Questions to ask before buying a hearing aid

There are three main types of hearing aids available at Miracle-Ear: behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. Learn more about the pros and cons of each style, below.

• BTE hearing aids: Behind-the-ear hearing aids are a powerful and easy-to-use style. They offer the strongest sound amplification capabilities of any hearing aid style, making them the best style for those who have severe or profound hearing loss. However, this powerful amplification means they’re also the largest style of hearing aid. The receiver, microphone and amplifier are all housed together in a shell that sits behind the ear; this is connected to an earpiece or a customized earmold that sits in the ear canal via a wire or a clear plastic tube. Since all sensitive electronics rest in the case outside of the ear, this style is less susceptible to moisture and wax, and it is easier to clean and maintain.
• RIC hearing aids: With receiver-in-canal hearing aids, the receiver sits directly in the ear canal, as the name suggests. The receiver placement, plus the non-occlusive design of the silicone domes often used with this style, combine to offer the most natural sound experience of any hearing aid style. Though they still have a shell that sits behind the ear, like a BTE style, it’s slimmer and smaller, and the wire that connects the shell to the receiver is very discreet. This style works for the widest range of hearing losses.
• ITE hearing aids: In-the-ear hearing aids are very discreet since the earpiece sits directly in the ear canal, with no components that loop behind the ear. They’re also comfortable and secure for those with active lifestyles, since the earpiece is custom-molded to fit the contours of your ears. However, because of the smaller design, they can’t fit as many technological components, and the battery life tends to be a bit shorter than other styles. ITE hearing aids are best suited to those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Wondering what style of hearing aid is best for you? Explore the pros and cons of BTE vs. RIC hearing aids, and then talk to your hearing care professional (HCP) about what style is best for your hearing loss and lifestyle needs.

Modern hearing aids have so much technology packed into ever-smaller and more discreet designs. Some of the most popular hearing aid features include:

• Bluetooth connectivity: With Miracle-EarCONNECT™ Bluetooth hearing aids, you can wirelessly connect your hearing aids to your smartphone, TV, laptop or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This allows you to stream sound directly into your hearing aids for a superior listening experience when chatting on the phone or watching your favorite TV shows.
• Waterproof protection: With HydroGuard™ technology, the Miracle-EarBLISS™ line of waterproof hearing aids are designed to withstand sweat, rain, dirt and dust.
• Rechargeable batteries: By choosing hearing aids with rechargeable batteries from the Miracle-EarENERGY™ line, you can simply place your hearing aids in their charging dock while you sleep rather than carrying around spare batteries and regularly changing them throughout your week.
• 360-degree listening: With Miracle-Ear’s new M-E Conversation+ technology, your hearing aids can now identify and follow multiple voices within a 6.5-foot radius while minimizing distracting background noise—so you can fully participate in every conversation.

When exploring where to buy hearing aids, know that, in general, they can be purchased both in-person and online. However, there are some important differentiators to be aware of.

• In-store: By purchasing hearing aids in-person, you’ll get a hearing aid that’s much more customized to your needs by working with a licensed professional. That’s why Miracle-Ear hearing aids can only be purchased in-person at one of our neighborhood Miracle-Ear locations. When you visit Miracle-Ear, our licensed HCPs will conduct a free hearing exam to analyze your level and type of hearing loss so they can recommend the type and style of hearing aid that will best suit your needs. By purchasing hearing aids at Miracle-Ear, you also have access to lifetime aftercare*, so you can get your hearing aids cleaned and serviced, and your hearing re-checked—free of charge—for the lifetime of the device. Want to give us a try? Book your appointment today.
• Online: While buying hearing aids online may seem convenient, there are a number of drawbacks and pitfalls to this approach. When shopping online, you won’t have access to personal guidance or assistance from an HCP who understands the ins-and-outs of both hearing loss and different hearing aid styles and features. You’ll also miss out on the opportunity to get your hearing tested, get custom-fitted hearing aids and have them programmed to your specific hearing needs. Essentially, you’re getting a DIY versus custom experience—which may not give you the most effective and safe experience with your hearing aids.

Miracle-Ear offers a risk-free hearing aid trial** with the purchase of a pair of hearing aids. This trial varies in length depending on the store, so talk to your HCP about the specific terms and conditions. But first, you’ll want to take advantage of our free hearing test, review results with your HCP and get fitted for hearing aids that are customized and programmed for your specific hearing and lifestyle needs.

During the trial period, test your hearing aids in a variety of sound environments. At the end of your trial, you can keep and continue wearing your hearing aids if you like them. However, if you aren’t satisfied or are curious about other options, meet with your HCP to discuss other options. You can either return them for a full refund (minus a restocking fee) or exchange them for devices that better suit your needs.

Miracle-Ear offers an industry-leading three-year warranty*** on all new ME-Solution levels 2-5 hearing aids. Solution level 1 hearing aids have a 1-year warranty. These warranty covers your new hearing aids against defects in material and workmanship. It also includes a time period of loss and damage protection. However, the warranty doesn’t cover earmolds, BTE accessories, receiver cords or battery. This limited warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original purchaser.

Talk to your HCP for our full warranty details outlining everything that’s covered in our limited warranty.

It’s normal for your hearing to change over time, even when you wear hearing aids. Fortunately, today’s hearing aids are designed with those changes in mind. As your hearing changes, your HCP can make adjustments to the programming on your hearing aids, so that your devices continue to meet your evolving needs.

Over time, your hearing may change enough that you will need a different hearing aid style to better meet your needs—but your HCP can provide guidance on if and when this is the case. If you experience a dramatic or sudden change in hearing, visit your doctor right away, as it may be indicative of a more serious condition.