What are environmental presets, and how do I access them?
- Do I need a remote control, or can I use my smartphone to control the hearing aids?
- What batteries do I need, how long will they last, and how do I replace them?
- How should I clean and store my hearing aids?
- Do I need to return for follow-up appointments?
- How long will my hearing aids last?
- Do I need to update the hearing aid software program?
- Do I qualify for future hearing aid upgrades?
YOU’RE READY TO SCHEDULE YOUR HEARING TEST
Okay, so purchasing a pair of hearing aids may not be as fun as shopping for a new car. But the quality of life you’ll attain from better hearing might very well make you happier, as you’ll reconnect with people and take joy in the intricacies of sound once again. So go ahead and book that hearing test — your new pair of hearing aids are waiting for a test drive.