How to buy a hearing
aid online
So, you've decided
that you can purchase a hearing aid online for a lot
less money. If you have purchased an item over
the Internet before, then ordering your hearing aids
online is no different, but there are a few extra
things you need to provide. If you are not familiar with
purchasing over the Internet, there a few basics you
need to be familiar with.
Ask questions
before you purchase hearing aids
Most online hearing
aid vendors are very reputable and provide excellent
customer service. If you have clicked on their link
on, say, Google on the first, second, or third page,
then those vendors have been in business a long time
and you will probably be quite happy with their
products. However, call two or three of them
and ask the following questions:
- How long have you
been in business? Over five years should be
sufficient.
- How long should
your hearing aids last given normal wear and tear?
Most digital hearing aids sold online should last
a minimum of 4-6 year, and some even up to 8-10
years with proper cleaning and maintenance.
- How long is the
warranty? Warranties usually run one or two years,
depending on what the manufacturer of the hearing
aids offers. Most online vendors of hearing aids
will offer extended warranties for an additional
cost.
And finally ask:
After the warranty expires, what is the cost of
repair for each hearing aid?
- Is there a trial
period? Most online vendors of hearing aids will
offer a 30 or 45 day "no questions asked" return
policy. However, be prepared to pay from $40 to
$250 for restocking fees for each hearing aid, minus the original
shipping charges, before your money is returned.
Most online hearing aids vendors will refund your
credit card within one week.
- Do you require a
hearing test result (audiogram)? Most reputable
online hearing aid vendors will require an
audiogram so they can custom program it, and it is in your best interests to
provide them one. You want a hearing aid that is
custom programmed to your exact hearing loss
curves. If they don't require a
hearing test, then stay away from them.
For all of the above
questions, ask them for the pages on the website
where this information is displayed. That way
the information is "in writing" and you can peruse
the information at your leisure.
Get
a hearing test and send in the audiogram
An audiogram is your
hearing test results. It shows the hearing aid
vendor how to custom program the hearing aid to your
exact hearing loss curves. Most family doctors
will not have the equipment to test for hearing
loss, but an audiologist will have the necessary
equipment. Get a test done and ask for a copy
of the test. They may charge you for the test, but
it is important for the online hearing aid vendor to
have this information.
An online vendor of
hearing aids will usually provide a fax number, or an
email address to send in the audiogram, or you can
always send it in by mail.
How to order your hearing aids online
If you already have the
audiogram before you order, you can just fax ir,
email it, or send it in by regular mail. If you fax
it or send it by email, be sure to put your name and phone number at the top
so someone can contact you. When someone contacts
you, they will usually ask you for the style of
hearing aid you are
looking for. If they are ethical, the online vendor
of hearing aids will offer you the lowest cost
hearing aid solution for your hearing loss.
1. You can order your
hearing aids by giving your credit card information
over the phone to the representative.
2. You can go to the
vendors website and order hearing aids online
through their website, and then enter your credit
card information.
3. If you don't want to
enter your credit card information on the vendor's
website, the vendor should allow you to choose a
"Will send check" option. You can print your order
information, and send it to the vendor with a check.
Buying hearing
aids online:
hearing aid adjustments
If you have sent in
an audiogram in and your hearing aids have been
programmed to compensate for your hearing loss, you
should not have to return them. In rare cases,
there will be reasons for adjustments: Something
about the amplification that is not right i.e. you
can't hear the beeps when you change channels, or
perhaps your voice sounds like you are talking in a
barrel. Minor adjustments to alleviate these
problems should be provided by the online vendor of
hearing aids at no charge for the first adjustment,
and for a shipping and handling fee for any
follow-up requirements. |
