Estimates are that one in two of people over the age of fifty will experience some high frequency hearing loss as the “hair cells” in their inner ears loss the ability to transform sound vibrations into the electrical impulses the brain utilizes to interpret sounds. And those figures do not account for people who suffer from broad spectrum hearing loss.
There are, in other words, many people who would benefit from hearing aids. And while digital hearing aids are the most useful for those who have to spend time in high noise environments, digital hearing aids are also much more expensive than analog hearing aids. The best option for those on limited budgets would, of course, be discount hearing aids.
Finding a Wholesaler
No one is going to give you a decent hearing aid for next to nothing, so stop entertaining that fantasy before you go on your discount hearing aid search. Your best opportunity to find a quality discount hearing aid lies with hearing aid wholesalers; there are several with online websites, and your audiologist might also refer you to some.
Hearing specialists often have connections with discount hearing aid wholesalers; once you have determined the degree and nature of your hearing loss, you will be able to narrow down the kinds discount hearing aids available to treat it. Depending on your needs, you may find an appropriate discount hearing aid for as much as 75% off the retail price. But that is only likely in the case of discount hearing aids which were not in great demand as retail models.
If you decide to purchase your discount hearing aids online, try to find a site which offers a trial period and a money-back guarantee. Most reputable discount hearing aid suppliers will allow you at least a thirty-day trial period, to make sure the hearing aids are appropriate for your particular hearing impairment.
Dare To Compare
Comparison shopping for your discount hearing aids is essential; many identical hearing aids are marketed under different brand names. So don’t shop strictly based on a company’s reputation; know the specific features for which you are looking n your discount hearing aids. You can pay for a name if you want, but if you can get the same quality in a less-known brand for substantially less money, why would you want to?
The Audient Program
Another tip: if you are in the US and simply can’t afford a hearing aid, the Audient program may be available to assist you in finding discount hearing aids. If your individual income is no more than $24,500, with an additional $8500 for each family member in your household, you may qualify.
You’ll get a hearing exam from an audiologist in the Audient national network, and then receive a digital behind the ear hearing aid at a price ranging between 30% and 75% below retail; you’ll also be given follow-up visits with the audiologist. To learn more visit www.audientalliance.org .
You can also find more info on hearing loss and your old hearing. FirstHearingAids.com is a comprehensive resource for people suffering from hearing loss to get information on hearing aid options, prices and maintenance.
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