Not all hearing aids are created equal, according to a study of hearing devices completed at Michigan State University by student Susanna Love Callaway and her professor, Jerry Punch, in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.  The study of hearing aids was done as part of Ms. Callaway’s master’s thesis in audiology and was published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Audiology.

Hearing Aid Study Findings

The study compared eleven over-the-counter hearing aids using the testing methods for your traditional hearing aids.  The study found that these lower cost hearing aids don’t meet fitting requirements, not to mention that they could possibly harm your hearing.  Hearing aids under $100, typically considered amplifying devices, can do more damage to already bad hearing because of the loud, amplified sounds they send directly into the ear canal.

The mid-range hearing aids, according to the study, weren’t considered a hearing safety hazard.  However since these hearing devices weren’t professionally fit; there was no guarantee if they would work for the purchaser’s specific type of hearing loss.  The mid-range hearing aids cost anywhere from $100 to $500.

Hearing Aid Monitoring

One final warning the study had for people purchasing the low-cost hearing devices is that they, unlike traditional hearing aids, are not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration.  Hearing aids purchased at Hearing Aid Express are produced at their 2 FDA registered labs, so you can rest assured that you are getting the proper device for your hearing loss needs.

Hearing Aid Evaluation

If you think that you might be experiencing some degree of hearing loss, visit HearingAidExpress.com and take our self-evaluation.  There is also a frequently asked questions section that may address some concerns that you have regarding hearing loss.  You can also call one of our customer service agents who will be more than happy to assist you.