Friday, July 9, 2010

Selecting a Hearing Instrument

Before purchasing a hearing aid, check to see if you have done the following:
  • Consulted with your physician or had your hearing problem evaluated by a medical doctor
  • Evaluated the qualifications and services provided by your licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist®
  • Carefully read the user instruction brochure and terms of your hearing aid contract
  • Made sure the instrument comes with a warranty and that you understand its terms
  • Selected a model that fits comfortably, suits your individual needs and operates with ease.
Hearing instruments come in many types, designs and styles. Some provide a variety of special features such as programmability, telephone pickups, adjustable tone controls and microprocessors for noise filtration.

Therefore, hearing instrument prices vary greatly, depending on the type of instrument, the number of special features and the services provided by your specialist.

Price should not be the primary concern, except for the limitations of your budget, when selecting hearing instruments. The objective is to select hearing instruments that will meet your needs by providing the most effective assistance for your hearing impairment.

Extensive laboratory and field research has scientifically proven that people benefit most from wearing a hearing instrument in each ear. This is commonly referred to as a binaural fitting.

Benefits of binaural hearing include an improved overall sound quality, clearer speech perception in normal listening environments, increased understanding in groups and noisy background situations, more relaxed hearing, no longer straining to use the best ear and a feeling of more balanced hearing.

Members of IHS have the experience and expertise needed to assist you in selecting the hearing instrument that will provide optimal amplification for your individual hearing loss.

The proper selection of a hearing instrument encompasses not only a person's hearing loss, but other factors, as well. Occupation, lifestyle, environment and physical limitations (because of the dexterity needed to adjust the hearing instrument's volume, change batteries, etc.) must be considered before proper selection of the hearing instrument can take place.

It is emphatically recommended that you purchase a hearing instrument in person, rather than through mail order or the Internet. Expert, personal assistance is required in the evaluation of your hearing, the selection and fitting of the hearing instrument and the follow-up services needed for the successful use of your hearing system. This can only be accomplished through a professional relationship between you and your Hearing Instrument Specialist®. Hearing instruments today come in different styles and different circuit-types for improved hearing for individual hearing needs.

Digital and microprocessor technology are part of the newer hearing aid designs. The cost of hearing aids reflects differences in size, advanced technology and professional services. As a result, the range of prices will vary for each aid. Allow your Hearing Instrument Specialist ® to advise you of your options. They will combine their expertise of fitting hearing instruments with your personal needs for hearing.

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