You might have noticed all the big box stores such as Costco and Walmart are getting into the realm of patient services. With ear care services right on site, many customers are tempted to seek those out for treatment and diagnosis, when they historically would have gone to a qualified professional within an office setting. Even ear care is available at these types of stores, where you can handle your weekly shopping first and then hit the ear care department for whatever is troubling you. There are so many things wrong with this situation, and we will check out those reasons below. Although on the surface it looks like a time save to get ear care from those stores, you get a lot more out of a professional audiologist instead. Mimicking the fast food approach to match on-the-go lifestyles, you should steer clear of big box stores in regards to your hearing health and find a pro.
High Quality Materials
At the top of the list, one big reason for seeing an audiologist is access to high quality products backed by the best manufacturers. You may be unsure of the quality you get from a big box store, leading many of you to think you’re getting an amazing deal only to have the hearing aid malfunction later on. Interference and bad quality of sound are two top things that plague sub-par hearing aids. Investing in products through an experienced audiologist who has taken the time to connect you with the best product for your needs makes you relax knowing your investment is guaranteed.
Unparalleled Professionalism
The professional level between audiologists and workers at big box stores is cut and dried, but still people go with the cheaper services. When you go this route, you’re missing out on the expertise of a doctor who can get to the bottom of your hearing problem and prescribe appropriate treatment. Your doctor applies far-reaching knowledge to the workings of your ears, providing an unmatched analysis. Employees in big box stores don’t usually have the time or the background to give you the highest level of care.
Cost Effective Measures
It’s true you may pay a higher total cost at first when you buy products from an audiologist’s office but this is due to the higher quality. In addition, the cost is negligible when you consider the help of health insurance coverage. Conversely, big box stores charge more for their hearing aid products, roping you into purchasing other accessories that you really don’t need within a package deal, upping the total cost. Your audiologist’s job is not to get you to sign on the dotted line for unnecessary products but to ensure a higher quality of life in regards to your hearing.