If you have purchased hearing aids in the last few years, you know how very expensive they can be. In addition to hearing loss, you may also be suffering from other health related problems as well. The loss of hearing is often associated with depression and a feeling of social isolation. According to audiologists, one of the best ways to treat these condition is by wearing hearing aids. Unfortunately, the cost of hearing aids is often extraordinarily high. Thankfully, there are other options available.
Let's dig into why some hearing aids are so expensive, as well as the other options available.
The Price of Hearing Aid 'Add-Ons'
Hearing aids have a very good track record of reducing hearing loss and increasing the patients ability to hear things that they were previously missing. However, this easy solution has one major setback. Hearing aids are expensive. Compared to other medical devices, the cost of hearing aids is quite expensive.
Their exact price includes something called 'bundling.' This refers not just to the cost of the physical device, but also the fitting cost, maintenance, service, follow-ups, and medical consultations regardless of you needing these extras or not. These add-ons are what drive the price of the device up for you, the average consumer.
If you're looking into purchasing hearing aids, you'll need to know more about your hearing loss. To learn more, read Determining the Type and Amount of Hearing Loss You Have.
How Services Drive Up Hearing Aid Prices
While Apple Computer can do billions in R&D and still sell an iPhone for $600, the hearing aid manufacturers often charge thousands of dollars for one hearing aid. The blame does not reside solely on the shoulders of the manufacturers though: Traditional channels of purchasing hearing aids also charge a hefty mark-up for their services, creating a model where service rarely gets better due to a lack of competition between hearing centers.
Look at it this way: If you need eye glasses, you go to a vision center that charges you a set price for an eye test. Once the eye test is complete, and you have your prescription, you are free to purchase your eye glasses from that vision center or any other business that sells eye glasses (or online for that matter). You are never locked into one provider to purchase all possible services as well as only glasses that they provide. In other words, you have freedom to do what you want as a consumer.
Even less expensive hearing aids can be difficult to afford. Find out how to get help buying your hearing aids: Need Help Paying for Your Hearing Aids - How to Find Assistance.
Cost as a Barrier to Purchasing
Before visiting a hearing center, check your budget. Make sure that you already know how much money that you want to spend. Depending on your preferred styles and designs, hearing aids may costs from $1,000 to $5,000 through a hearing center. If you plan on going to a hearing center, be prepared to be pointed in the direction of the lastest and greatest (and expensive) devices.
However, not every patient requires the latest and greatest hearing aid. Often, an affordable device is available, without all of the additional services, directly through an online company. In fact, when budgets are tight, this is often the best solution. At Advanced Affordable Hearing, we help people to hear better at a price you can afford.
To learn more about hearing better for a low price, contact us today.