Hearing aids are expensive, but in the long-term they are worth it. The cost of hearing aids can vary depending on the type of hearing aid and where you purchase it. Hearing aids can be purchased from a variety of places, including over the counter at an online store like Hear+Hi Online Hearing Aids, a pharmacy, or from your doctor's office. It is much cheaper to buy a pair of hearing aids online than in a pharmacy. This is because there are no middlemen involved, the manufacturer can sell their products directly to the consumer and they can charge less for it.
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, only one in five people actually use hearing aids. Studies suggest that high prices of hearing aids and a lack of availability of financial help are the main reasons why people shy away from purchasing hearing aids. Hearing health is a critical component of overall well-being. Untreated hearing loss can lead to other health and mental health problems, such as social anxiety, dementia, and depression. Treating hearing problems, especially using hearing aids is one of the easiest ways to avoid these risks and continue living a happy and healthy life.
Average Cost of Hearing Aids
Hearing aid manufacturers provide people with hearing aids that vary in price, performance, and features. Hearing aids' prices range significantly in cost. The average cost of a hearing aid is around $2000 to $4000 per ear. Good quality hearing aids usually last about 4-5 years, divided over 4 years the cost of hearing aids becomes around 3 dollars a day. Premium hearing aids can cost up to $6000 per ear which may be necessary for people with severe hearing loss. Many hearing aid sellers have financing plans that let you pay in monthly installments.
Different types and styles of hearing aids have somewhat different costs, as each style of hearing aid presents its own advantages and disadvantages to the user based on their hearing needs.
The average price of In-The-Canal hearing aids from the market range from $2,500 to $4,900 per aid; but at Hear+Hi, Acuity Rechargeable ITC Digital Hearing aids are available for $250 a pair. The Acuity Wireless RIC Digital Hearing Amplifier Earphones are sold at $500 a pair, whereas the average price of Receiver-In-Canal hearing aids, such as Signia Styletto X, costs $2,466 per aid.
Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Costs
Today's hearing aids reflect the ever-evolving technology. The newest hearing aids are better than ever in clarifying sounds. Hearing aid wearers demand no feedback, clear voice quality, and ease of use from their hearing aids. And different variations in hearing aids like style, and features, are now able to give people what they want. Due to technological advances, and the inclusion of extra features such as Bluetooth connectivity and tinnitus masking feature, the price of hearing aids has increased as well.
There are multiple factors that affect the price of hearing aids.
Configuration
Hearing aids are of different styles, and different styles are offered at different prices. For example, in-the-ear hearing aids are often more expensive than behind-the-ear hearing aids. You can also get budget options, such as Acuity Duo True Wireless Stereo Assistive Hearing aids, designed especially for severe hearing loss.
Features
Hearing aids now come with different features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, telecoil, and multiple channels, to adjust volume and certain frequencies. The more features the device has, the more expensive the device would be.
Battery Type
Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries have a higher cost than hearing aids with disposable batteries. But in the long run rechargeable batteries save you hundreds of dollars of buying disposable batteries every few days or weeks.
Brand
The companies that sell hearing aids are not many, therefore the lack of competition can lead to higher prices of hearing aids.
Hear+Hi - Top OTC Hearing Aids Brand
Warranty
Not all companies offer a warranty so the ones that do, might charge you extra for it.
Bundled Benefits
Many companies offer bundle benefits in which they include additional services in the cost of hearing aids. These additional services include hearing tests, consultation, fittings, adjustments, and cleaning of the hearing aid. The more the benefits the higher the cost.
Why does Hearing-Aids Cost so Much?
People often wonder why such tiny devices cost so much. The answer is simple. There's a lot more to hearing aids than meets the eye. One of the main reasons is the lack of health insurance for hearing aids or hearing treatments. Another reason is improved innovations in the technology of hearing aids has not reduced consumer costs; rather more technology and features have increased the price of hearing aids.
Another factor is the bundling of costs with hearing aids. Hearing costs are typically bundled with the costs of other services to ensure that your hearing aids match your needs. your hearing ability may change, your hearing aid may need a repair or you may have questions regarding your hearing or hearing devices. All this is covered in this bundled price of hearing aids. This is frequently why hearing aids get so expensive. You can however choose to buy the device at an unbundled price and pay only for the device.
Financial Assistance for Hearing Aids
Hearing aids have proven to improve the quality of life of people with hearing loss, but their high cost has also made it difficult for people to actually purchase them. There are, however, some ways to make hearing aids more affordable.
Insurance
The majority of the health insurance policies don't cover the cost of a hearing aid or the cost of their examination or fitting either. But there are some insurance plans that offer partial coverage where the plan will pay up to a certain amount and you will have to pay the rest. These plans include the device, hearing tests, and hearing aid fitting. Look at the insurance companies and payment options to see what sort of expenses you can get covered.
General Medicare
Medicare which provides coverage to people aged 65 and above does not cover hearing aids or hearing exams. Medicare plans do cover hearing examinations if a doctor recommends it is necessary. These tests further test if the patient needs medical treatment.
Financing
Hearing aid manufacturers offer multiple finance plans. Most manufacturers offer flexible plans, and you can pay for your hearing aids over the course of 6 to 12 months. These plans are useful and break the upfront cost into manageable payments over months. Some companies even offer payment plans with very low or no interest. Hear+Hi even offers a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee if there is any issue with your hearing aid.
Charities
There are charities available that help pay for hearing aid devices for those who need financial help. These include hearing aid loan banks and charity organizations. You can consider buying a refurbished hearing aid that someone has donated to their hearing center. They are usually more affordable than getting brand new ones.
State Programs
Some states offer financial assistance programs, such as hearing aid loan programs or assistive technology aid programs. Be sure to check for programs related to financial aid in your state. You may also use your employee health benefits to purchase hearing aids if that is available for you.
Most of the plans including hearing aids cover a certain amount for the aids and you have to pay the rest.
Are Expensive Hearing Aids Worth The Money?
According to the statistics among adults above 70 with hearing loss, only 30 percent of adults actually use hearing aids and this percentage is even less in adults aged 20 and above. One of the main reasons seems to be the higher cost of hearing aids and less financial assistance through medical insurance.
Being able to hear your loved ones, feeling confident, enjoying conversations, and carrying on with your life like a person with normal hearing is worth the significant cost of hearing aids for most people. And it is usually possible to find affordable hearing aids or payment plans that fit your budget. If you are on a budget there are options available that are of lower cost. You might be able to reduce the price of hearing aids by compromising on some features of hearing aids. If you have minor hearing loss a lower cost can work for you.
The average lifespan of hearing aids after proper care and maintenance is 5 to 7 years. And the majority of people use them seven days a week. When you divide the cost of hearing aids by how much you use them and how much they benefit your hearing, the price doesn't seem that much.
FAQ’s - Questions about Hearing Aids Costs
Can I Buy Hearing Aids Online?
Buying hearing aids online has now become a popular option for many people. There are several ways to buy hearing aids online. Big retailers like Walmart and Costco sell hearing aids online. There are hearing aid manufacturers that sell hearing aids online and also provide online hearing tests for example at Hear+Hi. Buying hearing aids online is a good option and a good way to find discounts especially if the manufacturers have bundled costs with additional services.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost In The United States?
In the US hearing aids can vary from $1,000 to more than $6,000. The average cost comes close to around 2500 dollars.