The Truth About Cheap “Hearing Aids”

There are a couple different ways to think about the word “cheap hearing aids”. On the one hand, it implies affordability, a practical option for a budget-conscious individual. But we’ve all heard the phrase “You get what you pay for”, and in this case, the word “cheap” indicates low-quality hearing aids.

Unfortunately, deciding if you’re getting a great value from whether you’re getting a really low-quality device can be tricky. This is particularly true in terms of hearing aids.

The adage “you get what you pay for” is particularly relevant with hearing aids. This means eliminating the devices that are priced in the “too good to be true” zone, not automatically going for the most expensive option. Consumers need to recognize that important information is often excluded from the marketing campaigns of cheap hearing aids.

They often just amplify sound

Cheap “hearing aids” generally 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 sounds you don’t want.

If everything is louder, it entirely defeats the purpose of having a hearing aid.

A modern state-of-the-art hearing aid, in comparison, does much more than just crank the volume up. It skillfully manages sound, improving the clarity of desired sounds while reducing background sound. Authentic hearing aids are tailored to your particular hearing requirements, closely mimicking natural hearing with increased accuracy.

PSAPs vs. Hearing Aids

The Food and Drug Administration has written guidelines for companies who sell hearing devices and have strict rules as to what can be called hearing aids.

Sadly, there are many devices out there that market themselves as hearing aids when they are technically personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), named this because they can only amplify sound.

Most reputable companies comply. But you might find some uninformed salespeople or products on Amazon or eBay that deceive consumers into believing that these devices meet the definition of a hearing aid. Some even inaccurately advertise that they are FDA-approved.

They’re not helpful for the majority of types of hearing loss

The gradual loss of hearing often involves difficulty with specific frequencies rather than a sudden complete loss. For instance, you might have no problems hearing a man with a low voice, but struggle with a woman’s or child’s voice, finding it difficult to comprehend.

A cheap hearing device typically results in total volume amplification. However, if you have trouble with certain frequencies, merely increasing the volume will be insufficient. And turning up the overall volume could result in added damage to your hearing because the frequencies you don’t struggle with will be roaring in your ears.

High-quality hearing aids can be programmed to increase particular frequencies offering a much better solution. They can instantly adjust the frequency you struggle to hear to one that is more audible, providing a more customized and reliable hearing experience.

Feedback can be an issue

You won’t get a custom fit with cheap hearing aids. Without that custom fit, you’ll create a feedback loop. As the speaker in your ear wiggles around, the microphone picks up the sound. What does this sound like? An ear-shattering screech.

They usually don’t have cellphone support

Functionality is often sacrificed when choosing budget devices, and this holds true for many inexpensive hearing aids lacking Bluetooth capability. The lack of Bluetooth becomes critical when considering phone connectivity. Trying to amplify a cheap hearing aid while on the phone results in capturing not only the caller’s voice but also the sounds of your ear, lips, clothing, and hair brushing against the phone, making it even more difficult to hear the person on the other end.

In comparison, digital hearing aids utilize telecoil or Bluetooth technology, creating 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 sent directly into your hearing aids, enhancing clarity and overall communication.

They were never intended to treat hearing loss

This may come as a surprise because so many people think otherwise. These amplifiers were never meant to treat hearing loss. They were designed to amplify sound for people who have fairly good hearing.

If you have very slight hearing loss then cheap devices might help a little. But individuals who actually need hearing aids won’t find these cheaper devices very useful.

Where can you get quality affordable hearing aids?

There are many ways to get hearing aids affordably. They might even be covered by insurance or other third parties. There are also affordable brands, leasing programs, and financing possibilities. 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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