Primetime Living 2.22.26 - Flipbook - Page 14
14 A Special Advertising Section of Baltimore Sun Media Group | Sunday, February 22, 2026
Hearing Aid Choices
Continued from page 13
Consumer Reports has updated much
of its information on hearing aids and
where to buy them. Consequently, I recommend you subscribe to Consumer
Reports for more detailed results on what
its investigators learned. CR’s information
included here was based on an extensive
survey of almost 25,000 members.
Brand ratings were based on overall
satisfaction and the following features:
Battery life, durability, reliability, ease
of cleaning, value, sound quality, and
clarity. The score for value was based on
performance of the hearing aid versus
money spent.
Best Hearing Aids Retailers
These three companies earned best
overall satisfaction scores from CR members: Veterans Administration, Costco
and Audibel. Two of them, the VA and
Costco, earned top scores for pricing
options and cost transparency, Audibel
not so much. People who purchased at
Costco had the lowest median cost after
insurance. Those who qualified at the VA
didn’t pay anything.
Of the other places you could go for
hearing aids, the practices with medical personnel were all highly rated and
also provided better follow-up and evaluations. Having access to someone who
can program your new hearing aids,
update the technology, and make adjustments, like a Doctor of Audiology or a
hearing aid specialist, means you’ll be
more satisfied with what you get.
Worst places to buy hearing aids:
Hearing aid chains and online retailers
of OTC hearing aids. They don’t do
much follow-up or fine-tuning, both very
important for maintaining your hearing
aids, especially when you’re starting out
with your first hearing aids.
Features that hearing aid wearers want:
1. Smartphone compatibility
2. Rechargeable batteries
3. Wireless connectivity to other devices (such as a TV or music player, via
Bluetooth)
4. Automatic adjustments to a room’s
noise level
5. Telecoil: picks up a magnetic signal
from hearing-aid-compatible telephones and public address systems.
Good with conference rooms, concert halls, museums, taxis, and even
subway trains
6. Feedback suppression/Digital noise
reduction
For Consumers
As consumers we should be protected from being scammed, but that’s not
always the case. You should ask for information on any product you purchase and
do some research about the company
that is making the product you want.
So, before you purchase hearing aids,
do some research on the company and
purchase them from someone you trust.
According to the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC.gov), “Under the law,
claims in advertisements must be truthful,
cannot be deceptive or unfair, and must
be evidence-based. For some specialized products or services, additional rules
may apply.” And, to quote a friend, trust
but verify.
Here are some places to visit to learn
about what companies are permitted to
do and what not to do:
• Federal Trade Commission:
www.ftc.gov
• Truth in Advertising:
https://truthinadvertising.org ›
resource › federal-laws-governing-ads
• Gordon Law:
https://gordonlaw.com › learn ›
truth-in-advertising-laws
• Better Business Bureau:
https://bbbprograms.org/programs/
advertising/all-programs/truth-in-advertising
• Or do a search on “Truth in
Advertising Laws”
In Closing
The statistics quoted at the start of the
main article, “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!”, should
tell you it is worth having your hearing
checked and, if necessary, be fitted for
hearing aids. Good hearing improves
your quality of life. That is reason enough
to see an audiologist.
Hear the Difference with
Audiology Associates
For decades, Audiology Associates has set the standard for excellence in
hearing healthcare. Privately owned and led by Drs. Melissa Segev and Briana
Holtan, our practice is built on a legacy of innovation, compassion, and trust.
With 12 convenient locations across Maryland and Washington, D.C., our
highly trained Doctors of Audiology deliver personalized care rooted in
evidence-based practices. Trusted by physicians, medical professionals, and
countless patients, we’re committed to helping every individual experience life
to the fullest through better hearing.
Annapolis, MD • Baltimore, MD • Carney, MD • Easton, MD
Ellicott City, MD • Glen Burnie, MD • Lutherville, MD • New Mexico Ave., DC
NW Washington DC • Parkville, MD • Sykesville, MD • Timonium, MD
www.aaiaudiology.com
CALL NOW!
(410) 944-3100
