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Disposable Hearing Aids - Are They Right for Me?

Monday, November 09, 2009   –   0 Comments

While hearing aids can reduce the complications of hearing loss, such as struggling to hear conversations with friends, they can also come with some complications of their own. Some people find it difficult to replace the small batteries these devices require, particularly if they have limited vision or manual dexterity. For some, the solution may be the use of disposable hearing aids.

Potential Advantages

Fans of disposable hearing aids claim they have several advantages over conventional designs, including:

• No need to replace batteries. A disposable hearing aid’s batteries are a permanent part of the casing; when they die, you simply replace the device.
  
• Low maintenance. Because they are only worn for a short time (usually around two months), disposable models do not need to be adjusted over time.
  
• Easy replacement. If you lose or damage a conventional hearing aid, it can be expensive to replace. In contrast, disposable hearing aids usually cost under $100.

However, this kind of hearing aid is not for everyone. They also have their downside.

Potential Disadvantages

Some people who have experimented with disposable hearing aids ultimately decided that conventional models are worth it, citing problems such as:

• Poor fit. Disposable models are not custom fitted; instead they have a flexible design to help them fit the majority of adult ears. For some users, however, the fit is simply uncomfortable.
  
• Standardized settings. While disposable hearing aids can usually be adjusted to some extent, their settings are mostly one-size-fits all. For people with severe hearing loss or other complications, these models may not provide adequate help.
  
• \ Frequent replacement. Disposable hearing aids aren’t designed to be long-lasting, so they do die eventually. Some people simply do not want to buy several hearing aids per year.

Before you spend money on a disposable hearing aid, discuss the matter with a qualified audiologist. He or she can help you decide if it is right for you.