Purchasing Hearing Aids Online vs. Seeing a Professional

We live in a digital age. With a click of a button, you can download your favorite movies. You can order the latest clothing trends. 

You can even have your groceries delivered right to your door. So what about having your hearing aids delivered to you? Sure, the convenience and relative ease might be convincing. 

But how do you know you’re really getting the hearing help you need?

The Convenience of Online vs. The Value of Professional Hearing Care

The hearing industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last 25 years. 

We no longer see the “big beige bananas” earphones that plagued those with hearing problems in the past. 

Now, hearing aids are small, discrete, and more technologically advanced than ever. 

But you wouldn’t buy a pair of glasses without knowing your prescription, would you? The same principle should apply if you’re purchasing hearing aids.

The difference maker between online purchases and in-office ones is the trained Doctor of Audiology, who fits and sets up the hearing aids.

Unless your hearing aid is programmed directly for your needs—your physical ear, your lifestyle, your audiometric hearing loss—you won’t be getting the hearing help you need.

Instead, you’ll be left to figure it out yourself, leading to a lackluster hearing experience.

Why Professional Diagnosis is Non-Negotiable for Your Hearing Health

When it comes to your hearing, a professional diagnosis isn’t just a recommendation—it’s non-negotiable. 

Why? 

Before we even think about hearing aids, our Doctors of Audiology perform extensive testing to pinpoint the exact cause of your hearing problems.

Hearing loss isn’t always as straightforward as needing a volume boost. 

Sometimes, hearing loss can be something easily treatable, such as a simple buildup of earwax. Other times, it’s a sign of a more serious medical issue.

You don’t and can’t know on your own.

Plus, without a medical diagnosis, you could end up spending a significant amount of money on a hearing aid you don’t even need.

We don’t want our patients to fall for the trap of an online solution when what they truly need is a precise and professional diagnosis.

The Role of Your Audiologist

There are four key roles your audiologist takes on when you come in with hearing problems: diagnosis, programming, fitting, and repairs.

At one of your first appointments, and before ever discussing hearing aids with you, Doctors of Audiology perform extensive testing to determine the root cause of your hearing problems. These simple tests are comprehensive and enable you to gain a thorough understanding of your current hearing health.

Without a doctor’s diagnosis, you could be scammed into paying for a hearing aid online that you do not need.

Once we’ve discussed your hearing aids, your audiologist will take the time to assist you in programming them. 

Remember, hearing aids are not just volume controls. 

Hearing aids have to be specifically programmed to help you hear the sounds you are missing. 

Without a comprehensive test, even the best hearing aids can’t help you because they won’t be programmed to your needs.

Of course, you also want the right fit for your hearing aids. These must always be customized to the specific user.

If you purchase hearing aids online, there is no guarantee that they will fit your ears properly.

And in the unlikely event that something breaks, like any piece of equipment, your audiologist has the capabilities to repair and assist with any issues you might encounter. 

Rather than having to fill out online forms or mail your hearing aids, Hearing Health Center can help you right away.

A Personalized Approach to Hearing Health

Your ears are as unique as your fingerprints, and your hearing loss pattern is entirely individual. 

This is precisely why a personalized approach to hearing aid fitting and programming is a crucial step in your hearing health journey.

Without custom programming based on a comprehensive audiometric test, even the most advanced hearing aid technology will fall short. 

It would be like trying to navigate a complex city with a generic map when you need a detailed GPS.

A personalized approach means your hearing aids are an extension of you, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Is an Online Bargain Truly a Better Value?

While a pair of online, over-the-counter hearing aids might retail for anywhere from $300 to $2,000, professionally fitted prescription hearing aids, which often include comprehensive services, are a bit more expensive.

At first glance, that price difference feels substantial.

But remember, that online “bargain” often doesn’t account for crucial elements like a professional diagnosis, custom programming tailored to your unique hearing loss, or personalized fitting for optimal comfort and effectiveness. 

These aren’t just “add-ons”; they are the foundational pillars of successful hearing aid use.

Without a proper diagnosis, you may purchase an unnecessary device or one that fails to address the root cause of your hearing issues, resulting in wasted money. 

If the fit is poor, you’ll experience discomfort and likely won’t wear them consistently, rendering your investment useless. 

Is it really a bargain if you’re not hearing your best?

Ready to Improve Your Hearing? Call Hearing Health Center Today!

Want to experience the difference by working with Hearing Health Center? Our team delivers comprehensive, high-quality exams to ensure your hearing aids are the right match, fit, and sound for you.

Schedule your free examination to start hearing better today!