With giant online retailers selling all kinds of items ranging from groceries to car parts, it’s hard to imagine what you can’t buy on the internet these days. But, did you know that it’s possible to buy hearing aids online? Purchasing hearing aids online is a great option if you’re looking for affordable relief from your minor to moderate hearing loss. However, not all online hearing aid retailers are created equal.
Some retailers just want to sell you a product regardless of whether it meets your needs or not. Dealing with trusted sources guarantees that you’ll get medical grade hearing aids get for an affordable price. Curious to know more about the positives of online hearing aids? Read on to discover six benefits of purchasing hearing aids online.
Benefits of Buying Hearing Aids Online
1. They Are Affordable
The industry’s business model makes the final price you pay for hearing aids excessive. A manufacturer of hearing aids produces them at a low cost and then sells their product to a hearing aid clinic after applying exorbitant mark-ups. The hearing aid clinic mimics this process and then sells you the product. That’s why some hearing aids cost as much as $6,000.
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) hearing aid manufacturers bypass these ridiculous markups. When you buy hearing aids online, you don’t have to shoulder the costs imposed by the manufacturer or the hearing aid clinic. That is why hearing aids from DTC manufacturers are so affordable, yet they are of a similar quality as the expensive aids from clinics.
2. You Don’t Have to Go for Clinic Appointments
Before you are able to purchase a hearing aid from a clinic, you’ll have to secure the services of an audiologist. Even if a clinic doesn’t charge you for this service, the cost is most likely included in the final pricing of the hearing aid. However, when you buy hearing aids online from a DTC manufacturer, you won’t have to go through the hassle of scheduling or paying for an appointment with a clinic.
Instead, many online retailers offer a convenient online hearing test that takes only a fraction of your time and provides insight into the current status of your hearing.
Any online hearing test does not replace a thorough evaluation from a hearing professional or audiologist. It can help verify any hearing loss you may have. If you think that you are experiencing hearing loss, we advise you to consult a professional hearing care specialist who can conduct a more comprehensive examination.
3. Customized Care
DTC hearing aid manufacturers know the nature of hearing loss is oftentimes unique. Such situations necessitate more specific care for the patient. Therefore, many DTC hearing aid manufacturers include customization features in their products. Some hearing aids have a smartphone app that enables patients to customize their hearing aids. The app can test your hearing so that it adjusts the amplification settings automatically based on the results.
4. Remote Care
Buying hearing aids from a physical location guarantees that you’ll interact with a professional face-to-face. Communicating with a professional is very beneficial for managing hearing loss as it enables access to prescriptive care. However, what happens when you purchase hearing aids from DTC manufacturers? Doesn’t the fact that they bypass hearing clinics eliminate the chances of interacting with a professional? The answer is no.
You still have access to professional help when you purchase hearing aids from reputable online suppliers. Some online hearing aid companies allow patients to participate in a telehealth session with a member of their audiology team. They will guide you on how to adjust your hearing aids based on your audiogram. This remote care option allows individuals access to prescriptive hearing loss treatment regardless of their location.
5. Guaranteed Safety
We are currently in the midst of handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing is one way to ensure that we remain safe and protect our loved ones from contracting the virus. Getting your hearing aid online saves you from going out to hearing aid clinics to purchase the product. Once you make an order from a reputable DTC retailer, they will deliver it to your doorstep. You reduce the chances of catching the virus from a physical store when you purchase online.
6. Money-Back Guarantee
DTC hearing aid manufacturers have money-back guarantees for their clients. This means that if you purchase a hearing aid online, then it must perform how the manufacturer specified. If that is not the case, you are then eligible for a refund.
The law stipulates that hearing aid retailers must give the buyer a 30-day return window. Certain online suppliers will even offer a longer return window of 45 days. Therefore, you really have nothing to lose by testing out a hearing aid from a DTC manufacturer next time you are in need. Nonetheless, be sure to read the terms and conditions for your online supplier before purchasing.
Get Affordable Treatment for Hearing Loss
The economic and global turmoil of the past year has undoubtedly caused financial havoc for many people. This doesn’t have to impede you from seeking treatment for hearing loss. While you can choose to receive treatment from a hearing aid clinic, we recognize that due to financial restraints, this might not be a viable option for all. A potential solution is to seek treatment online.
There are also plenty of good companies to choose from, ones that offer hearing aids at a much lower price than you’ll find locally, such as Otofonix.
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