There are a couple different ways to think about the term “cheap hearing aids”. On the one hand, it signifies affordability, a wise option for a budget-conscious person. But we’ve all heard the saying “You get what you pay for”, and in this example, the word “cheap” implies low-quality hearing aids.
Regrettably, distinguishing between a thrifty purchase and an item of negligible value is often tricky. When it comes to hearing aids, this couldn’t be more valid.
The saying “you get what you pay for” is particularly relevant with hearing aids. This means weeding out the devices that are priced in the “too good to be true” range, not necessarily opting for the most expensive option. Consumers need to recognize that important information is frequently excluded from the marketing campaigns of cheap hearing aids.
Cheaper hearing aids are basically only amplifiers
Cheap “hearing aids” typically offer minimal functionality, mainly amplifying or reducing overall volume. When you simply amplify everything, the sounds you want to hear better are amplified but so are unwanted background noise you don’t want.
If everything is louder, it completely defeats the purpose of having a hearing aid.
A contemporary state-of-the-art hearing aid, in contrast, does much more than simply turn the volume up. It reduces background noise while skillfully managing sound and enhancing clarity. Genuine hearing aids are tailored to your specific hearing needs, closely simulating natural hearing with increased accuracy.
Hearing aids vs. PSAPs
The Food and Drug Administration has written guidelines for those who sell hearing devices and have stringent rules as to what can be labeled hearing aids.
Unfortunately, many personal sound amplification products PSAPs are incorrectly sold as hearing aids even though they only amplify sound.
There are many legit and reputable providers that comply with proper marketing. But you might find some uninformed salespeople or products on Amazon or eBay that mislead consumers into thinking that these devices meet the definition of a hearing aid. Some even falsely advertise that they are approved by the FDA.
For most types of hearing loss they won’t be helpful at all
The majority of individuals who lose their hearing will gradually lose particular frequencies of sound before others. For example, you might have no problems hearing a man with a low voice, but struggle with a woman’s or child’s voice, finding it challenging to comprehend.
A cheap hearing device typically results in total volume amplification. But, if you have trouble with specific frequencies, just increasing the volume proves insufficient. And turning up the overall volume could result in additional damage to your hearing because the frequencies you don’t have trouble with will be booming in your ears.
High-quality hearing aids can be programmed to boost selected frequencies providing a much better solution. They can instantly adjust the frequency you struggle to hear to one that is more audible, delivering a more tailored and reliable hearing experience.
You may get a lot of feedback
Cheap hearing aids are generally not custom fit to your ears. Without that custom fit, you’ll create a feedback loop. The microphone picks up the sound from the speaker in your ear as it jiggles around. What does this sound like? An ear-shattering screech.
They normally don’t have cellphone support
Functionality is often sacrificed when choosing budget devices, and this holds true for lots of inexpensive hearing aids lacking Bluetooth connectivity. The absence of Bluetooth becomes critical when thinking about phone connectivity. With cheaper hearing devices, when you try to amplify phone calls, your device will amplify every little sound, like your lips or ears brushing on the phone, or clothing and hair.
In comparison, digital hearing aids utilize telecoil or Bluetooth technology, establishing a wireless connection between your hearing aid and the phone. This advanced feature ensures that when your daughter talks on the other end, her voice is transmitted directly into your hearing aids, improving clarity and overall communication.
They’re not made for individuals with hearing loss
This might come as a surprise because so many people think otherwise. PSAPs were never made for individuals with hearing loss. They were designed to amplify sound for people who have relatively good hearing.
If you have very mild hearing loss then cheap devices may help a little. But individuals who actually need hearing aids won’t find these cheaper devices very helpful.
Finding quality, affordable hearing aids
Obtaining affordable quality hearing aids isn’t hard. They may even be covered by insurance or other third parties. You can also find financing possibilities, leasing programs, and more affordable brands. If you think you have hearing loss, start by getting checked out. Make an appointment with us so we can help you find the best and most affordable hearing aids for your level and type of hearing loss.
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References
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/hearing-aids