If you’re spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to buy an OTC hearing aid, make sure you’re getting a product that offers a long-term solution to your hearing loss needs. Aside from the obvious things like sound quality, take a few minutes to look at these things.
How does size and style work best for you? Most hearing aids on the market are classified as either in-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-ear (ITE). BTE hearing aids may be what you think of when you think of a hearing aid, which consists of a plastic case that contains electronics, a cable that goes in is known as an audio “optimum,” which sends an amplified sound to its place in their ear. In contrast, the models are the units that contain the units as a standard pair of wireless earbuds. Hearing aids are popular for their incognito aesthetic, and they tend to be very easy to slip in and out of their ear buddies. Today’s hearing aids, however, are much smaller than those “back in the day.” It just comes down to what suits you best.
SPREPTEFTREFTREPT OR AVAILABLE? Much like wireless earbuds, most OTC hearing aids are equipped with rechargeable batteries and (usually) a portable charging case for easy portability. If you take battery life for granted, you’ll find most OTC models last about a week before needing to be plugged into a power source. Regardless of the case, rechargeable hearing aids offer anywhere from 10 to 24 hours of battery life each (but this drops to a few hours when using Bluetooth streaming). Replaceable batteries, such as those found in the Sony Cre-C10, can last 70 hours or more before the battery dies. It sounds good, but it means having areas that are there and fighting small cells, which can be difficult for people with dexterity problems.
Are you comfortable making changes? While readable hearing aids are fitted in the office by a licensed hearing care professional, OTC devices are not. In most cases, OTC hearing aid users are expected to be able to connect the devices to their ears, usually with the help of a smartphone. It’s great to make your change on the fly, but it can cost you in the way of personal care.
What is the company’s customer support like? If only you could count on quality support from all hearing aid manufacturers! Unfortunately, OTC hearing aid companies are just companies. There is no “normal” because of the Customer in the industry. Companies like Jabra offer patients comprehensive support, but other brands can leave you to your own devices.
Is there a trial? If you’re not happy with your hearing aids, you’ll want to have the option to return them without writing all that money off as solar costs. Most states require manufacturers to provide patients with a minimum trial period, but I recommend playing it safe by seeking this information before purchasing.
What about warranties? Equally important to the proper trial period is the inclusion of a full manufacturer’s warranty. Many products cover manufacturing defects for up to a year, but they do not state without saying that the longer the reporting period, the better the agreement. No matter which OTC hearing aid you end up with, make sure the warranty covers loss, damage, and wear and tear.
