It’s never easy to deal with your hearing fading, but a hearing aid can make your life so much fuller. Enriching your social life and even making your personal time so much more fulfilling. If you are in the market for hearing aids, know that there are large number of options and a variety of pricing points to look at. Once you understand what influences the hearing aid’s cost, you’ll be able to compare prices more effectively to get the most bang for your buck.
Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Prices
Consider these factors when shopping hearing aids prices.
1. Technology: Technology is your friend and can make your hearing aid do more than you ever considered. But, it does come with a price tag. Advanced features include noise reduction, directional microphones, and Bluetooth connectivity.
2. Style: When it comes to hearing aids, bigger is NOT better. Behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-canal (CIC) will definitely impact the price tag. The smaller, less noticable styles are going to be more expensive, so consider how important that is to you.
3. Brand: The big name brands will typically charge a premium price for their aids. Someone has to pay for their marketing efforts and reputation building practices.
4. Professional services: This is something you definitely don’t want to skimp on. Look into the cost of hearing tests, fitting, adjustments and follow-up visits with an audiologist or hearing specialist. It may be included, but be sure to ask.
Comparing Prices Online and In-Store
Just about anything can be purchased online these days, and hearing aids are no exception. Consumers these days can choose the dot com method or to go into a local hearing aid clinic or audiologist’s office. Being honest here, online prices are probably going to be cheaper than an in-office setting, but consider all these points before making a decision.
1. Online hearing aids may not include the professional services so very important to get the right fit and peak performance.
2. Brick and mortar purchases usually come with ongoing support and care from a hearing specialist. This expert will be able to make adjustments and provide maintenance as time goes by.
3. Some hearing aid manufacturers only sell their products through authorized providers, so be cautious of online sellers offering deeply discounted prices on premium brands.
Insurance Coverage and Financing Options
When looking at the prices, don’t forget that your insurance may cover a portion or all of the product.
Many consumers find their personal health insurance, including some Medicare Advantage plans, may provide coverage for their hearing aids. Talk with your representative from the very beginning to better understand exactly what they’ll cover and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
An increasing number of hearing clinics and audiologists also offer financing options, including payment plants through them or a third-party financer. This makes it more affordable, breaking up the payments into smaller chunks. Ask what options are available to you!
Making an Informed Decision
Comparing hearing aid prices requires careful consideration of factors like technology, style, bundled vs. unbundled pricing, and professional services. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from a trusted hearing specialist to help you make an informed decision. Remember, investing in your hearing health is an investment in your overall quality of life.