Do low-priced, over-the-counter hearing aids work?

The low-priced hearing aids you’re referring to aren’t a bad option if you just want to experiment with improving your hearing. It’s like going to the store and picking up some cheap reading glasses. If you are only going to use them every once in a while—watching TV for example—they may work just fine for you, especially if they come with a money-back guarantee.

However, if you are serious about addressing your hearing loss, low-cost options probably won’t give you an optimal hearing experience. The way the human brain deals with hearing loss is very complex. Not only do you stop hearing certain sounds, your brain actually stops processing certain types of information. Restoring your hearing requires more than just turning up the volume; it involves retraining the brain to recognize and process sounds again. For most people, this means working towards a goal of wearing your hearing aids 10-12 hours per day. To do that, your hearing aids need to be a comfortable fit, aesthetically pleasing, and programmed to match your unique hearing profile. The best road to a successful outcome is to go to a trained professional who can effectively diagnose your hearing loss and provide a treatment customized to you.

Today’s hearing aid technology is amazing. The higher end, premium technology hearing aids are able to create a natural hearing experience that starter models simply can’t replicate. A low-end option might serve as a starting point, but investing in a high-quality product will produce much better results for most people. Many hearing aid sellers offer a no-risk trial period (TruHearing offers a 60-day trial period); it’s a great way to give them a try to see if they are right for you.