50+ Lifestyles

Ask the Audiologist

By Heather Sandy, M.A., CCC-A
Audiology Consultants, P.C.

QUESTION: I am visiting my out of state daughter and wondered if it would be a good idea to get a hearing aid while I am there? Are there any dis-advantages to this?

ANSWER:
It is important to obtain hearing aids from a hearing professional that will be convenient for you to follow up with on a regular basis. If your lifestyle is such that you travel a portion of the year, I would recommend purchasing hearing aids in the city that you live in the majority of the year.

If you are purchasing hearing aids for the first time it is especially important to be able to take advantage of the Trial Period that is offered. A typical trial period is 30 days. During this time it is in your best interest to be able to visit with your hearing professional to ensure the hearing aids are appropriate for your lifestyle and environment. Follow up care with hearing aids important, especially in the first 2 to 3 months with new hearing aids.

If you purchase hearing aids while visiting out of state, you run the risk of being “stuck” with a hearing aid that is not working well for you. Once your trial period is over, it may be possible to repair or adjust the hearing aid elsewhere, but very unlikely that it could be returned or exchanged.

After your initial investment in hearing aids, it will be necessary to have your hearing aids cleaned, checked or even adjusted from time to time. If you happen to be away from home, call your regular hearing care professional and ask for a referral for the area you are in. Alternatively, you may be able to contact the manufacturer of your hearing aids in order to find someone locally that will service. It is reasonable to expect a nominal office charge for services at a location other than your regular hearing care professional.

In summary, it would be a wise decision to purchase hearing aids from a hearing care professional that is convenient to your primary place of residence.