If you are going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on an over-the-counter hearing aid, be sure to purchase a product that offers a sustainable, long-term solution to your hearing loss needs. Aside from the obvious issues like sound quality, take a few minutes to look at these specs.
What size and style works best for you? Most hearing aids on the market are classified as behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-ear (ITE). BTE hearing aids are probably what comes to mind when you think of a hearing aid, as they consist of a plastic box that contains the electronics, a thin wire that goes over the ear and into the canal, and a small speaker known as as a “receiver,” sending amplified audio from a person’s environment to their ear. By contrast, ITE models are self-contained units that look like a standard pair of wireless headphones. In-ear headphones are popular for their discreet aesthetics and tend to be much easier to put on and take off than their behind-the-ear counterparts. Still, contemporary BTE hearing aids are significantly smaller than those “before.” It’s just about what is most comfortable for you.
Replaceable or rechargeable batteries? Like wireless earbuds, most over-the-counter hearing aids come equipped with rechargeable batteries and (usually) a portable charging case for easy portability. If you factor in the battery life of the case, you’ll find that most over-the-counter models last about a week before you need to plug them into a power source. Without the case, rechargeable hearing aids offer between 10 and 24 hours of battery life per charge (but this duration is reduced by a few hours if you use them to stream via Bluetooth). Replaceable batteries, like those found in the Sony CRE-C10, can last 70 hours or more before the battery dies. Sounds great, but it means keeping spares on hand and dealing with tiny cells, which can be difficult for people with dexterity issues.
Are you comfortable making adjustments? While prescription hearing aids are fitted in the office by a licensed hearing specialist, over-the-counter devices are self-adjusted. In most cases, over-the-counter hearing aid users are expected to be able to adjust the devices to their ears, usually with the help of a smartphone app. It’s certainly nice to make your own adjustments on the fly, but it can cost you in terms of personalized care.
How is the company’s customer service? I wish I could count on quality support from all hearing aid manufacturers! Unfortunately, over-the-counter hearing aid companies are just that – companies. There is no “standard” for customer service in the industry. Companies like Jabra offer patients comprehensive support, but other brands may leave you alone.
Is there a test? If you are not satisfied with your hearing aids, you probably want the option of returning them without having to write off all that money as a sunk cost. Most states require manufacturers to provide patients with a minimum trial periodbut I recommend playing it safe and looking for this information before purchasing.
What about guarantees? Equally important to a reasonable trial period is the inclusion of a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty. Most brands cover manufacturing defects for up to a year, but it goes without saying that the longer the coverage period, the better the deal. No matter which over-the-counter hearing aid you choose, make sure the warranty covers loss, damage, and wear and tear.
