What to consider when buying a hearing aid

Start with a medical exam to rule out other solutions, and to confirm that your type of hearing loss will be helped by hearing aids.

Because of the “scientific” nature of the purchase, people are often vulnerable to misinformation and bad deals, and some companies take advantage by recommending hearing aids when none are needed.

Because hearing aids are expensive, be sure to shop around for the best price.

Buying online or by mail order can save money, but Checkbook cautions that those options can’t offer the help and advice before you buy and the follow-up support that a local company can.

Get the dealer to put in writing how long you have to test out any hearing aid you purchase; what charges, if any, you have to pay if you return it; and whether the test period will be extended if, instead of returning the aid, you agree to let the dispenser first try to adjust it to suit you better.

[...] you may be offered hearing-aid insurance to cover any damage or loss.