Are There Benefits to Cheap Hearing Aids?

My father -- bless his 85 year old self -- wouldn't dream of getting a hearing aid at his age. "They cost too damn much!" is one of his reasons. And the other is, "There's not too much worth listening too anyway!" Well...what can I say? He does have a point. And considering that the average cost of a custom hearing aid can go as high as $2,000, who am I to make demands on my 'ol man? I'll just have to content myself with shouting.

But it shouldn't have to be that way. Not for my father and not for hundreds of individuals just like him. Proper hearing shouldn't be something you need to pay off in monthly installments. The solution? According to the Better Hearing Organization, many consumers are going online to shop for cheaper alternatives. Hearing aids and similar devices sold on the Internet typically cost hundreds of dollars less than those sold through professionals who offer custom service.

But are the savings worth it?

If purchasing a hearing aid was that easy, I'd have a much shorter article. No, audiologists warn the savings come at a cost: buying a hearing aid online bypasses the medical evaluation required by the Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov) and also the custom services necessary to fit the devices to the individual. And that's where the potential for problems can begin.

Maybe it's better just to be a little hard-of-hearing.

According to the American Academy of Audiology (www.audiology.org), a hearing aid is only as good as the professional who evaluates the patient, chooses the best technology, fits the hearing aid and, perhaps most importantly, offers training and follow-up.Meanwhile. the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (www.asha.org) points out that a certified and licensed audiologist can test your hearing and determine how to correct the problem while the audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser-a professional who provides care and sells aids -- can provide custom-fitted hearing aids and follow-up care.

Follow-up is important because a poorly adjusted hearing aid can be uncomfortable or even damage the ear. The wrong amplification may make loud sounds painful and not necessarily clearer.

If the cost seems prohibitive, there are ways to save. Although Medicare and most insurance companies do not cover hearing aids, Medicare does cover diagnostic tests. And according to the Better Hearing Institute (www.betterhearing.org) which is a nonprofit organization financed by hearing aid manufacturers -- certain government agencies or civic organizations may offer financial help to those who need to purchase a hearing aid.

At the very least the Internet can be useful for researching the kinds of hearing aids on the market today and for keeping up with new technology. But experts warn that consumers who do buy online need to investigate the vendor's reputation, return policy and warranty. Help is available if you seek it. The AARP (www,aarp.org) recommends the Better Business Bureau(www.bbb.org)and Self Help for Hard of Hearing People(www.shhh.org) . The Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) also publishes guidelines called Sound Advice on Hearing Aids.

In the long run, financial relief for the hard of hearing may be in sight: Congress is considering bills to provide a $500 tax credit for each device once every five years for those 55 and older or parents and guardians of children 18 and younger. That's some good news even I can hear with no problem.

So the future is looking a bit rosier. My fears of having to get my father one of those huge gram-o-phone cones (seen in the old RCA music ads) and having him use THAT will hopefully never happen.

In the meantime, I need to remember to speak a little louder.