When it comes to hearing aids, there are several key points you should keep in mind before making a purchase. First and foremost, not all hearing aids are created equal. There are over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and prescription hearing aids. OTC hearing aids are available without a prescription, but they may not be as effective as prescription hearing aids. Prescription hearing aids are custom-made to fit your specific hearing loss, and they’re generally more expensive than OTC hearing aids.
If you’re looking for a bargain on hearing aids, Walmart is a popular option. But are Walmart hearing aids any good? In short, it depends. Walmart offers both hearing aids and sound amplifiers, so you’ll need to decide which type is right for you. OTC hearing aids may be less expensive, but they’re not always the best option. Prescription hearing aids are usually a better choice if you’re looking for something that will be more effective.
Do cheap hearing aids work? Again, it depends. OTC hearing aids may not be as effective as prescription hearing aids, but they can still help amplify sound. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Walmart’s OTC hearing aids may be a good choice.
Walmart Hearing Aids 2022
Walmart carries a wide range of hearing aids and amplifiers such as:
- Phonak
- Siemens
- Starkey
- HearingAssist
- Oticon
- Beltone
- Unitron
At a glance, it is noticeable that Walmart carries major hearing aid brands that are fitted by audiologists. Similarly, Costco also carries some hearing aid brands offered by Walmart. So is it wise to purchase your hearing aids from retail stores like Walmart and Costco?
Basically, there’s nothing really wrong with purchasing hearing aids from Walmart, Costco, or any other retail or online shop. Consumers on a budget may consider Walmart hearing aids as a feasible option because of their low prices. However, if you want to ensure that you are getting the ideal hearing aid that’s best suited for your hearing requirements, we highly suggest getting it from an audiologist or a licensed hearing healthcare provider.
Hearing aids are considered to be an investment, and while you think you are saving some money with Walmart’s attractive price points, you may be missing out on what an audiology clinic offers – real ear measurement, after-sales service, maintenance, repairs, warranties, and more.
Are Walmart hearing aids legit hearing aids?
Generally, yes. However, they may not be as effective as prescription hearing aids. OTC hearing aids are available without a prescription, but they may not be as effective as prescription hearing aids. Prescription hearing aids are custom-made to fit your specific hearing loss, and they’re generally more expensive than OTC hearing aids.
Do more expensive hearing aids work better?
In general, yes. Prescription hearing aids are custom-made to fit your specific hearing loss, so they’re usually more effective than OTC hearing aids. If you can afford it, a prescription hearing aid is typically the better choice.
Hearing Aids VS Sound Amplifiers
There are a few key differences between hearing aids and sound amplifiers.
- Hearing aids are designed to help people with hearing loss, while sound amplifiers are meant for people with normal hearing.
- Hearing aids are custom-made to fit your specific hearing loss, while sound amplifiers are not.
- Hearing aids also generally have more features than sound amplifiers, such as the ability to adjust volume and filter out background noise.
- There are sound amplifiers that are not registered or approved by the FDA. Be careful in purchasing hearing aids online because some are just marketed to be hearing aids but in reality, they are just sound amplifiers.
If you’re not sure which type of device is right for you, talk to your audiologist. They can help you choose the best option for your needs. The common misconception about hearing aids from audiology clinics is that they all come with premium pricing. However, when you look into the details, the price actually covers a lot of features and benefits on top of the hearing device itself.
Things to Consider When Buying Hearing Aids
Consider hearing aids as an investment. Don’t just buy them on an impulse, or just because they have an affordable price tag. You need to consider various factors and features such as:
- Does it come with a rechargeable battery?
- Can it directly stream audio from your smartphone or TV?
- Does it have a portable battery charger?
- What about Bluetooth compatibility?
- Does it come with a smart app?
These are just some aspects to consider when looking for a hearing aid. Walmart hearing aids may be affordable but when it comes to features, benefits, and technology, the products offered may not be as advanced or updated like the hearing aids available from audiologists.
Hearing Aids and Audiologists in New Albany, IN
Doctors Hearing Care offers a wide range of hearing solutions at competitive price points. We are dedicated to providing high-quality hearing care at reasonable costs and packages to make hearing healthcare accessible to everyone.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!