The Cost of Hearing Aids
The hearing aid industry today offers wearers an array of styles and advanced features from which to choose. This allows for more flexibility and customizability, but in many cases does raise the cost.
On one end of the cost and technology spectrum are analog hearing aids. This older-style aid amplifies all sounds the same way, which can be suitable for those with mild-moderate hearing loss but lacks the enhanced sound and noise-canceling capabilities of newer models. Analog hearing aids tend to be significantly less expensive than their digital counterparts. For example, an analog aid from MDHearingAid costs under $400 for a pair. Meanwhile, the company’s most technologically-advanced model costs over $1,000 more, but offers a more clear and customizable hearing experience for the wearer.
Paying for Hearing Aids
While hearing aids are available at a range of price points, in some cases, the type or model of hearing aid you need may cost more than your budget allows. Financial assistance may be available in some circumstances through insurance or local resources. Below, we explain some common forms of payment assistance for hearing aids.
- Medicaid: Those who are enrolled in Medicaid may be eligible for financial assistance for hearing aids. However, hearing aid coverage is not an entitlement benefit of Medicaid, meaning that the federal government doesn’t require it. Thus, some states’ Medicaid programs offer help paying for hearing aids, but not all. You can learn more by visiting your state’s Medicaid overview.
- Medicare: Original Medicare (Medicare parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids. However, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans often do offer some hearing aid benefits. As these types of Medicare are private, each plan’s exact benefits differ, so be sure to check the specifics of your policy.
- Veterans Benefits: If you’re a Veteran who qualifies for VA health care benefits, it’s likely you can receive a hearing aid through VHA Audiology. These audiologists help veterans with a range of hearing needs including conducting hearing tests and determining the best treatment or device for the individual.
- Private Insurance: Hearing care is not a required health insurance benefit in most states, so many private insurance plans offer little to no help paying for hearing aids. However, those who have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can use one of these tax-friendly accounts to pay for their hearing aid.
- Local Resources: There may be local programs for seniors in your area to help pay for hearing care and devices. Start by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about your options.
Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Hearing Aid
With so many different hearing aids available, it can be difficult to know exactly what to look for when you begin shopping. While the perfect hearing aid will look a bit different to every buyer depending on individual needs and preferences, keeping the following steps in mind can help you narrow down your search.
Step 1: Get a Hearing Test
Before you buy a hearing aid, you should visit a licensed audiologist who can conduct a full hearing test. These tests determine if you can hear certain frequencies and the softest sound you’re able to hear in each ear. Based on the results of your test, the audiologist will be able to make a recommendation about what type of hearing aid is best for your level of hearing loss.
The single most important factor when buying a hearing aid is to ensure that it’s a fit for your level of hearing loss. If you have severe hearing loss but buy a hearing aid that’s intended for users with only mild hearing loss, it won’t be serving its intended purpose.
Step 2: Determine Your Price Range
As with any major purchase, it’s important to determine your price range before you begin shopping. This way you can narrow down your options and avoid wasting time on products that are out of budget. The price of hearing aids varies widely and depends on factors like brand, model, extra features, and the provider.
After you’ve determined the type of hearing aid you need and your budget, most of the features you find in hearing aids are based on user preference. Think about the conveniences you want and look for those features when researching hearing aids.
Step 3: Decide on a Style
Hearing aids are available in a variety of styles including behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, in-the-canal, and receiver-in-canal. While many people prefer in-the-canal and in-the-ear options because of their discreet appearance, they can be harder to adjust and are much easier to lose because of their small size. While hearing aids that fit behind the ear may be more noticeable, they’re typically easier to adjust, maintain, and keep track of.
Many manufacturers also make their hearing aids in a variety of colors. This usually includes natural tones to blend in with the wearer’s skin and hair color as well as bright, bold statement colors. While colors don’t impact the sound quality, choosing a color that you’re comfortable with will help you be less self-conscious about your hearing aid.
Step 4: Consider Wireless Connectivity
With technology advancing at such a rapid pace, many hearing aid manufacturers are integrating wireless technology into their products. This allows users to pair their hearing aids with their phones, laptop, or other Bluetooth enabled devices. Many hearing aids with this technology can be adjusted and controlled from an app on an iPhone or Android. It can also allow users to stream audio from a device, making it easier to listen to music, watch TV, and make phone calls.
While this technology is incredibly convenient for anyone that uses a smart device, it does increase the base price of the hearing aid. If you’re not someone who plans to stream audio from your phone to your hearing aid, you might want to pass on this feature to save some money for down the line.
Step 5: Look at Available Accessories
Many hearing aid companies have also developed accessories to improve the user experience and make certain situations easier for those with hearing loss. Some typical accessories include:
- TV streamers: These devices connect to televisions and stream the audio directly to the hearing aid so users can clearly hear the media without turning up the volume on the TV.
- Microphones: Wireless microphones can be placed near an audio source and stream the sound directly to the hearing aid. These are particularly useful for users trying to focus on a single audio source in a noisy room. Some companies also make table microphones to enhance group conversations.
- Remote controls: Remote controls allow users to adjust the volume and setting of their hearing aids without needing to remove them.
- Bluetooth connectors: Some hearing aid companies have developed small devices that can turn any audio source with a headphone jack into a Bluetooth device that can stream audio directly to a hearing aid.
These, and other accessories, can certainly make listening to certain audio sources easier, but they aren’t a necessity for many customers. If you watch a lot of TV in a space with other people, a streamer might be a great idea. But if you don’t typically watch TV or you watch it alone, it wouldn’t be a necessary addition. While these accessories may seem like a great idea, it’s always wise to think about whether you need them before you make the purchase. You can always add them on later if you think it will enhance your experience with your hearing aids.
Step 6: Ask Questions
Once you’ve narrowed your choices down, ask the company important questions about anything you’re still unsure of. Some important information to have before you make your final decisions should include:
- Warranties and Repairs
Most hearing aids come with some form of manufacturer’s warranty, but each one is different, and it’s important to know the details before you buy. Find out exactly what the warranty covers and what it does not. For example, most warranties cover faulty parts and workmanship, but many won’t cover incidental damage or loss.
You’ll also want to find out if there are additional costs associated with any repairs and how long it will take to get your hearing aid back if you do need to send it out. Some warranties include the entire cost of repairs and replacements, while others will charge a fee every time you file a claim. Repairs typically shouldn’t take more than a week, and you should find out if this is guaranteed in your warranty. Some companies also offer replacement hearing aids for you to use while yours are being repaired. No matter what kind of warranty is being offered, it’s always a good idea to get a copy of it in writing before you make your purchase.
- Trial Periods
The majority of hearing aid manufacturers offer risk-free trial periods for customers to test their product out and make a decision about whether or not it’s the right hearing aid for them. These trial periods can last anywhere between 30 and 60 days and are required by law in some states.
While these trial periods promise you a full refund if you’re not satisfied with the product, it’s important to ask about the details when you speak with a customer service representative. Some companies actually charge a restocking fee if you choose to return your hearing aids. And many companies are vague about trial period terms and conditions on their website. If you’re unsure about anything, ask a customer service representative to send you a copy of their policy via mail or email before you buy.
- Fittings
Some hearing aids need to be fitted to the user’s ear before being used. If you’re buying this style of hearing aid, be sure to find out whether the impression that’s needed for the fitting is included in the price or if you’ll need to pay an additional fee.
- Adjustments
Many people find that they need their hearing aids tuned multiple times after their initial purchase. Find out if these appointments are included in the cost of the hearing aid or if they’ll be an additional charge for each appointment. Also, find out if these appointments must be done in person or if there is a virtual option.
