Finding the right hearing aid can be a frustrating process. OTC hearing aids are getting all the hype lately but the question is – are they worth it? In this article, we’re going to talk about Walmart hearing aids.
Walmart Hearing Aids: Over-the-Counter Devices
Hearing aids have the stigma that they are expensive and difficult to obtain. This stigma is partly why consumers are quite attracted to the rise of over-the-counter hearing aids. In fact, the market has seen a shift as online retailers offer much cheaper alternatives in hopes of benefiting from this new way of distribution.
For those with hearing losses, it is important to pay close attention to not only the price of a pair of hearing aids but also the quality. Walmart has affordable prices that range from forty dollars to almost two thousand dollars per pair. Be wary when purchasing at Walmart as they also sell cheaper products that are less reliable and effective in treating your hearing loss.
Are Walmart Hearing Aids Real Hearing Aids?
Walmart’s hearing aids are a mixed bag – some FDA-registered and affordable, others just inexpensive sound amplifiers. If you’re planning on purchasing Walmart hearing aids, we suggest that you take your time browsing to find the best fit for you.
Walmart is a great place to go for many things, but it’s also a dangerous marketplace for hearing aids. Although Walmart sells legitimate FDA-registered hearing aids that can be beneficial to those who are hard of hearing, it also sells sound amplifiers that are not regulated by the FDA and can harm people with serious medical conditions such as tinnitus.
The good news is that Walmart labels their hearing aids honestly and if you’re looking for a legitimate device, the easiest way to tell is by checking if it’s actually labeled as “FDA registered.” Another way you can tell if it’s just a sound amplifier is by checking how much it costs. If the price of the hearing aid isn’t more than $150, then you’re probably not dealing with a legitimate product.
Why are over-the-counter hearing aids becoming available now?
Hearing loss is a major health problem for adults. It can have an impact on work, social life and overall well-being. Recent studies show that untreated hearing loss may lead to other serious health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids (like Walmart hearing aids) are now available to increase access to these devices for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are expected to be significantly MORE AFFORDABLE than traditional hearing aids or those devices that are prescribed by audiologists.
As practicing audiologists, we still maintain the importance of seeking professional assistance when it comes to dealing with hearing loss. You may be attracted by the affordable price tags that come along with Walmart hearing aids but make sure that you choose a hearing aid that can address your needs. An affordable price tag will not suffice for inefficiency.
Are over-the-counter hearing aids any good?
So you might think that buying an over-the-counter device is a cheap way to get what you need to help your hearing loss, but if it’s severe or profound then the OTC device won’t do anything for you. In this case of bad hearing, it’ll end up being more expensive in the long run because there are so many other things that are necessary for someone with those levels of hearing loss.
In the long run, you’ll realize that you may just have wasted your time and money.
Are Walmart hearing aids effective?
OTC hearing aids are marketed as an inexpensive, convenient alternative but you have no way of knowing if the product will work for you or not until it’s too late. You also have no way of knowing whether or not the products actually fit properly in your ear canal because they’re being marketed as one size fits all.
When buying hearing aids, it is always best to visit an audiologist first. This ensures that you are wearing the right devices and avoid wasting money on ineffective ones. To save time in the future, it’s worth visiting an audiologist now because we can suggest models and brands for you before you settle on something without help.
We recommend always seeing a hearing pro for help when addressing your hearing needs. We can test, fit you with the right devices, and make sure everything is working properly from day one. If you are in Fort Wayne, Indiana and would want to seek the expertise of licensed audiologists, feel free to visit us at HearCare Audiology.
Are Walmart Hearing Aids Better Than An Audiologist?
Walmart is known to offer an extensive range of hearing aids and amplifiers at a relatively accessible price compared to what you’d be paying at a hearing clinic. Of course, that’s not all the store stocks- Walmart has everything from clothes to groceries for your weekly shopping trip.
Walmart offers hearing aids and amplifiers for all budgets, but it’s hard to know if they’re a good buy without some research.
Our take on Walmart hearing aids
If you are feeling like your hearing is getting worse, it may not be too late to schedule an appointment with an audiologist. A comprehensive hearing test can help address any issues and make sure that the right steps are taken in order to protect your hearing as much as possible.
While Walmart hearing aids, and other OTC hearing aids, seem to be getting the hype lately, we still believe in the traditional fitting and selection of hearing aids. And that is through a proper hearing test and hearing aid fittings by audiologists.