If you are spending hundreds or thousands of dollars buy OTC hearing aids, make sure you are getting a product that provides a sustainable long-term solution for your hearing loss needs. Besides the obvious things like sound quality, take a few minutes to review these specs.
Which size and style is best for you? Most hearing aids on the market are classified as either behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-ear (ITE). BTE hearing aids are probably what you think of when you picture a hearing aid, consisting of a plastic box that houses the electronics, a thin cable that goes through the ear and into the ear canal, and a small speaker called a “receiver.” which sends enhanced sound from the surrounding environment to a person’s ear. ITE models, on the other hand, are standalone devices that look like a standard pair of wireless headphones. In-the-ear hearing aids are popular because of their anonymous aesthetic, and they tend to be much easier to insert and remove than behind-the-ear hearing aids. However, modern BTE hearing aids are significantly smaller than their “old” counterparts. It just depends on what fits you most comfortably.
Replaceable or rechargeable battery? Like wireless headphones, most OTC hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries and (usually) a portable charging case for easy portability. If you factor in the battery life of the charging case, you’ll find that most OTC models can last about a week before you need to connect to a power source. Without the case, rechargeable hearing aids can last anywhere from 10 to 24 hours on a single charge (though that’s a few hours less if you’re using them for Bluetooth streaming). Replacement batteries, like the one found in the Sony CRE-C10, can last 70 hours or more before running out of juice. That sounds great, but it means having to carry extra batteries and having to deal with small battery cells, which can be difficult for people with dexterity issues.
Are you comfortable making adjustments? While prescription hearing aids are fitted in an office by a licensed hearing care professional, OTC devices are self-fitted. In most cases, OTC hearing aid users are expected to be able to adjust the device to their ears, often with the help of a smartphone app. It’s certainly nice to be able to adjust on the go, but it can be costly in terms of personal care.
How is the company’s customer support? If only you could count on quality support from every hearing aid manufacturer! Unfortunately, OTC hearing aid companies are just that: companies. There is no “standard” for customer service in the industry. Companies like Jabra offer patients comprehensive support, but other brands may leave you to your own devices.
Is there a trial version? If you’re not satisfied with your hearing aids, you may want to have the option of returning them without writing off the entire amount as a sunk cost. Most states require manufacturers to provide patients with a Minimum trial periodBut I recommend you to be careful by finding out this information before buying.
What about the warranty? Just as important as a reasonable trial period is the inclusion of a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty. Most brands cover manufacturing defects for up to a year, but it goes without saying that the longer the warranty, the better the deal. Regardless of which OTC hearing aid you buy, make sure the warranty covers loss, damage, and wear and tear.
