If you have ever purchased hearing aids you know they can go from one end of the spectrum to the other, in price and technology. You can buy amplification devices on television for $10 and when you call now they'll send you a second device FREE. Just pay additional shipping and handling. You know the pitch. You might see newspaper ads offering hearing aids for as little as $295, buy one get one free, or Federal Workers receive hearing aids at NO Cost! What do your instincts tell you when you see those ads? Follow your gut feeling on this.
The truth is there are a lot of good hearing aids available and the prices for quality products are very competitive. You need to remember that knowledge, experience, service, and trust have to be considered as you compare cost. I have acquired many new clients who purchased hearing aids elsewhere and later were not able to get service, were never seen by the same provider, the business closed, moved, or change ownership and name. The math is pretty simple on this. If the deal seems too good, they're not planning on being around long.
When to beware...........
When a new business enters the market and suddenly has multiple locations. The potential problem is that these outlets generally answer to central management that isn't local, and may not even be in our state or country. Too often these locations are staffed with trainees or providers with little experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, but with no experience there should be proper supervision on site. Florida law requires a licensed specialist to be on site for a trainee to do a hearing fitting.
What to look for........
Industry experience, product knowledge, fitting experience, and National Board Certification are good places to start.
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