Thinking About Buying Hearing Aids Online? Here’s What You Should Consider Before You Do

09/17/2021 | Hearing Aids, Industry News, Patient Resources

I’m sure you’ve heard all about this option lately, with talk about the  Jabra Enhance and other over-the-counter hearing aids. After all, the amount of money being poured into marketing them is astronomical.

With 25% of people with a hearing loss delaying or avoiding treatment, having another buying option can be a good thing … for some.

But in general, I have a lot more thoughts on the subject, which I’ll outline below.

Why I Think Some People Choose To Buy Hearing Aids Online

I believe those who choose to buy hearing aids online — rather than choose to visit their local hearing care professional — are looking for a more convenient, cheaper option.

They think the hearing aid alone is going to be the solution to their hearing problem.

Are There Any Benefits To Buying Hearing Aids Online?

One benefit is not having to get out of your pajamas to order them and have them brought directly to your home.

Some devices are also priced very low, making it seem like a more desirable option. But what most buyers don’t realize is that they are not paying for a hearing bundle of services, as they would with an audiologist – they are only paying for the hearing device.

Paying for those services individually for the next five years, in addition to the cost of the hearing aid, can end up costing a lot more.

Are There Any Risks To Buying Hearing Aids Online?

There are quite a few risks, including the online companies only being interested in your money, but the two biggest risks are:

  1. Over amplification: You will, over time, further damage your hearing or (a more likely result) won’t be able to stand them and quit wearing them.

Most people we’ve seen with this scenario find themselves waiting even longer to seek professional help – they think hearing aids won’t help them because of this experience.

  1. Under amplification: You won’t be getting the necessary gain needed to properly stimulate the auditory nerve. Therefore, you are more likely to continue to be at risk for auditory deprivation and not truly be able to hear at your best.

Schedule A Hearing Assessment

My Opinion On Listen Lively’s Online Buying Program

In truth, my opinion of Listen Lively is that it’s the best online model that could really compete with traditional private practice … theoretically.

Those who have worn hearing aids, and those who have worked with hearing aids, know it’s not the device that keeps you hearing your best. It’s what comes after being fit with the device that helps you both today and for the rest of your life.

I’ve even put together a video about this, which you can watch here. I asked two longtime hearing aid wearers to review Listen Lively’s services from start to finish, and the results are interesting.

My Advice To Those Considering Buying Hearing Aids

Ask yourself the question at the end of the video: Do you want an easier solution that may feel good for today, or do you want a solution that is going to help you today and for the rest of your life?

Yes, this is a rhetorical question because there is no online hearing aid service that can match the services of an audiologist. We truly are a one-stop center for your long-term hearing journey, and we love welcoming you as part of our hearing family.

So come see us so we can answer all your questions about hearing loss and hearing treatments. We have years of expert knowledge and experience to draw from.

Consider getting a hearing assessment at the same time to make sure you don’t have any hearing loss. Doing this will cover all your hearing concerns in one visit.

Book your hearing test here, or call us at (325) 437-4730. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Do you know somebody that needs to see this? Why not share it?

Dr. Kelsi Mangrem AU.D, FAAA

Dr. Kelsi Mangrem received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, as well as her Doctorate of Audiology from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). Whether a patient, employee, or industry colleague, the philosophy of service to others resonates throughout her character.

    Request a Callback

    Don’t want to wait? Call us
    at: (325) 437-4730

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.