Your Comprehensive Walkthrough of the Different Ways to Treat a Hearing Loss

#1 – Earphones and Cell Phone Apps

If you have no budget and simply need some form of amplification in certain environments, then there are a few apps on Apple’s App Store that allow you to turn your earphones into amplification tools.

Essentially, they use the microphone of the device and then increase the volume on all sound, giving you an increased ability to hear. One notable app is called “Chatable” – it’s free to download and allows you to simply increase the level of volume on all sounds that your cell phone/earphones pick up.

In order for this app to work, you must have wireless earphones or wired headphones connected to your cell phone.

You can then set your cell phone on the table to help you hear conversations better, with the elevated volume being sent into your ears.

It offers 99 minutes of free listening per month, and then it asks you to sign up to a subscription of $59.99 per year.

Pros:

• Doesn’t require any large fees (mostly free)
• Only requires technology that you likely have available

Cons:

• Only works in environments with very little background noise
• Requires you to wear headphones/earphones and sit your cell phone in a very specific position
• Is not unique to your hearing loss – it simply makes all sounds louder
• Doesn’t help address a hearing challenge
• Includes no support or care – you’re on your own

This could be compared to using a magnifying glass if you had vision problems. It may help in very specific circumstances but is not a solution that will allow you to live your life comfortably or address the core challenge.

#2 – Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids

In 2017, the federal government passed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, which aimed to give consumers greater access to affordable hearing aids. After many false starts, these devices are now slowly reaching the market, although FDA approval is still lacking

The first big-brand device was the Bose SoundControl priced at $850.00 that delivered one device for each ear, an iPhone app, and a 90-day return policy.

These devices can be purchased without any form of hearing assessment, you fit them yourself, and you then use an app on your phone to select specific environments and make tweaks to the sound.

In many ways, they’re very similar to the earphones and cell phone app option that we recently discussed, but they supply you with the devices that look very similar to traditional hearing aids.

Already, Bose is advertising these devices to the wider world, and it’s resulting in many people asking questions about them.

Our take on the Bose SoundControl devices is available by clicking here.

Pros: 

• Easily accessible
• Purchase from your computer
• Very competitively priced

Cons:

• Not tailored to your hearing loss
• Doesn’t require any form of testing (it could be a buildup of earwax that is responsible for your reduced hearing, or you may have no hearing loss)
• Need to fit them yourself, leading to potential discomfort and lack of performance
• No support outside of your 90-day returns period
• No warranty if you lose or damage them
• Only appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss. Most people have some loss outside this range in particular frequencies that would go “unaided.”

To continue the comparison to your vision, this is the equivalent to buying off-the-shelf readers – “cheaters.” They will help in certain situations but be a very generic option that isn’t unique to you.

#3 – PSAPs (Personal Sound Amplification Products)

If you have seen the hearing aid-type devices for sale on the internet, through advertisements, or even in Walmart, then the chances are that it’s a PSAP.

This is an amplification tool.

It takes in sound through a small built-in microphone and then makes it louder into your ears, helping you to hear the sounds around you.

Starting as low as $79.99 and ranging to over $1000 – they provide a solution if you have a very mild hearing loss and require a “one-size-fits-all” amplification with very little room for adjustments.

Pros: 

• Easy to purchase (either online or in-store)
• Very low cost, priced from $79.99

Cons:

• Not tailored to your hearing loss
• Doesn’t require any form of testing (it could be a buildup of earwax that is responsible for your reduced hearing, or you may have no hearing loss)
• Need to fit them yourself, leading to potential discomfort and lack of performance
• No support outside of your 90-day returns period
• No warranty if you lose or damage them
• Amplifies everything, not specific to your loss and increases background noise as well as all other sounds

These are the equivalent to readers if you’re experiencing challenges with your sight – they help in certain situations but aren’t tailored to you, nor a long-term solution.

#4 – Online Hearing Aids with Audiological Remote Support/Direct-to-Consumer

You may have seen adverts from Listen Lively or other popular online models that share how you can access hearing technology and audiological support online, and they make a great case.

You don’t have to visit a doctor, they’re reasonably priced, and the process feels very slick.

They serve as a solution to match commonly used gain and sloping hearing loss targets, usually allowing you to connect to a cell phone app to make minor adjustments yourself or through a video call with one of their online audiologists.

They’re gaining in popularity due to their convenience, with online reviews being mixed between good and poor experiences.

You can order them for as low as $1850, and you receive a box with your hearing aids programmed based on your online hearing assessment with online follow-up appointments.

Pros:

• Easy to purchase online
• Highly convenient
• Hearing technology is developed by a reputable manufacturer
• Often comes with a money-back guarantee

Cons: 

• They only require you to have an online hearing assessment (which is often inaccurate and can result in your devices being programmed incorrectly)
• Nobody physically looks into your ears, meaning that there may be other reasons for a hearing loss (earwax, blockages, etc.)
• You don’t receive any in-person support, help, or attention
• You cannot utilize your insurance benefits
• You don’t have one hearing care professional who you can build a relationship with, and you often speak to a different audiologist each time you seek remote care

This is definitely a good option depending on your level of hearing loss, circumstances, and needs. If we continue the comparison to eye glasses, then this would be the equivalent to completing an eye test at home on your own and then having a company mail you your eye glasses.

#5 – Big Box Retail Stores (Costco/Sam’s Club, Etc.)

A common option for purchasing professional hearing aids is to visit your local Costco or Sam’s Club that often has an internal hearing aid center.

If purchasing real hearing technology that is customized to you is important to you, then this is a big step in the right direction compared to purchasing online.

Firstly, they require you to have a hearing screening to understand the approximate level of your hearing loss.

They then have access to their own Kirkland branded hearing aids plus some reputable manufacturer technology, which ranges in price in the low thousands of dollars.

The technology is of moderate quality, and you receive a professional fitting (often by a trained hearing aid dispenser), plus a warranty that varies from 1 to 3 years depending on where you purchase.

It is in a retail environment, so receiving follow-up care and support can sometimes be tricky with people waiting weeks before receiving support, and if you lose or damage your devices, then it can be a long process that can leave you without your devices.

Pros:

• You receive a hearing screening
• You receive an in-person fitting
• You wear professional technology
• You have a warranty
• You can return for help/cleanings/support

Cons:

• You don’t receive a comprehensive or advanced hearing evaluation (this means that other factors could indicate a hearing loss such as a buildup of earwax)
• You don’t receive ongoing service
• Getting an appointment for support/help can sometimes have a long wait
• You can’t utilize your insurance
• Payment plans are not available
• A membership fee is often required

Cons:

• You’ll have to attend multiple appointments

Pros:

• You’re personally treated by a doctor of audiology
• You receive ongoing in-person care
• You’re fitted with the latest technology from a leading manufacturer
• You receive a warranty/protection
• You can utilize your insurance
• Payment plans are available
• You’re one of a small number of valued patients
• You’re working with a small business rather than a large corporation

To use the eye glasses comparison, this is the equivalent to visiting an optometrist, having your eyes professionally tested, working with you to find the perfect eye glasses, and then supporting you to continually check any vision changes, replace any parts, and offer you in-depth support.