If you feel that you might have some hearing loss and could benefit from a hearing aid, how do you go about getting one? There are several ways to get one and some steps to follow that are helpful.
First, see your doctor.
An Ear, Nose, and Throat physician can check to see if other problems exist and recommend possible treatments.
He or she can also find out if you have hearing loss that can be corrected like ear wax buildup or an infection.
If your doctor feels that a hearing device would be a good solution for you, ask for a referral to a reputable audiologist.
The audiologist is a trained health professional who can evaluate your ability to hear and determine what type of loss you have and what type of aid would be most beneficial for you.
Also, if you have been told that you have "nerve deafness," get a second opinion from an audiologist or a specialist.
Many times a hear aid can be helpful in these cases.
(Hearing Loss Association of America) The next step is to choose a hearing device specialist or dealer.
The cost of devices varies widely.
Audiologists typically charge $1,500-$3,000.
Medicare and many insurance companies do not cover the cost of hearing aids.
The Hearing Loss Association of America suggests that your dealer should offer a 30-day trial period, a warranty, and repair services, as well as a selection of different types: behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and in-the-canal styles.
Finally, search for retail locations or online for a hearing device dealer.