Nowadays it seems like you can buy anything you want online. However, just because you can buy it online, does not mean you should. With the recent surge in popularity of online hearing aid providers, it does not hurt to remember that while buying online may seem convenient, it does not beat visiting a professional audiology and hearing center in Omaha. 

The audiologists at Active Hearing Health go into more detail below about the risks that consumers can run into when they purchase hearing aids online. 

Inaccurate hearing tests

No matter how advanced or revolutionary a company claims its online hearing test is, it does not compare to a professional hearing test. An audiogram, or a graph showing the results of a pure-tone hearing test, gets created after you take a hearing test. This will show how loud certain sounds need to be at different frequencies in order for better hearing. 

The results of an at-home hearing test will be incredibly different from the audiogram obtained at a professional audiology and hearing center in Omaha. This is because a professional hearing test is performed in a soundproof booth and will give you the most accurate results with no outside interference. In addition, online tests do not measure your brain’s ability to understand the signal coming from the ears or understand speech in noisy environments.

Can further damage your hearing

When your hearing aids get sent to you, they may not be programmed correctly due to inaccurate testing. Using hearing aids with the wrong prescription can further damage your hearing over time. Not only that, but your hearing loss might be a symptom of a larger problem. By ignoring the overall cause and just treating the symptom, you may be further damaging your hearing. Only a professional will be able to diagnose your hearing loss properly and successfully treat all ranges of hearing impairments and loss. 

Getting a hearing aid is just one step of many

Hearing aids are not a fix-all solution; there are other steps that need to be taken. The hearing aids need to be programmed with the proper prescription, they need regular maintenance, and they should be fitted using real ear measurements. Not only that, but sometimes hearing aids are not enough for people’s levels of hearing loss. People could need an additional assistive listening device and not even realize it without the help of a hearing specialist. Plus, just like with other medical conditions, patients will need periodic checkups at a professional audiology and hearing clinic in Omaha to monitor for changes and make sure that everything is still functioning correctly.

Hearing aids need to be fitted

Hearing aids are technical instruments that need to be adjusted and fitted to each individual's hearing loss and ear shape. Everyone’s hearing loss is different and requires a different treatment. Typically, there are several fittings that need to take place to customize the hearing aid to an individual’s precise needs. Only an audiologist can ensure optimal comfort and proper performance. 

The “deal” you get will cost you more

Many people turn to online shopping to save money and time, but when buying hearing aids online, you can lose out on both. Many hearing aids bought online are not covered by manufacturers and warranties are not honored, even if you buy one. This means that even if your hearing aid breaks two days after getting it, you will be stuck with the costs needed to replace it. This is money you will spend in addition to money spent on visits to a hearing specialist, getting the hearing aid programmed correctly, or troubleshooting any problems that develop. 

Not only does it not save people money, but it also does not save on time. Unfortunately, it is much more difficult to examine an internet website and business for legitimacy than it is an in-person store. There is a risk of receiving damaged equipment and/or counterfeit products. Customers then have to deal with online returns and customer service that can mean being put on hold on the phone for an indeterminate amount of time. 

Visit us!

Active Hearing Health is the best professional audiologist and hearing clinic Omaha has!  Our audiologists would love to help you through the process of getting a new hearing aid, step-by-step. Contact us today to learn more!