Five Things Customers Get Wrong When Buying Hearing Aids! (And How to Get Them Right)
Buying hearing aids is a big decision — not just financially, but emotionally too. Done right, it can transform the way you experience conversations, music, and the world around you. Done wrong, it can leave you disappointed, frustrated, and feeling like you’ve wasted your money.
At Key to Hearing, I’ve met countless people who’ve said, “I wish I’d known this before I bought mine.” That’s why I’ve put together this guide — so you can skip the trial-and-error stage and head straight for success.
Here are the five most common mistakes people make when buying hearing aids — and how we make sure you avoid them.
Key Takeaways for Buying Hearing Aids
Don't buy based on price alone; seek expert, personalised care. Ensure a comprehensive evaluation for accurate needs. Prioritise personalised fittings at home (like with REM) for optimal performance. Remember that ongoing aftercare is crucial for long-term success. And most importantly, don't wait too long to act – sooner is always better for your brain and quality of life!
In this article:
1. Buying Hearing Aids Based Only on Price or an Online Deal
We get it — that “too good to be true” online offer looks tempting, and going for the cheapest option feels like an easy win. But hearing aids aren’t just gadgets you can pop in and forget about. They’re medical devices that need care, skill, and expertise to work properly.
The Problem:
Many people don’t realise which make or model they need until after a proper hearing test. They might try a recommended model, then go home and search online for the cheapest price. Without professional fitting, personalised programming, and ongoing support, even a top-tier device might not perform as hoped. Some cheaper deals may include a face-to-face fitting, but aftercare can be difficult if the provider isn’t local, or support may be entirely online.
“Even the best hearing aids can fail to deliver results if they’re not fitted and supported correctly.”
The Key to Hearing Way:
Our prices start from £2,199 for a pair, with most people investing around £3,299. That’s not just for the devices — it’s for a complete hearing care package: expert home visits across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and surrounding areas, precise fitting, personalised programming, and ongoing support. I personally oversee your care, making sure every adjustment is tailored to you.
Metaphor & Hypothetical Example: Trying to be a master chef by just buying expensive ingredients online, without ever learning how to cook or assemble them. The ingredients (hearing aids) are only part of the recipe; the skill (dispenser’s expertise) blends them into a successful meal (optimal hearing). Imagine ordering a recommended hearing aid online to save money, but without local follow-up. Even if the device is high quality, whistling, discomfort, or poor sound may leave you frustrated — and there’s no in-person support to fix it.
2. Skipping a Comprehensive, Professional Hearing Evaluation
It can be tempting to rely on a quick online test or assume you already know your hearing needs. But hearing loss is often more complicated than it seems — and some issues can only be spotted by a professional.
The Problem:
Without a thorough, in-person evaluation, you could end up with the wrong prescription — or even hearing aids you didn’t need. Causes of hearing problems like earwax or minor infections can sometimes be treated without aids at all.
The Key to Hearing Way:
I charge £85 for a full home hearing consultation lasting 1.5–2.5 hours. As an award-winning Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser, my testing includes accurate ear measurements and a check for underlying ear health issues. I use comfortable insert earphones that help reduce background noise, so I can test accurately even in your own living room — as long as it’s a reasonably quiet space.
Metaphor & Hypothetical Example:
It’s like building a house without checking the foundation — no matter how strong the walls, if the base is unstable, the whole structure suffers. Imagine buying hearing aids online after a quick test, only to find your hearing loss was caused by earwax. A proper evaluation by Keeley could have saved time, money, and frustration.
3. Underestimating the Power of a Personalised Fitting (Especially at Home)
Even the best hearing aid will underperform if it’s only set up with default settings.
The Problem:
Clinic fittings provide a controlled environment, but it rarely matches your real-life listening challenges. Your hearing aids might work fine in the test chair — but sound odd or uncomfortable in your kitchen, at your favourite café, or when watching TV at home.
The Key to Hearing Way:
I use Real Ear Measurement (REM) — the gold standard in hearing aid fitting. This process ensures the amplification is perfectly matched to your unique hearing prescription. And because I visit you at home, I can fine-tune your aids where you actually use them: at your dining table, in front of your TV, or even adjusting for that fridge hum that’s been driving you mad. I personally ensure each adjustment fits your lifestyle, preferences, and home environment.
Metaphor & Hypothetical Example:
Hearing aids are like tailored suits — if they’re not made to fit your exact measurements, even the most expensive one will feel wrong. Imagine using aids with standard settings that aren’t adjusted for your ear shape or home environment. Voices may sound muffled, background noise overwhelming, or familiar sounds irritating — making daily life more frustrating, not less.
4. Forgetting That Ongoing Aftercare is Just as Important as the First Fitting
Hearing aids aren’t a “fit and forget” device. Your hearing can change over time, and your lifestyle might too.
The Problem:
Without regular follow-ups and maintenance, even the most advanced aids can gradually lose their effectiveness. In big chains, you might see a different dispenser each time — which makes it hard to build the kind of relationship where they really understand your hearing journey.
The Key to Hearing Way:
When you choose us, you’ll see the same professional — myself — every time. I know your hearing history, your preferences, and your unique challenges. This means I can spot changes early, make the right adjustments, and keep your hearing performing at its best for years. Being a local, couple-run business, we prioritise home visits, so support is personal, consistent, and convenient.
Metaphor & Hypothetical Example:
Hearing aids are like a car — they might run fine for a while, but regular servicing keeps them performing optimally for years. Imagine that your aids worked well at first, but over time voices become harder to understand. Without regular check-ups and adjustments by me, these small issues can reduce your enjoyment and usage.
5. Waiting Too Long to Do Something About Your Hearing
On average, people wait seven to ten years before seeking help for hearing loss. That’s years of missed conversations, muffled music, and unnecessary strain.
The Problem:
Untreated hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears — it affects your brain. Over time, your brain can “forget” how to process certain sounds, making it harder to adjust once you do get hearing aids. There’s also the increased risk of social isolation and even cognitive decline.
The Key to Hearing Way:
I see the transformation that happens when someone takes action sooner rather than later. The smiles, the tears of joy when they hear their grandchildren clearly again — it’s why I do what I do. I provide personalised guidance throughout, so your hearing journey is supported at every step.
Metaphor & Hypothetical Example:
Leaving hearing loss untreated is like letting a small crack in a window go unrepaired. Over time, it gets worse, lets in drafts, and eventually becomes a bigger, more expensive problem than if you’d addressed it early. Imagine noticing you ask people to repeat themselves more often, but deciding to wait. Over time, your brain adapts to hearing less, making full adjustment to hearing aids more difficult later on.
Ready to Get It Right?
If you want to avoid these common pitfalls and enjoy hearing aids that are perfectly matched to you and your life, we’d love to help. I personally oversee every home consultation, ensuring your care is warm, expert, and fully tailored to you.
Book your home hearing consultation today, and let’s make sure your journey back to great hearing is the success it should be.
