Revolutionizing Audiology: A Personalized Approach to Hearing Aid Selection

demo Service for hearing aid choice find the best prescription hearing aids

Experience the Difference: Test-Drive Hearing Aids with Our Personalized Demo Process

For nearly three decades, I’ve been practicing as an audiologist, focusing on helping people with their ear and hearing needs. While I’ve experienced various work environments, the most fulfilling for me has been in private practice. It allows me to serve people in a way that feels natural. Focusing on their individual needs rather than treating hearing healthcare as merely a sales job.

Unfortunately, the audiology field does include a sales component as audiologists can’t cure hearing loss (unless it is wax removal). Therefore, it must involve providing products like hearing aids. My approach to this has been to separate the service aspect from the product sales. Aiming to assist clients in finding the best prescription hearing aids, for them, rather than merely selling them a product, because there is no one “best” product.

My Path to Private Practice

The journey to my current private practice began after I left a Ph.D. program and started working with ENT doctors. In that setting, the prevailing approach was to sell hearing aids by randomly selecting what we thought people might like. Then giving them a 45-day trial period, and finally trying something different if they weren’t satisfied.

This protocol was problematic for me, as it felt too much like a blind sales pitch.  These pitches included using key phrases for sales that were given to us by the manufacturer. This led to a high rate of returns, or what I considered exchanges, which was frowned upon by the ENT doctors I worked with. After facing criticism for the financial impact of these returns, I essentially moved into private practice. In my private practice I was free to implement a different method. 

Keep in mind, even if the customer didn’t return the hearing aids, they still might have ended up in a drawer as it wasn’t really their sound. I apologize to all the patients I saw back in the day selling in this way. I wish I would have moved on quicker. 

There is No Such Thing as “Best Prescription Hearing Aids” & Why the Demo Process Works

In my current practice, I’ve adopted a more customer-centric approach. This approach allows clients to try different hearing aids to compare their benefits before committing to a purchase. My demo process has been incredibly well-received by my patients, who appreciate the ability to test and evaluate various options.

Recently, a customer who came to our clinic seeking repair parts for his existing hearing aid experienced this process firsthand. After trying a demo hearing aid for a week, he was pleasantly surprised at the noticeable differences between various models. He had previously assumed all hearing aids were alike, but this experience showed him that not only were they different, but some were significantly better suited to his needs.

Customers often struggle to make informed choices about hearing aids, given the overwhelming amount of marketing in the industry. Many are drawn to specific brands or models based on what they’ve seen in commercials or online videos, rather than on actual experience. Best prescription hearing aids” do not exist, and this is where our demo process plays a crucial role—it provides a tangible way for clients to assess the functionality and features of different hearing aids. Helping them make more informed decisions. We also offer guidance on what might work best for each individual. Considering factors like artificial intelligence (AI), voice processing, waterproofing, and other advanced technologies.

We Care About Our Patient’s Experience

Our private practice in Hopkins has gained a strong reputation, attracting referrals from other physicians and clients due to our unique demo process. We aim to create a comfortable environment where clients can try one or multiple hearing aids. With each pair set up similarly to ensure consistent comparisons. Beyond simply fitting hearing aids, this also allows clients to test additional features like phone connectivity, streaming, and music quality. Providing a comprehensive experience.

To maintain our service quality, we do charge a fee for each demo. Ensuring we can continue to offer personalized assistance and support.

Overall, my approach to audiology has always been about meeting the individual needs of my clients, offering them choices, and helping them find the best solutions for their hearing health. I believe in a customer-first philosophy and strive to make the process as transparent and user-friendly as possible. While sales are a part of the business, my focus remains on providing valuable service and helping clients make informed decisions about their hearing needs.

I am hopeful that the industry will change, become more transparent in sales and service. 

Thank you for reading! 

Nexia BTE hearing aids available in 8 color options, including one power variant.

  • All ReSound Nexia BTE hearing aids models feature rechargeable technology, eliminating the need for battery operation.
  •  Resound offers a variety of accessories compatible with Nexia hearing aids, ensuring seamless integration with existing products.
  • The standard BTE model can be fitted with a slim tube, providing a discreet and comfortable option for users.
  • The power BTE model accommodates a silver hook, catering to individual preferences and customization needs.
Starting at
$1,600.00
Widex SmartRIC Hearing Aids enhance your natural engagement with the world by providing better directionality, reducing wind and touch noise, and extending battery life. Elevate your daily experience with quick charging, portability, and transparent status updates, ensuring you stay connected to a world of natural sound. 1. Long-lasting Performance: 2. Cordless Convenience: 3. Charging Status at a Glance: LED light indicators provide a clear and immediate understanding of your charging status.
Starting at
$1,600.00
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The new Signia Silk Charge & Go IX is a small, rechargeable, completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid for everyday use.

The new Signia Silk Charge & Go iX are special indeed. These rechargeable tiny hearing aids are the first completely in the canal tiny hearing aid that is water proof with an iP rating of 68.  They are rechargeable, come with nice dome sleeves.  You can also get a custom mold.   This is a great choice for something easy to use and for those of you who want to hide that you have a hearing loss.  
Starting at
$1,300.00

Our patients in the clinic love the Rexton In-the-Ear hearing aid that charges and streams.

The Rexton BiCore Custom Li Hearing Aids are rechargeable and can last up to 20 hours on a single charge They are custom fit to the wearer's ear thus offering all-day comfort. Rexton hearing aids are also equipped with Rexton's BiCore RX technology which delivers "a smooth all around listening experience".  
Starting at
$1,200.00

Vivante - Unitron Moxi Hearing Aids

  • The hearing aids feature a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, onboard push-button controls, Bluetooth connectivity with Android- and Apple-compatible devices, and an IP68 rating, the “gold standard” for hearing aid protection from moisture and debris. We offer the Vivante in 3 technology levels (9, 7, 5).
Contact For Pricing
1. Advanced Technology: Starkey incorporates cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to provide users with superior sound quality and customization, ensuring a natural listening experience. 2. Customization and Adaptability: These hearing aids offer a wide range of models and features to cater to individual needs, from mild to severe hearing loss, while adapting to various listening environments. 3. Wireless Connectivity: Many Starkey devices are compatible with smartphones and other devices, allowing for seamless connectivity, remote control, and access to a variety of audio streaming options.
Starting at
$1,600.00