Q&A

Subject: Where to purchase Widex aids

From: LL

Do you have, or know of, a center where the Widex hearing aid may be purchased? If so, how and where may I purchase this hearing aid? LL

Many audiologists carry the Widex brand of hearing aids. Widex makes many types of hearing aids, including the Inteo (TM) digital signal processing aids.

Usually a full service audiological practice will carry many brands of hearing aids. They may not choose to carry all models of every brand, because they will develop favorites that seem to please many of their customers. The digital aids require special software and cables, and it is a nuisance to support too many similar aids. Also, each new type of hearing aid requires significant training to be able to fit it properly.

The process of buying a hearing aid is described in some detail on our web page, but basically: you take a hearing test so that the audiologist knows your hearing loss; you discuss hearing aids and try some various types (takes about an hour); a cast of your ear is taken so that the hearing aid will fit properly; and you come back in a week or so to have the newly manufactured hearing aid fitted to your ear. Over the next few weeks, you wear the hearing aid and take notice of what you like and don't like. Then you go back to the audiologist to get the aid adjusted to improve its performance for you. With the programmable digital aids, you can keep on going back, getting the aid changed to match your hearing and listening situations.

Solveig