Michigan State University researchers Professor Jerry Punch and Susanna Love Callaway recently published the results of a study comparing consumer satisfaction and hearing aid costs and the results were predictable.

"...low-cost amplifying devices can look tempting to individuals with hearing impairment because of the significant cost differences," Dr. Punch said. "But our research found that the low-cost aids generally don't meet the fitting requirements to help a hearing-impaired person and could potentially damage a person's hearing."

Low Quality Hearing Aids = More Ear Damage

The MSU research is important to consumers, Callaway said. "Aside from being of extremely poor quality, very low-cost hearing aids - those under $100 - have the potential to damage your hearing because they send very loud sounds into the ear. The study's mid-range hearing aids ($100-500) were of higher quality and were not considered a safety hazard."

There is no "one-size-fits-all-hearing-solution." Your hearing loss is different - unique in fact. So, in order to get the most and best use from hearing aids, they must be configured to address your particular needs. You don't get that with the mail order models. If your hearing aids aren't properly programmed by a hearing health care professional you won't be happy.

Anyone considering the purchase of a hearing aid should consider the effect improved hearing has on the quality of life.

There are always places to cut corners; hearing quality should not be one of them. This is something that will impact your life and your loved ones every minute of every day - for the better. That's why you want the best hearing aids your budget will allow.

How Much Should You Spend?

Obviously a personal decision, but figure a minimum of $1,000 an ear for a hearing aid that can be fit by a hearing health care professional to your unique hearing needs. It may not have every feature, but it does what you want it to and it delivers sound you can adapt to quickly.

If you move up into the $1,500 (and beyond), sound quality will improve a bit and you'll pick up some more sophisticated features - automated volume control, feedback suppression and so on.

Just remember, those hearing aids are going to be with you every day and will impact the quality of your life and those closest to you. You don't need to blow the budget out the back door but stay clear of hearing aids under $100 and keep away from "one-size-fits-all" devices. Purchase hearing aids that can be tuned specifically to your individual hearing loss by a hearing health care professional who will ensure an adequate fit, and will also assist you with adapting to your new device.

Not only are mail order and cheap hearing aids unsatisfying according to the MSU study, they can actually do more damage to an already-damaged hearing system. So when it is time to consider purchasing hearing aids spend a little extra - even if it stings a bit. Your ears will thank you and the money you spend will be forgotten in a day or two.

The benefits of a higher quality hearing aid will stay with you and your loved ones everyday for years to come.

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