Courtesy HearCare & Associates
You can purchase just about anything online these days, including hearing aids. But just because you can doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for you.
Online options and buying groups emerged as an alternative to direct, one-on-one interaction and evaluation by a local hearing professional. Some people are attracted to the discounted prices they find online or learn about through buying groups. Others are accustomed to purchasing from websites and getting exactly what they need. But that’s not always the case when buying hearing aids.
“Different kinds of hearing loss require different solutions,” says Licensed Fitter and Dispenser of Hearing Instruments (LFDHI) Kenneth Sheppard Jr. of HearCare & Associates. “We find the root of your hearing difficulty and treat it in a way that meets your individual preferences and lifestyle. That’s why we offer you a two-week test drive in your own environment, so you can assess comfort and effectiveness before you pay a penny.”
While the professionals at HearCare gladly work with buying groups, it’s important to know that up-front payment is required by the buying group and you have a limited number of follow-up visits before additional charges are incurred. If the results are not as you expected, there is considerable paperwork involved with the buying group and, ultimately, you could end up buying another set of hearing aids that better suit your needs.
With online purchases, note that many are “hearing amplifiers,” not hearing aids programmed to your specific hearing requirements. “Louder isn’t clearer,” Kenneth says. “Turning up all sounds without distinction or personal preference based on lifestyle can provide people with hearing devices that are not only uncomfortable, but annoying. They get left in the bedside drawer.”
“We sometimes get walk-in patients who complain that they purchased online and don’t even know how to put the hearing device in their ears,” Jill Sheppard, B.S. SLP/Audiology, LFDHI, states. “It’s been said many times that people shouldn’t shop for a hearing aid. They should shop for expertise. We couldn’t agree more.”
At HearCare & Associates, the process is simple, painless, straightforward, thorough, and reassuring. Kenneth says, “My objective is not to sell you a hearing aid. If you don’t need help, I’ll be the first to tell you. We want whatever is best for you. Everybody deserves to hear as well as they possibly can.”
The first step is listening to you. The HearCare team asks questions that will help them get to know you. Then you’ll receive an exam and a hearing test before discussing your results and options, should you need a hearing aid. “We’re going to show you what’s available at a price that you’re comfortable with,” says Kenneth. “You need to understand what you’re getting at different levels. Not everybody needs the highest priced hearing aids! We give you the time to think about what you’ve learned and what will work best for you. When you’re ready, come back in and we’ll let you try the hearing aids that best fit your needs at no charge for two weeks.”
Finally, Jill says that hearing loss is a very personal circumstance, and some people have more trouble dealing with it than others. “We’re going to work with you to help you understand exactly what your situation is, telling you what options are available that best suit your hearing needs and your lifestyle. We carry all manufacturer’s models, so you have a broad range of choices. Additionally, we’ll be here for you every step of the way, to answer questions or help ensure that you’re happy with your new ability to hear again.”
The qualified professionals at HearCare & Associates have been serving Texoma for over 36 years. The staff is comprised of Doctors of Audiology and hearing specialists, offering you the latest technology, a straightforward assessment, clear information, an exact fitting, a lifetime of generous customer care, and custom programming to your optimum comfort level.
They provide knowledge, compassion, and experience, and do so with integrity and good humor. “Nothing sounds as good as what God gave you,” says Kenneth, smiling. “We want to work with the ability you have to hear natural sounds and then leverage that. We will walk down this path with you, ensuring that you have the time and information you need to make the best decision for you. We want you to be excited about your hearing possibilities!”
Kenneth and Jill invite you to call 903-868-2650 today.
