Avoid These 10 Mistakes When

Buying Hearing Aids

I am compelled to write this article because every week I meetsomeone who invested in their first set of hearing aids, hoping tosolve some of their communication problems, only to becomefrustrated, and disgusted that they ever tried hearing aids in thefirst place. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Did you know that one out of two hearing aid purchases madeby first-time buyers end up in a drawer? That’s because first-timebuyers are often uninformed and simply don’t know where to getgood information. The purpose of this article is to inform those ofyou who are getting ready to invest in better hearing so that youwon’t have to make any of these ten costly mistakes.

1. Most people are reluctant to get help for their hearing.When they finally do, they allow themselves to become victims inthe process because they didn’t want hearing aids. First-timebuyers fall prey to being treated like a number in an impersonal,busy medical system or worse, get seduced by high-pressuresales.

2. They treat a hearing aid purchase like buying a TV –Investing in hearing aids is much more like investing in a pacemaker – hearing instruments are complex medical devices thatneed adjustments and programming. You and your family alsoneed special care and counseling as you go through the processof learning to hear in a whole new way. This process takes aminimum of four to six weeks for the average person.

3. People buy based on a quick 15-20 minute hearing test –It is extremely important that your hearing healthcare provider geta complete medical history and performs a full lifestyleassessment. A thorough hearing test and consultation takes morethan an hour. Anything less and you are not getting the care youneed and deserve.

4. People purchase hearing aids without knowing how muchthey will improve their ability to understand speech. Most peopledon’t need to hear louder, they need to hear clearer. Comprehensivespeech testing must be done so you and your hearing healthcareprovider can get a clear “before and after” picture of how muchhearing aids will actually benefit you. This should be openlydiscussed with you to set realistic expectations.

AllEars

Betty Vosters - Kemp

Senior Magazine – June 2011

5. People fall for high-pressure sales tactics – “This weekonly!!” is a typical headline you may see. You should not feelpressured when investing in your hearing healthcare. Work withsomeone who honors that you are unique and have to go throughthe process of coming to terms with hearing loss in your own timeand your own way. Everyone is different.

6. They don’t get a second opinion – People often feel trappedor obligated to go through their HMO or insurance. 80% of thetime, people do not have any hearing aid benefits and will have topurchase them out of their own pocket. Choose where you wantto go rather than blindly go through the medical system.

7. People buy strictly on the basis of price – “$695 – Thisweek only!” These are typical “bait and switch” techniques to getpeople to come in. If you do end up buying the $695 special, it’susually old technology and often ends up in a drawer. And that’sa waste of money.

8. People don’t read the fine print – All claims about hearingaids being on sale should be accompanied by “the fine print.” Thisis where you find out that the “Great Savings” is based on theexaggerated MSRPs (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).The manufacturer might suggest a pair of hearing aids be sold for$10,000 and now you are offered 40% off if you buy today bringingit down to $6000. A good, reputable company may fit those samehearing aids for $5500 and include all the follow-up care andservice. A year after the $6000 purchase, you’ll be paying forevery service appointment and adjustment. So where are the“great savings”?

9. People are pressured into buying and are seen by a“closer” – a “factory technician” or a “visiting specialist” who isthere specifically to close you on buying hearing aids today – notto help you with your hearing health for the long term.

10. They don’t trust their gut feelings about the office and theprovider – Always trust your gut feelings. Don’t buy from anyoneif you are uncomfortable about how you are being treated. It’sokay to go home and sleep on it. Or better yet, get a secondopinion.

By getting informed you can avoid these mistakes. To help youget informed, go to my website and download a copy of “YourGuide to Hearing Happiness” or find out when I am teaching mynext “How to Live Happily Ever After…with Hearing Loss” class.But don’t forget that waiting for years to treat a hearing loss inorder to avoid making a mistake, is ironically also a costly mistake.

For more information, contact Betty Vosters-Kemp,Avalon Hearing Aid Centers, Inc.,

Sacramento: 1260 Fulton Avenue, Suite BFair Oaks: 8146 Greenback Lane, Suite 100Woodland: 433 Second Street, Suite 104

Call (916) 483-9064

Or visit my website - www.AvalonHearing.com