Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid options are becoming more popular both online and in retail establishments. These hearing devices are intended to make it easier for patients who are affected by hearing loss to seek assistance. They also ensure that hearing help is as affordable as possible.
The use of over-the-counter hearing aids, on the other hand, has sparked considerable alarm among medical professionals and policymakers alike. Some states have even issued warnings as a result of the large number of patient complaints they are receiving. Some of these issues are addressed in greater detail below.
They Mean That Many People Are Not Visiting an Audiologist for a Hearing Test
The idea that you can simply go into a store or order a hearing aid online without having to go through critical formalities such as a hearing test is a source of great concern to many audiologists. It is hard to know which option is the best for you unless you go through these procedures. Furthermore, you may be unable to notice indicators that your hearing loss is associated with other health problems. Hearing exams carried out by a qualified audiologist can also provide you with information on how to configure your system for the best results.
Hearing Loss Can Affect People in Different Ways; It Is Not Always a Straightforward Issue
Contrary to popular belief, hearing loss does not mean that the person experiencing it hears everything at a lower volume, or not at all, like turning down the volume on the car radio.
Hearing loss is much more nuanced and complex than that. It can not only just have an impact on the volume of sounds, but on the frequencies and wavelengths that are heard. This means that if your hearing aid is not properly set up to work with your particular type of hearing loss, which the majority of over-the-counter ones will not be, you may actually be doing more damage to your hearing.
If you buy a better-quality over-the-counter hearing aid, it may well tell you of the frequencies that it helps to improve. However, this information is only useful if you have a recent hearing test with a qualified audiologist and know which ones you experience. They may also need further calibrating and customization to make sure that they work for your type of hearing loss and they are not causing more damage
They May Not Fit You Properly
Getting well-fitted hearing aids crucial. If they are too big, or too small, they are not going to work anywhere near as effectively as they would if they were the perfect fit. When having a hearing aid organized by an audiologist, you will usually have molds taken to guarantee that your hearing aid fits the shape and size of your ears like a glove. While OTC hearing aids should have some degree of adjustability, they are not going to be anywhere near as tailored and well-fitting as custom-made ones.
Aftercare Is Non-Existent
When you have a hearing aid fitted by a professional audiologist, you will also receive aftercare. They will ask you to come back after a certain period of time to make sure that the hearing aids are doing what they are supposed to be doing, checking that they do not need an adjustment and give you expert advice on how to clean and look after your hearing aids. This is something that you will not get with OTC hearing aids.
You might have a leaflet inside giving you some basic cleaning tips, but that is about it. Not only that, but you also must consider what happens if they stop working or they break. The chances are with an OTC hearing aid, you would need to buy a new one, whereas your audiologist will be able to offer a repair or replace service. They may even offer a cleaning service for you.
Your Hearing Is Important; Be Wise with Your Hearing Aid Decisions
OTC hearing aids may have their place, but that is a limited place. They are no substitute for a proper check and fitting with an audiologist. You need to make sure that you are not buying something that simply amplifies your hearing rather than works to enhance the frequencies and wavelengths that may be causing your hearing loss, as this could make things worse.
Whatever choice you decide to make, it is important that you stay in touch with your audiologist and get their advice and guidance. You can call GL Wyeno Hearing Specialists PC for more information today at 402 463-2431.
