There’s no way around it: Hearing aid prices are high and most people with hearing loss need two hearing aids. further complicating matters is the fact that most insurance providers do not cover the cost.
High price is often a barrier to getting the help and relief hearing aids provide, but it doesn’t have to be. When it comes to cost, there’s a lot to consider: Hearing aids are a major investment; these are devices that you will use most of your waking hours, seven days a week. you don’t want to skimp on a cheap brand that won’t last or be long-lasting, or meet your unique needs.
Reading: How much are hearing aids without insurance
how much do hearing aids cost?
The average price of an adult hearing aid is between $2,000 and $3,000. can range from $1,000 to over $4,000 for each device, depending on the level of technology.
hearinglife, a large group of hearing clinics, has a table that breaks down hearing aid prices by feature level for two common brands, oticon and sonic.
Basic hearing aids will cost less, but will have fewer features and customizable tools to help you hear better. for example, most of today’s premium hearing aids come with deep learning capabilities.
For pediatric hearing aids, the price is usually lower and is often covered by insurance.
cros hearing aids and cochlear implants have different price points.
what is included in the cost of hearing aids?
Although hearing aid prices are high, it’s important to know that you’re paying a lot more than the devices themselves. Your hearing aids may come with a hearing care appointment packet to follow up and adjust your hearing aids as needed.
packaged and unpackaged services
Your purchase typically includes your hearing test, consultation, initial fitting and all follow-up adjustments, routine cleanings, and a warranty that can range from one to three years. this is known as combined pricing. Hearing aid warranties often cover all repairs and include a one-time replacement policy if you lose a hearing aid. some hearing care professionals also include a supply of hearing aid batteries to get you started.
Why is bundling so common? Your hearing ability may change, your hearing aid may need repair and you may have questions occasionally. You are making an investment in the professional as well as the hearing aid technology.
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Still, some clinics may “separate” the cost of hearing care from the cost of hearing aids. In this pricing structure, you can choose which services you want to buy up front, like a damage and loss guarantee, and which you want to pay for as you go, like cleaning services for your hearing aids.
Either way, be sure to ask your hearing care professional what’s included in the price of your hearing aids so you fully understand what you’re buying.
factors affecting hearing aid prices
The main factor that affects the purchase price of a hearing aid is the level of technology and features included. As with most consumer electronics, technological sophistication becomes less expensive over time, and this has certainly happened in the hearing aid business.
While overall hearing aid prices have remained stable, the technology you can get for the price is much more today than it was just two years ago. what was once considered a top-of-the-line hearing aid is now considered entry-level technology.
All hearing aid manufacturers strive to offer devices that meet the needs of patients and their budgets. To do this, almost all product lines consist of multiple performance levels or price points. the most advanced level will contain all the latest and greatest features, such as the most advanced noise reduction circuitry and wireless capabilities. lower performance tiers will contain fewer and less sophisticated features as the price drops.
why do hearing aids cost so much?
the price of the hearing aids includes the cost of the device itself, as well as the services of the professional.
Part of the cost of manufacturing hearing aids comes from the research required to continue to make technological advances each year. Every year, the industry spends hundreds of millions of dollars to improve the performance of these devices. these investments have resulted in hearing aids that serve people better.
Here’s another way to think about the price of hearing aids. If your hearing aids cost $6,200, and they have a lifespan of eight years, they will cost you approximately $775 per year, $64 per month or $2.15 per day. In other words, while the total amount is high, the ongoing usage price is more reasonable. Monthly, it is about what you would pay to get satellite or cable television. When you consider the communication, relationship, and health benefits you get from wearing hearing aids, most people agree that it is well worth it.
other type of hearing aids
For now, hearing aids are regulated medical devices, but due to changes in federal law, over-the-counter hearing aids may soon be available. this will probably make them more affordable, though that remains to be seen.
hearing aids online and mail order
You can buy many things cheaply online. If you have mild hearing loss, you may be tempted to purchase a personal sound amplification product (PSAP) on a website, often called “hearing amplifiers” or even “hearing aid amplifiers.” this product is similar to the “cheater” glasses available at the corner drugstore. however, age-related hearing loss is more complex than age-related vision loss.
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These cheaper products tend to enhance all sounds, not just the ones you can’t hear. At a hearing clinic, your hearing aids are calibrated specifically for your unique hearing loss and any other issues you may have, such as tinnitus. clinics can also pre-program your hearing aids to change settings when you are in different environments. and, if your services are bundled, you can come back when you need to for refinement or cleanup.
financial assistance and insurance coverage
The most recent data has shown that about 40 percent of Americans have some form of third-party payment that helps pay for hearing aids. check with your insurance provider to see if you have a benefit and, if so, the amount of that benefit. most plans that include hearing aids cover only a certain amount of hearing aids (on average, about 85 percent of the cost) every few years.
if you have served in the united states armed forces, you may be eligible for hearing aids through the department of veterans affairs (va). When you qualify, the VA typically pays for everything related to the hearing aid, including the supply of batteries. There are other options for financing hearing aids, including low-interest loans, credit cards, and cash financing plans for medical devices.
Check out Healthy Hearing’s information on Hearing Aid Insurance, Medicare, AARP, and Veterans Affairs for more information. then talk to your hearing care provider about your financing and coverage options. there may be local charities or funding sources that apply to your situation.
why should i buy hearing aids?
When deciding whether or not to spend your hard-earned money on hearing aids, also consider the financial impact of not spending that money on hearing aids. It’s nearly impossible to put a price on missed conversations with your spouse, family, friends, and colleagues.
It’s nearly impossible to put a price on missed conversations with your spouse, family, friends, and colleagues.
If you have hearing loss, you are also missing some of life’s beautiful and important sounds: the laughter of your grandchildren, the joyful song of the birds, the raindrops gently falling outside your window, the ringing of your door, the car’s turn signal, and the timer on your oven.
If you’re still working, you’re also losing money because of your hearing loss. A study by the Institute for Improving Hearing looked at more than 40,000 households and found that untreated hearing loss reduced income by an average of $12,000 a year and, at the high end, up to $30,000 a year. the good news is that wearing hearing aids can mitigate the effects by 50%. that’s a good return on your investment.
dementia-related hearing loss and more
Finally, hearing aids are good for you. Untreated hearing loss is linked to other health conditions such as dementia, depression, high blood pressure, and increased risk of trips and falls.
Buying hearing aids is an important investment in your quality of life, career, relationships, and overall health. The right hearing care professional will understand your hearing loss and your financial situation. do not postpone this important step in your quality of life.
Check out our directory to find hearing aid centers near you and call today.
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