Question: What are your thoughts on drug store or magazine ordered devices for improving hearing?
Answer: These are not hearing aids. These are generic amplifying devices geared to increase volume. Most hearing loss is not a loss of hearing for all sounds equally. They do not have customizable noise management—a feature crucial for hearing aid benefit.
Even those brands that suggest that you send them your hearing test, and they’ll program the devices are not beneficial. The size of your ear canal affects sound too. No two ears are the same, and the ear tip that sits in your ear must be the most appropriate for your type for your loss. After programming, hearing with your aids should be measured, verified and adjusted individually. It is a science and an art.