Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid Selection and Types
- Determining Whether Hearing Aids are Right for You
- Choosing and Fitting Hearing Aids
- Hearing Aid Types and Size Options
- Hearing Aid Circuitry Options
- Adjusting to Your Hearing Aid/Realistic Expectations
- Helping a Friend or Relative Buy a Hearing Aid
Mandatory Trial Period
According to Wisconsin state law, you will be allowed a minimum of 30 days to try your new hearing aids. During the trial period, you should wear the hearing aids in as many different listening situations as possible. You should also wear the hearing aids as much as possible, so you can make a decision as to whether the hearing aids are helpful.
If you find that you are not satisfied with your hearing aids, your audiologist may be able to make adjustments to them. S/he may also suggest a trial period with a different hearing aid. If at the end of your trial period you are still not satisfied with the hearing aids, by Wisconsin state law you may return the hearing aids for a refund, less a fee for professional services provided during the trial period. In addition, custom-made earmolds, which are used with behind-the-ear hearing aids, are generally non-refundable.
Hearing Instrument Specialists
In addition to an audiologist, you may also see a hearing instrument specialist for hearing aid services. These dealers have less formal education than audiologists and generally use more limited diagnostic equipment. Nonetheless, they have a great deal of practical experience in fitting hearing aids.
If you do go to a dealer, make sure s/he is licensed or registered (unless you live in Colorado, Massachusetts, or Minnesota, where this is not required) and check to see that the dealer is certified by the National Board for Certification of Hearing Instrument Sciences (indicated by the letters BC-HIS). If possible, ask your physician to recommend a dealer.
Verifying Qualifications
Whether you go to an audiologist or a hearing aid dealer, you need someone who will work with you over several visits to find the right hearing aid, teach you to use and maintain it, and then be available to service it for months and years to come. If you have any doubts about their qualifications, check your local Better Business Bureau, your state attorney general, or the licensing board in your state capitol for a record of any past consumer complaints.