The word “cheap” has dual meanings. On the one hand, it signifies affordability, a wise choice for a budget-conscious individual. On the other hand, it implies low-quality, turning an apparently economical purchase into a not-so-smart choice, epitomized by the adage “You get what you pay for”.
Unfortunately, deciding if you’re getting a great deal from whether you’re purchasing a really low-quality device can be challenging. With regard to hearing aids, this couldn’t be more true.
With hearing aids, the axiom “you get what you pay for” is particularly true. This doesn’t necessarily mean opting for the top-tier option, but instead, scrutinizing products that boast a price tag too tempting to be legitimate. Customers need to be aware that essential information is frequently excluded from the marketing campaigns of cheap hearing aids.
Cheaper hearing aids are pretty much only amplifiers
Cheap “hearing aids” usually provide limited functionality, mainly amplifying or reducing overall volume. When you just amplify everything, the sounds you want to hear better are amplified but so are undesirable background sounds you don’t want.
The purpose of having a hearing aid is totally defeated if it also amplifies unwanted sound.
A contemporary state-of-the-art hearing aid, in comparison, does much more than just crank up the volume. It minimizes background sound while skillfully managing sound and improving clarity. Authentic hearing aids are tuned to your particular hearing needs, closely simulating natural hearing with increased accuracy.
PSAPs vs. Hearing Aids
There are stringent rules about what an advertiser can call a hearing aid as published by the Food and Drug Administration.
Unfortunately, many personal sound amplification products PSAPs are wrongly advertised as hearing aids even though they just amplify sound.
Most reputable providers comply. But there are some sellers, particularly online, that may be misinformed about what characterizes the difference between hearing aids and PSAPs, and as a result, they put out misleading claims about their products. You may even find some that state that they’re FDA-approved when that’s actually false.
For most types of hearing loss they won’t be helpful at all
The gradual loss of hearing usually involves trouble hearing particular frequencies instead of a sudden complete loss. You might have a difficult time understanding a little kid or a woman, for instance, but you have no problem understanding a man with a low voice.
You get total amplification with cheap hearing aids. But simply cranking up the overall volume will not be sufficient for people who have a hard time hearing particular frequencies. Moreover, turning up the volume significantly to catch the sound of your granddaughter playing on the floor may lead to your adult son’s speech sounding like a roar, potentially contributing to hearing loss if subjected to high volumes for prolonged periods.
High-quality hearing aids offer a solution by being programmable to compensate for the loss of particular frequencies. They provide a more personalized hearing experience by shifting frequencies you can’t hear very well to frequencies you hear better.
You might get a lot of feedback
You won’t get a custom fit with cheap hearing aids. A feedback loop is frequently the consequence of poorly fitting hearing aids. As the speaker in your ear jiggles around, the microphone picks up the sound. What does this sound like? An ear-shattering screech.
They usually don’t have cellphone support
When people are looking for a budget-friendly device, they frequently sacrifice functionality like Bluetooth connectivity. The lack of Bluetooth becomes crucial when thinking about phone connectivity. With cheaper hearing devices, when you try to amplify phone calls, your device will amplify every little sound, like your lips or ears rubbing on the phone, or clothing and hair.
In comparison, digital hearing aids use telecoil or Bluetooth technology, establishing a wireless connection between your hearing aid and the phone. Overall communication and clarity will be improved so you can be sure you will hear your daughter’s voice on the phone.
They aren’t made for individuals with hearing loss
This could come as a surprise because so many individuals think otherwise. These amplifiers were never meant to treat hearing loss. They were designed to amplify sound for individuals who have relatively good hearing.
Cheap devices might help a little if you only have minor hearing loss. But they won’t be of much use for people who actually need hearing aids.
Finding quality, affordable hearing aids
Obtaining affordable quality hearing aids isn’t hard. Insurance or other third parties might cover them. You can also find financing possibilities, leasing plans, and more affordable brands. If you suspect you have hearing loss, start by getting checked out. Call us today for a consultation, we can help decide what’s best for you, depending on your level and type of hearing loss, and make sure you land a pair that won’t break the bank!
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References
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/hearing-aids