How to Buy a Hearing Aid
At this day and age, trying to buy a hearing aid can be an overwhelming task. There are so many options when it comes to styles, technology and price. Then there is the option of should you buy from a brick and mortar retail store, or online. On top of that there are options to buy outright, lease or various subscription plans to help you buy a hearing aid. That is enough to make your head spin. When it comes to better hearing, we want to help you take a look at the pros and cons of all the options available today.
Buying a hearing aid locally from a professional
This is certainly the most common and widely trusted way to buy a hearing aid. After all, they are local and will more than likely be there every time you need help. The biggest advantage to buying this way is you can set an appointment and meet the hearing professional face to face. You can then decide if you like them enough to do business with them. Do you find their expertise enough to take care of your specific hearing needs? Is their place clean and neat? You know the old saying if you can’t take care of your house, how can you take care of my needs.
Buying a hearing aid online
In the last 5 years, there have been a lot of companies jumping online to sell you a hearing aid. While many of them may seem attractive in regard to the price, they may be lacking a great deal in regard to service and after the sale care. Make no mistake about it, most patients need aftercare. It may be that their hearing aid stopped working or that they feel their hearing has changed and need programming adjustments. This is a big deal. When buying a hearing aid online, make sure your online provider has a strategy to help you in cases like these. Do they have local service in your area that they can rely on in case you need immediate help? How fast is their turn around time if you send in your hearing aid? Remember that price isn’t always everything. Service is king no matter how you cut it. On the other hand, if you are an experienced user and know your way around when it comes to basic maintenance, then buying a hearing aid may just perfect for you. As a word of wisdom, find a company that has the best of both worlds, low prices and world class service.
Leasing a Hearing Aid
Another option today is leasing a hearing aid. Leasing can be a great option for some. This sometimes comes at a cost of a commitment and possibly a higher price tag in the long run. Some options allow you to buy out the lease during the term or even buy the hearing instruments at the end of the term. Another option is an automatic renewal of the lease. As always there are terms and conditions of your purchase so read the fine print. Be in the know before you commit.
Subscribing to a Hearing Aid Plan
This is the latest way to get yourself on the road to better hearing. Subscription plans are all the rage these days. A good subscription plan keeps you in the latest technology as it becomes available. Hearing Connect offers its version of a subscription plan where you can upgrade your technology every time it becomes available, typically annually. There is no commitment, so you can cancel at any time without any fees or penalties. The Smart Connect plan allows you to continue month to month. There are other details and you can find out more here.
In closing be wise and do your research. There is a great big world out there waiting for you to discover. Get out there and start enjoying life with better hearing!