Myth #3: "Higher Cost, Better Results"
How many of us have made purchasing decisions based on the old adage, "You get what you pay for"? Most people are conditioned to expect that when they spend more money, they will either receive more of whatever they are paying for, or a better quality item. This is certainly true for hearing aid technology itself, but not necessarily true for an overall hearing solution.
"Hearing aids" represent technology, apart from the wearer. When a person exclaims, "These hearing aids work great!", they are rating the hearing aid technology in combination with their particular ear canals and unique perception. The experience is subjective - based on the client's past experiences living without hearing aids or having experienced an inferior hearing solution in the past.
When a hearing professional exclaims, "These hearing aids work great!", that's a different statement entirely. In this case, the professional is evaluating the hearing aid on its own, technological merits as measured by technical specifications in a highly controlled test environment - not in a uniquely individual human ear.
When a hearing aid becomes a part of a hearing solution, the ability of the wearer to utilize the features come into play. Before even selecting a hearing aid, an in-depth understanding of the client's lifestyle helps to determine what features will be effective and be of value. Further, if best practice testing and consultation is not completed, it is very difficult to predict which hearing aid, style, or features will result in satisfaction and best value.
It's hard to imagine an instance where spending more money may result in less value. But why should anyone spend more money than they need to? A relatively inexpensive, carefully chosen hearing aid, properly set up by a quality-focused hearing professional will often outperform an expensive hearing aid which has not been carefully selected or fitted in accordance with best practices.
IHCC promotes quality, independent hearing clinics across Canada. Click here to find a local clinic....
How many of us have made purchasing decisions based on the old adage, "You get what you pay for"? Most people are conditioned to expect that when they spend more money, they will either receive more of whatever they are paying for, or a better quality item. This is certainly true for hearing aid technology itself, but not necessarily true for an overall hearing solution.
"Hearing aids" represent technology, apart from the wearer. When a person exclaims, "These hearing aids work great!", they are rating the hearing aid technology in combination with their particular ear canals and unique perception. The experience is subjective - based on the client's past experiences living without hearing aids or having experienced an inferior hearing solution in the past.
When a hearing professional exclaims, "These hearing aids work great!", that's a different statement entirely. In this case, the professional is evaluating the hearing aid on its own, technological merits as measured by technical specifications in a highly controlled test environment - not in a uniquely individual human ear.
When a hearing aid becomes a part of a hearing solution, the ability of the wearer to utilize the features come into play. Before even selecting a hearing aid, an in-depth understanding of the client's lifestyle helps to determine what features will be effective and be of value. Further, if best practice testing and consultation is not completed, it is very difficult to predict which hearing aid, style, or features will result in satisfaction and best value.
It's hard to imagine an instance where spending more money may result in less value. But why should anyone spend more money than they need to? A relatively inexpensive, carefully chosen hearing aid, properly set up by a quality-focused hearing professional will often outperform an expensive hearing aid which has not been carefully selected or fitted in accordance with best practices.
IHCC promotes quality, independent hearing clinics across Canada. Click here to find a local clinic....
