What to Know Before Buying a Hearing Aid is contributed by Larry Wonnacott, President; Hearing Loss Association of America-Whatcom County Chapter. This article is published in the Spring/Summer 2025 Edition of Vibrant Senior Options Resource Guide Magazine.
As a senior, you are very likely to have some degree of hearing loss. It may not be noticeable, or it may be interfering with your (and/or your family’s) enjoyment of life. If your loss is significant, Hearing Aids are the best treatment. However, hearing aids are expensive! So before investing in them, here are some tips from a team of pros:
Your Hearing Evaluation
Make an appointment to have your hearing formally evaluated. A convenient, free first step is to find your “Hearing Number” online (www.hearingnumber.org). If your number shows the need for an aid, visit an Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) and have your hearing formally assessed. It’s painless, and Medicare generally covers the cost. This is a critical first step – skip it at your peril.
Understand your unique Audiogram before buying a hearing aid. Ask the Audiologist/HIS to explain the results of your assessment (an “Audiogram”). They should help you understand why you struggle to hear in some situations and how hearing aids are designed to help. They should also explain the shortcomings of hearing aids so you have realistic expectations.
Understanding Hearing Aids
Understand why a specific solution is recommended. There are many hearing aid brands, and each has multiple styles and models. Why is a certain one being recommended? What makes it the best for you? How does its price compare with the next best alternative? Would a larger form factor offer better features?
Understand the Trial Period and Other Policies. By Washington State law, you have a minimum of a 30-day trial period during which you can return the aid(s). Understand the specifics of this and any other terms of the sale. Make certain all of this is in writing. Most importantly during this period, YOU MUST WEAR your new aid(s) and return for necessary adjustments. As you wear them consistently, your brain will adjust to the sounds you hear. But if you don’t, you will have wasted your money. Like your eyeglasses, hearing aids do not work in the dresser drawer!
Consider your lifestyle when deciding upon other features. Today’s hearing aids have many features that make them more helpful when connecting to your smartphone (Bluetooth is essential, ideally “Auracast-ready™”) or to assistive listening systems installed in public venues (a circuit called a “telecoil”). Be certain to discuss these options with your Audiologist/HIS. They should teach you to use these features and the smartphone “app” that likely accompanies your new aids.
Before Buying a Hearing Aid: A Buyer's Checklist
The Hearing Loss Association of America – Northwest Washington Chapter has a more detailed “Buyer’s Checklist” at www.hearingloss-nwwa.org. Our mission is to open the world of communication to those with hearing loss and their families by providing Education, Information, Advocacy, and Support.
We are Here to Help
The Hearing Loss Association of America – Whatcom County Chapter provides education and information, advocating for hearing access and support for each other as we deal with the impacts of hearing loss. We do not sell or endorse any products. Rather, we are a group that has learned how to manage our hearing loss, and we share our successes (and failures) . We often have expert speakers share the latest research results. For example, these speakers discuss new approaches to managing hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.
We invite you to join us on the 3rd Saturday of every month for our free meetings. Find information at the website below. Find information at hearingloss-whatcom.org.
Larry Wonnacott, President
Hearing Loss Association of America-Whatcom County Chapter
360-656-6457
In-Person Meetings
We meet the 3rd Saturday of every month:
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church; 2600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA
Social time starts at 9:30 AM and the
Meeting runs from 10 – 11:30 AM.
