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If you are spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to purchase 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 things like sound quality, take a few minutes to analyze these specifications.
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 you think of when you imagine a hearing aid, which consists of a plastic case that contains the electronics, a thin wire that passes over the ear and into the canal, and a small speaker known as a “receiver,” which sends powered 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 incognito aesthetic 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 of “old.” It all comes down to what is most comfortable for you.
Replaceable or rechargeable batteries? Like wireless earbuds, most over-the-counter headphones are equipped with rechargeable batteries and (usually) a portable charging case for easy portability. If you take the case’s battery life into account, you’ll find that most over-the-counter models last about a week before you need to plug into a power source. Without the case, the rechargeable earbuds offer between 10 and 24 hours of battery life per charge (but this drops by a few hours if you use them to stream over Bluetooth). Replaceable batteries, like those found in the Sony CRE-C10, can last 70 hours or more before they run out. It sounds great, but it means having spare parts on hand and wrestling 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 fitted on their own. In most cases, over-the-counter hearing aid users are expected to be able to fit the devices to their ears, usually with the help of a smartphone app. It’s certainly good to make your own adjustments as you go, but it may cost you personal attention.
What is the company’s customer service like? 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’re not happy with your hearing aids, you probably want the option to return them without having to deduct all that money as a sunk cost. Most states require manufacturers to provide patients with a minimum trial periodbut I recommend playing it safe by 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.
