By Diane Krieger Spivak
If you’ve just been told you need hearing aids, you may be confused by the different types of devices that are available.
Analog, digital, in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, and even more. There are different kinds of hearing aids for different kinds of hearing loss. That’s why it’s important to be able to “test drive” a hearing aid before you make a financial commitment.
With the Flex:trial program demonstration hearing aids are programmed with the technology tailored to the patient’s specific hearing needs. The patient then takes them home to use during a free trial” period.
The try-before-you-buy approach to hearing aids is an important risk-free factor in getting those with hearing loss the help they need. According to data from hearing industry surveys about half the patients visiting a hearing health professional for the first time end up not making a purchase because they don’t want to invest in hearing aids that may not be right or them, according to The Hearing Review.
The Flex:trial program offers five technology levels geared toward the patient’s specific hearing loss, that can be changed over and over. The hearing aid is programmed for the appropriate level and the patient is allowed to wear it for a specified period of time. The technology can be adjusted higher or lower during the trial period until the most comfortable hearing level is reached, giving the patient time to decide if he/ she wants to purchase the device.
There is also a Flex:upgrade program for patients who already have a hearing aid but want to upgrade their technology, based on changes in their hearing loss, their preference or lifestyle, says The Hearing Review. This program allows them to make their desired changes in their existing hearing aid without purchasing a new one.