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 may 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 the impression taken of your ear gets 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 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 audiologists office usually overnight delivery.
5. The product is unpacked and a care kit is put together.
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. A rush order can be requested by paying extra for same day air delivery in special circumstances. Seems to me that whenever I “Rush” an order that is when unexpected delays can occur. 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 audiologists office by mistake and have to be reshipped. In my opinion it is best to take your time getting a hearing aid. Let the order go through its normal process. 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.
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Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist who has been in business for more than 16 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, she provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d’Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com to watch helpful videos or take an online hearing test.