How Good Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are never as good as perfect hearing. However, there have been dramatic improvements in technology. In general, it is possible to find a very satisfactory, appropriate hearing aide for individuals as long as there is some residual hearing (not total deafness). Selecting a proper hearing aide requires skilled evaluation, and testing with numerous devices and electronic adjustments. Door to door salespeople do not ordinarily have the capabilities to perform such testing and should generally be avoided. Reputable hearing aide dealers, audiologists, speech and hearing centers, and some ear doctor offices dispense hearing aids. Any reputable hearing aide dispenser offers a 30 day return period, during which the hearing aide can be brought back for refund, if the user finds it unsatisfactory. Hearing aids vary greatly in style and cost. Some fit almost entirely within the ear and are nearly invisible. A larger hearing aide that fits behind the ear may be necessary. Occasionally,
