If you are spending hundreds or thousands of dollars purchasing an over-the-counter hearing aidmake sure you are getting a product that offers a sustainable, long-term solution to your hearing loss problems. Besides the obvious things like sound quality, take a few minutes to look at these characteristics.
What size and style suits you best? 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, consisting of a plastic housing containing the electronics, a thin cable that runs through the ear and inside the canal, and a tiny speaker known as a “receiver” that transmits amplified sound from a person's surroundings into their ear. In contrast, ITE models are standalone devices that look like a standard pair of wireless headphones. In-the-ear hearing aids are popular for their incognito aesthetics and are generally much easier to put on and take off than their BTE counterparts. However, modern BTE hearing aids are significantly smaller than those of the past. It all comes down to what you are most comfortable with.
Replaceable or rechargeable batteries? Like wireless headphones, most over-the-counter hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries and (usually) a portable charging case for easy transport. If you take into account the battery life of the case, you'll find that most over-the-counter models last about a week before you need to plug into a power source. Without a case, rechargeable hearing aids can last 10 to 24 hours on a single charge (but that time is reduced by a few hours if you use them for Bluetooth streaming). Replaceable batteries, such as those found in the Sony CRE-C10, can last 70 hours or more before the battery runs out. Sounds great, but it means having spare parts 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 care professional, over-the-counter devices are self-fitting. In most cases, over-the-counter hearing aid users are expected to be able to customize the devices to fit their ears, usually using a smartphone app. Sure, it's nice to make your own adjustments on the fly, but it may cost you personalized care.
What is the company's customer service like? If only you could count on quality support from every hearing aid manufacturer! 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 comprehensive patient support, but other brands may leave you hanging.
Is there a trial run? If you're unhappy with your hearing aids, you'll probably want to return them without writing off all that money as a sunk cost. Most states require manufacturers to provide patients with minimum probationary 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 purchase, make sure the warranty covers loss, damage, and wear and tear.
