Over-the-counter Sound Amplifiers Aren't Equal to Professional Hearing Aids
Even minor hearing loss can lead to health concerns, including a risk of falling down, social isolation, and cognitive decline, according to recent research.
Despite these alarming facts, individuals often disregard their hearing loss and put off seeking treatment like hearing aids. Hearing aid cost is a major factor for most people.
It’s important to understand that hearing aids are an investment. Hearing and Balance Centers of West Tennessee & The Jackson Hearing Center is dedicated to helping people find and afford the best solution for their hearing loss and budget.
Fortunately, hearing aids have become more affordable than they once were, thanks to legislation reform, innovative breakthroughs, and new insurance updates.
Many pharmacies now carry over-the-counter amplifiers that are more affordable than conventional hearing aids.
But it’s never a good plan to try to diagnose and treat hearing loss by yourself simply because you can get an over-the-counter device. The science of hearing loss treatment begins with a hearing test to identify which frequency range is hardest for you to hear.
For instance, the fit of your hearing aid, how it’s programmed, and whether it has enough power, are all important factors influencing sound clarity and how well you’re able to understand speech. That’s the reason why a hearing test is always the first step.
Why is a Hearing Test Necessary For Treating Hearing Loss?
Some forms of hearing loss are too severe or too complex for over-the-counter hearing aids to manage effectively. The only way to determine the type and degree of hearing loss is by getting a hearing test. That’s why choosing the right hearing aids and getting the proper fit will depend on the information supplied by the results of that hearing test. In order to make sure that your hearing aids are set up for your particular hearing loss requirements, you will need to be aware of which frequencies you are having trouble hearing.
It's About More Than Just Volume
Hearing aids are more than just little speakers that amplify sound. Similar to how prescription glasses address your specific vision needs, hearing aids need to be custom-tuned to boost the frequencies that you’re having difficulty hearing. A device properly programmed to your hearing loss is essential for clear hearing.
Getting an initial hearing test is an important step in purchasing the correct hearing aids, but so is getting yearly hearing tests in order to be certain that your device continues to be tuned to your current level of hearing loss.
Filtering Out Background Noise is an Important Feature
Over-the-counter amplifiers also lack some other features that professional hearing aids offer. Artificial intelligence is used in modern hearing aids to filter out background noise, allowing voices to be heard more clearly. Modern hearing aids can also connect to your TV or phone via Bluetooth, help you manage tinnitus, and sometimes come with even more sophisticated features, like step tracking and translation.
Professional Hearing Aids vs "Cheap Hearing Aids"
Depression and cognitive decline aren’t the only serious health concerns associated with neglected hearing loss. Other health and quality of life concerns can also become problems. Healthcare costs can also be increased by as much as 40% as a consequence of untreated hearing loss.
Mental health can be improved, and mental clarity can be restored by getting correct treatment, according to some research. Having your hearing evaluated is essential to your hearing health and your overall health.
Contact us for a consultation.
