Hearing Matters Podcast: Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Don't Buy Hearing Aids Online
About The Hearing Matters Podcast
The Hearing Matters Podcast discusses hearing technology (more commonly known as hearing aids), best practices, and a growing national epidemic - Hearing Loss. The show is hosted by father and son - Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS and Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A. Blaise Delfino and Dr. Gregory Delfino treat patients with hearing loss at Audiology Services, located in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, PA.
On this episode, Blaise Delfino discusses why you SHOULD NOT purchase hearing aids online. If you purchase "hearing aids" online:
- You do not receive a comprehensive audiological evaluation
- You do not receive outcome measurements/real ear measurement
- Customization of the hearing technology is not an option
- Purchasing hearing aids online will cost you more over time
- You're most likely treating a symptom rather than a cause
- Hearing aids are not a one and done solution
- "Hearing Aids" sold online are not legally considered to be hearing aids
Schedule Your Annual Hearing Evaluation with an Audiologist or Licensed Hearing Healthcare Professional
Purchasing hearing aids online is a business model that has been attempted by a few companies. However, the model is not in the best interest of the patient. Could you imagine purchasing braces online? How about glasses? Well, in today's day and age it seems as though you can buy anything and everything online. However, that doesn't mean that you should!
If you feel as though you present with hearing loss it is essential to make an appointment for your annual hearing evaluation with an audiologist or licensed hearing healthcare professional. When patients schedule their hearing evaluation at Audiology Services, we conduct a battery of tests to collect information with regard to the status of the patient's outer, middle, and inner ear. After we conduct comprehensive testing, we review the results with the patient. If the patient presents with hearing loss, we discuss technology options AND communication strategies.
Audiology Services Case Study: Custom Hearing Aids
At Audiology Services, we've treated patients who present with hearing loss, but also decreased visual acuity and decreased dexterity. When we fit patients with decreased visual acuity and dexterity, we need to ensure that we customize the hearing aid AND introduce a rechargeable option; we need to make sure that our patient is set up for success so he/she wears their new hearing aids all day, every day. Recently, we fit a patient with Starkey's Custom Livio 2400 ITE Rechargeable hearing aids. The patient not only has hearing loss, but also decreased visual acuity and dexterity. The custom and rechargeable option allows this particular patient to enjoy their new hearing world. They are able to successfully insert and remove the hearing aids with ease due to the customization.
If this patient were to purchase hearing aids online, they would not have the option to customize their hearing aids. In addition, they would not have had the opportunity to schedule a counseling appointment to revi
Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team
Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com
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