Top 2 Hearing Aid Scams You're Better off Avoiding

You can stumble across scams wherever you go, and the treatment of hearing loss is no different. Here are two of the most common hearing aid scams, and how you can avoid them.

While many consider it cruel to trick someone in need, a person with hearing loss might seem like a vulnerable target. There are many misconceptions about hearing aids and the people that work with them, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be wary while buying new hearing aids. If you're concerned about the buying process, here are twi scams you should look out for.

Don't Fall for Hardball Sales Tactics

If you've ever walked into a supermarket, you've probably seen signs pitching deals like 75% off, or buy one get one free. While these do seem like bargains when buying drinks or snacks, they're far from trustworthy when dealing with specialized technology like hearing aids. No hearing aid dealer is going to sell a pair of hearing aids for a crazy-low price, and if they are, there's probably a catch.

The catch might be that it does not come with fitting, is an old or faulty model, or you have to buy it today. Rushing customers to buy a necessary product like hearing aids is always a bad sign. Any respectable hearing care professional (HCP) will work with you to make sure that you're making a choice you will be happy with, and that process often takes time.

The buying process should involve multiple steps, including a discussion of your needs, multiple fittings, and a trial period. If all of those factors aren't present, there's definitely something amiss. Don't fall for outrageous sales pitches; your HCP should offer you nothing but honesty and straightforward answers.

Avoid Mail-Order Hearing Aids

The phrase one size fits all never applies to hearing aids. Everyone's ears are different and treating hearing aids like wristwatches will only lead to poor fitting. Don't let online advertisements mislead you; it is never a good idea to buy hearing aids online. While you might be getting a better deal financially, you're not getting the insight, advice, and professional sizing that you would get from an HCP.

An HCP will make sure your hearing aids are fitted perfectly to your ear, even if it takes a few visits. They can also provide tech adjustments and instructions, so you can make the most of your new hearing aids. When you buy online, you're just getting a pair of hearing aids. Even if you feel confident about fitting yourself, you might end up regretting your decision in the long run.

Hearing aids are delicate pieces of technology. You shouldn't be afraid of hearing aid providers; they're trained and certified to help you get the fit you need. They aren't middlemen that you can cut out of the process entirely -- they're your last line of defense against scammers. Find an HCP you trust and talk to them if you have doubts.

How an HCP Helps You

It's a hearing care professional's job to walk you through the buying process, along with the fitting and adjustment period. You might have many visits with them over the course of your hearing aid journey. Before you buy, your HCP will discuss your needs and preferences for your hearing aids, the results of your professional hearing test, and pricing. Your HCP should discuss multiple factors and help come up with a list of viable options.

A good HCP won't try to upsell you on features you don't need. While some hearing aids offer advanced tech like Bluetooth streaming, unique shapes, and other features, you might not need these if your lifestyle or preferences don't call for them.

If you're still wondering how to choose a hearing aid, you can find more information in this article about the buying & fitting process.

Questions You Should Ask Your HCP

Regardless of whether you're a hearing aid wearer or not, you should know what to ask an HCP during the buying process. If you have a family member or friend that asks you to come along, you can help supply them with questions they might have overlooked. Here are some things you should touch on during your consultation or fitting.

• What kind of hearing aids am I compatible with?

• What hearing aids are in my price range?

• What are my payment options?

• How do I determine my needs?

• What features would I benefit from?

While other questions might come up during your meeting, these are a few that can help you get started. If you know what to ask, it can give you more confidence and self-assurance to move forward with the process. Regardless of how much you know, your HCP should do their best to fill you in and help you make a decision that you will be happy with.

As long as you stay vigilant and accept help from professionals, buying hearing aids should be an experience that has you looking forward to the future.