There are a couple different ways to interpret the word “cheap hearing aids”. For somebody on a tight budget, it means “affordability”. But we’ve all heard the phrase “You get what you pay for”, and in this example, the term “cheap” suggests low-quality hearing aids.

Unfortunately, determining whether you’re getting a great value from whether you’re purchasing a really low-quality device can be challenging. This is especially relevant in terms of hearing aids.

The adage “you get what you pay for” is particularly relevant with hearing aids. This means weeding out the devices that are priced in the “too good to be true” range, not automatically opting for the most costly choice. Companies marketing inexpensive hearing devices frequently leave out essential details about their products that consumers should know about.

Cheaper hearing aids are basically only amplifiers

Boosting the overall volume is typically the only thing cheap “hearing aids” can handle. When you just amplify everything, the sounds you want to hear better are amplified but so are unwanted background sounds you don’t want.

The purpose of having a hearing aid is totally defeated if it also amplifies unwanted sound.

Contrastingly, a high-quality, modern hearing aid goes beyond mere volume adjustment. It minimizes background sound while skillfully managing sound and enhancing clarity. Authentic hearing aids are tailored to your specific hearing requirements, closely mimicking natural hearing with greater accuracy.

PSAPs vs. Hearing Aids

The Food and Drug Administration has written guidelines for companies who sell hearing devices and have stringent rules as to what can be labeled hearing aids.

Regrettably, there are many devices out there that are advertised as hearing aids when they’re actually personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), named this because they can only amplify sound.

There are lots of legit and reputable companies that comply with proper marketing. But there are some vendors, particularly online, that may be misinformed about what defines the difference between hearing aids and PSAPs, and consequently, they put out misleading claims about their products. Some even inaccurately advertise that they are approved by the FDA.

For most kinds of hearing loss they won’t be effective at all

Most people who lose their hearing will slowly lose specific frequencies of sound before others. You might have a difficult time understanding a small child or a woman, for example, but you have no problem understanding a man with a low voice.

A cheap hearing device typically results in overall volume amplification. However, if you struggle with particular frequencies, just boosting the volume will be inadequate. And turning the overall volume up could result in added damage to your hearing because the frequencies you don’t have trouble with will be booming in your ears.

High-quality hearing aids can be programmed to boost selected frequencies offering a much better solution. They offer a more customized hearing experience by shifting frequencies you can’t hear very well to frequencies you hear better.

Feedback can be a problem

You won’t get a custom fit with cheap hearing aids. Without that custom fit, you’ll generate a feedback loop. As the speaker in your ear wiggles around, the microphone picks up the sound. This will generate a deafening screech.

They typically won’t help you on your cellphone

When people are looking for a budget-friendly device, they often sacrifice functionality like Bluetooth connectivity. The absence of Bluetooth becomes critical when considering phone connectivity. With cheaper hearing devices, when you try to amplify phone calls, your device will amplify every little sound, like your lips or ears brushing against the phone, or clothing and hair.

In comparison, digital hearing aids use telecoil or Bluetooth technology, establishing a wireless connection between your hearing aid and the phone. Overall communication and clarity will be enhanced so you can be certain you will hear your daughter’s voice on the phone.

They were never meant to treat hearing loss

This may come as a surprise because so many people think otherwise. PSAPs were never made for people with hearing loss. They were made to amplify sound for individuals who have fairly good hearing.

If you have very slight hearing loss then cheap devices may help a little. But individuals who actually need hearing aids won’t find these cheaper devices very helpful.

Finding quality, affordable hearing aids

Getting affordable quality hearing aids is not difficult. Insurance or other third parties may cover them. You can also find financing possibilities, leasing plans, and more affordable brands. If you think you have hearing loss, start by getting checked out. Make an appointment with us so we can help you find the best and most affordable hearing aids for your level and type of hearing loss.

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