Purchasing hearing aids through the mail or online often excludes important diagnostic audiological evaluation, hearing aid orientation and adjustment, and rehabilitation services. These services help to ensure quality care and full benefit from the use of a hearing aid, as well as appropriate referral if medical treatment is warranted.
It is important that you see a registered hearing aid dispenser, so that the hearing aid is custom fitted and programmed to suit your particular hearing requirements. If you buy and program a hearing aid yourself, it is possible that the fit for your ears will be incorrect or the programming may produce feedback and whistling. In addition, you will have no where to go if you experience any problems or need a service for your hearing aid.
Hearing Aid World strongly discourages bypassing a registered hearing aid dispenser. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, you can always consider an assistive listening device which can be bought online or over the counter without prescription at a fraction of the price of a conventional hearing aid.
