Ask an audiologist: Can I try on hearing aids before I buy them?

Many people start to notice hearing problems as they get older. And wearing hearing aids could make a big difference. Whether you’re new to the world of hearing aids or you’ve been wearing these devices for a while now, it’s normal to have some questions. In this new series, an expert audiologist at UnitedHealthcare Hearing gives helpful advice about common concerns.
 

Question

I’m getting a hearing test soon because I think I might need hearing aids. When I go to my appointment, will I be able to try different hearing aid models, like you do when you buy new glasses?

Answer

It’s great that you’ve already set up a hearing test. That’s an important first step. Your hearing care professional will give you a comprehensive exam to help them understand what might be causing your hearing problems. Once they have your results, they can discuss treatment options, including hearing aids.

There are several different styles of hearing aids. Your provider will suggest a style that’s right for your degree of hearing loss and your lifestyle. They may ask questions about your daily life and activities. For example, do you spend time in noisy places? Do you play a sport or take fitness classes?

There are certain types of hearing aids — like an in-the-ear model — that are custom-fit for each ear. So you can’t really try that style on before you buy them. (Someone with severe hearing loss would probably need custom hearing aids like this.) The same is true for in-the-canal hearing aids.

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However, you may be able to try on some of the behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) styles. These hearing aids have a case that hooks behind the ear and holds the amplifier and microphones. It’s connected by a tube or wire to an earpiece that sits in the ear canal.

You won’t be able put the earpiece into your ear. But you can hook the case over the top of your ear to see what it feels like. You could ask your hearing care professional if they do in-office demos. They may have examples of the different types that they can show you. You can hold the demos in your hand to get a sense of the size and shape.

In my experience, a lot of times patients come in with a preconceived idea of what they want from a hearing aid. Or which style they think they want. But once they get their hearing test and talk to the hearing care professional about their lifestyle, they change their mind. The patient may realize what they thought they needed and what they actually need are very different things.  

And don’t forget: You can always come back in to have adjustments to the fit once you start wearing your hearing aids. UnitedHealthcare Hearing covers multiple follow-up visits, depending on the hearing aid.

(Ready to request a hearing exam and consultation? UnitedHealthcare Hearing has a wide network of hearing care professionals. Find a provider.)

Meet the expert
Monica Murray, Au.D., is senior director of program development at UnitedHealthcare Hearing and a nationally recognized hearing health expert.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

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