Regardless of where you go or who you talk to, you will undoubtedly hear one or more of the following phrases at least once a day: "Times are tough," "Money is in short supply", and "In this economy…". Challenging economic times are keeping people from enjoying not only a nice weekly dinner out on the town but also from investing in their own health.

If you need hearing aids (or are considering trying hearing aids to see if they will improve your hearing clarity), you may be tempted by cheap, over-the-counter or over-the-internet hearing aids. Let's face it: with a low price per hearing aid, no appointment required, and no concern about a "sales pitch", the temptation is even more tempting.

Having tested a number of over-the-counter hearing aids, two researchers warn against this temptation. Cheap hearing aids may actually directly damage your hearing rather than help you hear better.

Cheap Hearing Aids—Damaging and Inadequate
Eleven over-the-counter hearing aids were subjected to the same tests performed on regular or prescription-only hearing aids. The tests considered three common forms of hearing impairment.* The hearing aids tested included low-cost models priced below $100 (USD) and moderate-priced aids costing $100-500 (USD). 

The lowest priced group of hearing aids were found to emit loud noises into the ear, risking hearing damage. The most common form of hearing loss, sensorineural or "noise-induced" hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud noise.

In addition, they amplified only lower frequency sounds and failed to help the users hear the higher frequencies. Sounds in the higher frequencies are most commonly affected by hearing loss and particularly important when hearing speech. The most common reason people invest in hearing aids is so that they can once again clearly hear and understand what their friends and family are saying. With over-the-counter hearing aids neglecting to amplify sounds in the higher frequencies, they are of no benefit to the majority of people who would benefit from an effective hearing aid.

Comparing Apples to Oranges
Outside of the research that has been conducted, reputable hearing care professionals agree: cheap hearing aids that are readily available without a prescription versus hearing aids that have been developed by teams of scientists dedicated exclusively to their profession are like comparing apples to oranges. Over-the-counter hearing aids are a "one size fits all" solution to what is a bona fide medical health issue. Proper hearing aids benefit your hearing health and hearing clarity and offer a wide range of features that allow for a hearing solution unique to you and your specific hearing needs.

If you are in the market for hearing aids, you are not saving money by purchasing a cheap hearing aid—you are actually throwing it away on something that not only will not help you but also could potentially harm you.

Invest in Your Health
Time is the most important investment you can make when it comes to your health. If you are concerned about your hearing health and considering hearing aids, make an appointment with your neighborhood hearing care professional. Have your hearing professionally tested and take the time to discuss your results with your hearing care provider, who will offer suggestions for improving your hearing clarity. You can also take those results to your family doctor for a second opinion or consult another hearing care professional. Expense is a concern for many people, so keep in mind that most appointments are covered by health insurance, and your health insurance may even offer a hearing aid benefit. Most hearing care providers also offer payment plans.

*Research was conducted by Jerry Punch, a professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Michigan State University and Susanna Løve Callaway, a Danish student. The results were published in the American Journal of Audiology.

Article ©2009, Shery Rice, CEO, Hearingwire & Practice Direct - Reprinted with Permission

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