Who experiences hearing loss?

• While hearing loss can be a part of getting older, many other people experience hearing loss due to exposure to loud sounds throughout their life (examples: military, professional sports, construction, music). Other people experience hearing loss due to medical conditions or trauma.

Whom can I talk to about hearing loss and hearing aids?

• There are different ways to determine if you have hearing loss, what type of hearing loss – including the severity - and discuss your options for addressing hearing loss.

• Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors (ENT’s or Otolaryngologists) are licensed physicians who have residency and internship training specializing in identifying and treating medical conditions related to diseases of the ear and hearing system.

• Audiologists are licensed and have completed at least a master’s degree and a supervised professional internship experience in audiology; provide diagnostic hearing evaluations; specialize in the evaluation and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss; and recommend, fit and/or dispense hearing instruments.

• Hearing Instrument Dispensers are certified and have passed a written and practical examination; provide hearing testing and evaluations for the purpose of hearing aid recommendation, selection and fitting; and recommend, select and fit hearing instruments.

What should I know and expect before buying a hearing aid?

The hearing aid purchasing process can be somewhat complicated. Being informed and aware of the following facts before you make your purchase can make the process simpler.

• Any hearing aid advertisement that sounds too good to be true probably is. Be cautious of advertisements stating,

- “Thousands of dollars off” and “Buy one get one free” – these ads typically offer thousands of dollars off MSRP, which is typically more than normal prices.

- “People wanted for a hearing aid study” – these are usually are not bona fide studies. These group trials are used by a hearing aid professionals to fill their schedule when they may be rolling out a new type of aids or have excessive openings

- “Restore hearing to normal”- no hearing aid is capable of restoring anyone back to their previous hearing.

• The longer you wait to address hearing loss, the more likely it is that you will suffer irreversible hearing loss and reduce your brain’s ability to process sounds. So the sooner you address your hearing loss, the more effective it will be.

• Hearing aids are a tool to assist those with hearing loss, not a cure for hearing loss.

• Not every hearing aid is covered by insurance, so contact your insurance provider to check your coverage options.

• There’s a wide range of price points for different kinds of hearing aids. While price is important, your main concern is the device’s ability to relieve and address your individual hearing loss.

Consumer tips for the hearing

aid industry

Consumer tips for the hearing aid industryBegin your research with the understanding that addressing hearing loss is a process, not an event. It’s in your best interest to work with a qualified professional for this long term relationship. Quality hearing aids are designed to address your individual hearing loss needs, and thus have the capacity to improve the quality of your life.

What happens after I get a hearing aid?

• Be mindful of changes in your hearing and be an active participant in this process. This means you will need to practice wearing your hearing aid. You should keep notes of what changes you experience. Understand and expect that cleaning, adjustments, follow-up appointments, and potential repairs are a part of the process.

How do hearing aids work?

• There are two distinct types of hearing aid:• Digital programmable hearing aids often have many

options for customization and accessories. These devices allow a hearing aid specialist to program which frequencies are amplified, allowing for better treatment for all types of hearing loss.

• Analog aids, commonly called Personal Sound Amplifiers are the less expensive devices. Personal Sound Amplifiers are off-the-shelf products that simply make all sounds louder and are typically better suited for those with minor hearing loss. Many hearing aid specialists no longer recommend or fit analog hearing aids as these types of aids may not provide optimal hearing assistance.

How do I know what kind of hearing aid I need?

Everyone has different hearing loss needs; what works for one person may not be a good option for another. Hearing aids are fitted and adjusted for individuals; using someone else’s hearing aid may not only be uncomfortable, but also fail to assist you with your specific hearing loss. There are differences in terms of technology, features, and associated price points. Your hearing aid professional will be happy to discuss your options and give recommendations for what they think will work best for you. If you’ve had a bad experience in the past, be open with your hearing aid professional with your concerns and previous encounters. If you still have concerns, consider getting a second opinion from an independent hearing aid professional.

What legal protections do I have regarding hearing aids?

Ask about and understand the return policy. MN State law entitles consumers to a 45-day (30-day for ND) window for returns, although the provider can keep an administrative fee. Online distributors should be avoided because they lack hearing aid fitting, adjustments, and testing. The MN and ND Departments of Health have no jurisdiction over online distributors, which means they obtain no licensing. Many hearing aid professionals offer 1-year coverage for loss and 3-year coverage for repairs, but this can vary. Also, the FDA requires hearing aid distributors to provide an information brochure to consumers.

How do I choose a hearing aid specialist?

No matter who you choose to assist you with this process, be sure it’s a qualified professional whom you trust and feel comfortable with as you develop what will likely be a long-term relationship. Verifying a dispenser’s licensing is a good first step. Check with family and friends for recommendations. Look to family and friends for recommendations. Visit www.bbb.org for an online directory of accredited hearing aid dispensers, audiologists, and ENTs. Most importantly, make sure your hearing aid specialist puts your needs first.

bbb.org These tips were created by BBB, with input from representatives of the local hearing aid industry, to assist consumers in making educated buying decisions. BBB does not endorse or recommend any product, service or company.

Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota220 S. River Ridge Circle, Burnsville, MN 55337

651-699-1111 • ask@thefirstbbb.org • bbb.org