Ask your audiologist...

How long does it take to get hearing aids?

It depends on what style of hearing aid you are purchasing. If you are purchasing one of the new mini BTE's (Behind the Ear), your hearing health care office may have some in stock that you can take home that day.

There are generally two types of mini BTE's. One is an open fit model, which has a selection of tubes and tips that can usually fit anyone's ear shape. The other type is a receiver in the canal, which also has a selection of receivers and dome tips that can usually fit anyone's ear shape. Some offices stock these types of aids, but you usually have to special-order the color that matches your hair.

In the Ear (ITE) and Behind the Ear (BTE) with ear molds usually take approximately 7 to 10 working days. The reason it takes so long is that the impression taken of your ear is sent away to the manufacturer or ear mold lab to be custom-fit for your ear.

Here is a breakdown of the usual process and time frame:

1. The order forms are filled out and the ear impression is sent to the manufacturer or ear mold lab, usually by overnight delivery.

2. The manufacturer or ear mold lab will make the hearing aid or ear mold to fit your ear comfortably.

3. The product goes through quality control inspections to make sure everything is the way it is supposed to be.

4. The product is returned to the dispenser or audiologist's office, usually by overnight delivery.

5. The product is unpacked and digital hearing aids are programmed to your individual hearing loss.

6. The patient is called to schedule a delivery appointment.

What I have found over the years is that if you are in a hurry to get a hearing aid, Murphy's Law can come into play and the unexpected may happen. Ear impressions have gotten lost during shipment or delayed due to busy holiday shipping schedules. Once in a while, an order may get sent to the wrong hearing dispenser or audiologist's office by mistake and have to be reshipped. Rarely, a hearing aid may become damaged during shipping and have to be reordered. A reorder may require a new ear impression, meaning another trip to see the hearing dispenser or audiologist.

In my opinion, it is best to take your time getting a hearing aid. Let the order go through its normal process. A rush order can be requested by paying extra for same-day air delivery in special circumstances. Try not to place orders near the holiday season, due to longer shipping times. Be patient and your dispenser or audiologist will do their best to get your hearing aid to you as soon as they can.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for over 14 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com for an online hearing test and watch helpful videos.