Thank you arrow shooter! Everyone's hearing loss is different, and they experience it differently too. Hearing aids have improved tremendously over the past several decades, but they still don't do everything we want them to do. Clarity of speech is where they let us down. That is especially true in environments where there is background noise. Assistive technology can be very helpful in those places, but you have to use it, and your hearing aids also have to be able to accommodate it. I support TELECOILS 100%, and would not buy a hearing aid without that feature. Bluetooth is helpful too. Auracast is coming down the line, but it is not here yet. Most of us want to hear NOW. I also prefer manual volume control. Some have these options and some don't. Some providers tell us about options, some don't. That's why people get involved in support groups like this one or those that HLAA offers. Hearing other people's experiences is very helpful.

It's impossible to know what any individual really needs in a hearing instrument without seeing their test results. An audiogram says a lot, but like any other 'detective device' it has to be done properly. Over the counter hearing aids may work for someone whose audiogram shows a minor degree of hearing loss but probably won't do much for someone with more severe hearing loss. It's important for each of us to know where we fall on an audiogram!

If hearing loss is a part of your life, get tested by a reputable audiologist. ASK FOR A COPY OF YOUR AUDIOGRAM! And ask them to explain it. If you feel the need to go shopping for hearing aids at a place like Costco or Sam's Club, get tested there too and compare the audiograms. Again, ask those questions about 'What does this mean?' You are not obligated to buy a hearing aid from whomever tested you.

After purchasing hearing aids (probably not the OTC kind), you will be allowed a trial period. Some are longer than others. Unfortunately, some of the best audiologists only allow 30 - 45 days. This may depend on the product they are selling. They also have a set period with the manufacturer for returns. The 'big box' stores like Costco have different policies and usually allow a much longer trial period. It's up to YOU to use that trial period to test the product you've been fitted with. Try it everywhere. Don't just put it on the dresser and put off trying it because you don't like the way it feels or works. It takes time to adjust to hearing this way.

So much depends on the source. They all have different policies about service, adjustments, cleaning, repairing, etc. As Arrow Shooter pointed out...it's kind of like buying a car or a home appliance. They vary. There are choices to be made when being fitted. If you know about what options are available and can ask informed questions you are going to get better results.

Try before you buy! Learn before you try! Are you willing to take the time to do that?