Buying a hearing aid is different than buying tires for your car, a book from an online store or a new appliance for your home. Hearing loss affects each person in unique ways. Differences in the degree of the loss, lifestyle and personal preference mean that a hearing device that works great for one person, may not work for the next. An audiologist is trained to evaluate these differences for each person and help them select the best hearing device for their needs.
Therefore, the best place to get a hearing aid is from a local university-trained audiologist that you can meet with face to face. Purchasing a hearing device without the guidance and service of a professional can be risky, and is often a waste of money. Although the initial cost may be low, the products alone do not solve the problems faced by those with hearing loss.