How and where to buy a hearing aid?

The initial step in the journey towards purchasing a hearing aid begins with a comprehensive hearing test. This crucial assessment serves as the foundation for understanding the extent and nature of an individual's hearing loss. Typically conducted by a licensed audiologist or hearing care professional, the test involves a series of evaluations to measure the sensitivity of one's hearing across various frequencies and volumes.

This thorough evaluation not only helps in selecting the most suitable hearing aid but also lays the groundwork for personalised adjustments and ongoing care throughout the entire process.

The purchase of a new hearing aid is an important decision, which can be quite challenging: in fact, it’s advisable to rely on specialists who, after an accurate hearing check, will indicate the best option for you. It will then be necessary to find a solution that suits your needs and lifestyle. It is also important to receive adequate assistance as you get used to wearing your new hearing aid. Some people may in fact require some time before feeling perfectly comfortable and at ease with it.  

It's important to explore various options to determine which type of device will suit your needs best. Here are some steps to consider:

• The trial period: many hearing aids have trial periods, which allow you to get used to the device. A good idea before purchasing is therefore to ask for the terms of the trial period to be clearly outlined in writing by the supplier.
• Future needs: talk to the audiologist to find out whether the chosen hearing aid can accommodate any progression of hearing loss. The average life expectancy of a hearing aid is about five to seven years.
• The warranty: check that the hearing aid includes a warranty that covers both components and professional services for a specific duration. Some warranties may also include additional services or in-store visits.

The first element to take into account is the type of hearing loss you suffer from. Depending on the severity of the symptom, you can in fact choose the kind of hearing aid that will help you hear better. Whilst some people don’t mind if their hearing aids are visible, others prefer almost invisible ones. Just like with any other accessory, you can choose a hearing aid that matches your style, in the colour and size that you want. 

Getting used to a hearing aid is a gradual process that requires patience and time. Often there is an initial rejection of the new device, either for psychological or physical reasons. For example, even the sound of one's own voice may sound different when wearing a hearing aid.

As we said before, getting used to the new hearing aid takes time and perseverance, but the more consistently you wear it, the faster you will get used to the amplified sounds. It is also advisable to experiment with the device in various environments to familiarise yourself with its performance. 

Crucial during this adaptation process are fitting appointments with the audiologist, during which any necessary adjustments are made and it is checked whether your hearing aid is working optimally.

Hearing aids can be purchased at Specialised Clinics like Amplifon, which offer customised solutions that suit the needs of any person with hearing impairment. At these clinics, you will be assisted in every step, in order to choose the best solution for your specific requirements. Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to buy hearing aids at pharmacies, which sell amplifiers. Until a few years ago, these devices were very popular. However, the efficacy and efficiency of these two kinds of products are very different, especially for people with severe hearing impairment.