an elderly woman wearing a hearing aid.

Cheap hearing aids are often sold over the counter (OTC) or online. While they might seem like a good deal because of their low price, these cheap hearing aids may not help much or could even make hearing problems worse.

When searching for affordable hearing aids, you might buy the wrong kind and miss out on the benefits you need. Even though over-the-counter hearing aids are cheaper and meant for people with mild hearing loss, it’s still a good idea to see an audiologist. An expert can help you find the right hearing aids.

No matter how much your hearing aid costs, it’s important to have your hearing checked by an audiologist. This makes sure you’re getting the right hearing aids for your needs and lifestyle.

The Dangers of Buying Cheap Hearing Aids

Many cheap hearing aids sold online don’t work well for several reasons:

  • They’re made from low-quality materials.
  • They aren’t fitted by an audiologist.
  • They’re not meant for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.
  • They have basic designs with no options to personalize.
  • They aren’t backed by studies or research.

When you buy cheap hearing aids online, you might get less than what you paid for. These hearing aids are often made in places using poor-quality materials and basic methods.

Low-cost hearing aids may have bad circuits and unreliable programming. They can break easily and don’t last long. They also don’t have the advanced features that good hearing aids offer.

Cheap hearing aids often make all sounds louder, which isn’t what you want. More expensive ones can block sudden loud sounds and filter out background noise better. Bad hearing aids might even make loud sounds that could hurt your hearing more.

Good brand-name hearing aids use better technology and materials, like titanium, to be strong, lightweight, and comfortable. No matter what kind of hearing aid you choose, you should see an audiologist to make sure you get the right hearing aid for your needs.

Hearing aids For Sale Online

Purchasing hearing aids online may seem to be a terrific way to cut costs, but you may be foregoing crucial support. When your hearing aids fail, you may find it difficult to communicate with the proper people.

Cheap hearing aids sometimes come with little to no guarantee, and refunding faulty equipment can be difficult. You may learn that the company is no longer in business, or you may be forced to pay the postage to return the devices for testing.

Bottomline

In the end, cheap hearing aids aren’t quite as good as those obtained from a competent audiologist who is trained in fitting and maintaining these devices. Cheap hearing aids typically cannot detect speech from background noise or manage volume appropriately. You may end up with a device that magnifies all noises equally, which can be really uncomfortable and might worsen your hearing problems.

Hearing aids in Washington

The most reputable hearing aid manufacturers include complex customization choices, wireless connectivity, dedicated apps, noise reduction, automated hearing level adjustment, and a variety of other features.

Audiologists at Link Audiology are trained to help you select the best hearing equipment for your personal needs, budget, and lifestyle.  Let us show you what a well-made and fitted hearing aid from a reputable brand can accomplish for you.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best audiologists in Washington! Our clinics are located in Silverdale, Vashon, and University Place.