What Are the Risks of the Hearing Aid Songbird?

The Songbird hearing aid is a one-size-fits-most, disposable digital hearing aid. Songbird isn't programmable; it provides mild amplification across the frequency spectrum of human speech. The Songbird hearing aid boasts affordable "do-it-yourself" hearing assistance, but there are a few risks you should consider before ordering.

Identification

• Prior to wearing a hearing aid, an audiometric evaluation is preformed. This evaluation determines the need for a hearing aid and checks for medical conditions like ear infections or ear tumors.

  Manufacturers of the Songbird hearing aid doesn't require an audiometric exam but do recommend you see a physician before ordering. By skipping a formal exam, you risk failing to diagnose serious ear-related problems.

Considerations

• The Songbird hearing aid is designed to provide hearing assistance for 400 active hours. For someone wearing two hearing aids full time, the annual cost would be $720. In five years you'll have spent $3,600. At that price, you may want to consider custom-fit hearing aids. Songbird only offers a 90-day warranty; professionally fitted hearing aids include a two- to three-year manufacturer warranty.

History

• Some hearing aid companies have been in business for over 100 years. Songbird discontinued its hearing aid products in 2004 after only four years on the market. The Songbird returned in 2007.

Fact

• Songbird hearing aids don't offer specific amplification.

Warning

• Although the Songbird produces mild amplification, you could still be getting amplification in areas where you don't need it. This excess amplification eventually stresses your hearing nerves, causing premature decay.