The cost of hearing aids is a significant hurdle for many people who need them. Most insurance plans don’t cover them, and buying them out-of-pocket can be expensive.
But with some know-how, you can find lower-cost options that will fit your needs. The key is to understand what you want and how you plan on using your hearing aids before making a purchase.
Cost
Several factors can impact the cost of hearing aids. For example, the Phonak hearing aids cost includes the brand, size, technology level, style, and features.
Many people are surprised to learn that hearing aids can be quite expensive. They can range from about $1,000 to $6,000, but the average cost is nearly $2,500.
Most health insurance plans do not cover hearing exams or hearing aids, but there are options to help reduce the costs. For instance, some insurance companies offer discounts for people who use their in-network healthcare providers.
Hearing loss can also impact the cost of a pair of hearing aids. The more severe the loss, the more influential the hearing aids must be.
Hearing aids can be purchased online or in person by a hearing specialist. In addition to buying them, you may need to pay for services such as fittings and follow-up appointments. It’s best to determine what fees are included in the purchase before deciding. Some stores offer a trial period that allows you to try the device before purchasing it.
Technology
The technology that goes into hearing aids is constantly changing. This is due to advancements in acoustic design, technology, and hearing loss treatment techniques.
One of the most important advances in hearing aid technology is directional microphones, which allow people with hearing loss to understand speech in noisy environments better. They work by amplifying sound coming from certain directions, like the direction of your face, to a higher level than other directions.
Another significant advancement in hearing aid technology is digital processing, which allows the hearing aid to analyze and decide how sounds from your environment are processed. This information can then be saved and used to fine-tune the hearing aid for specific listening situations.
Another significant change in hearing aid technology is wireless connectivity, which allows the aids to communicate with electronic devices such as televisions, music players, and cell phones. This wireless connectivity makes it easy to stream audio directly from these devices to the hearing aids, improving comfort and convenience.
Styles
There are several different styles of hearing aids that work for various needs and budgets. Your audiologist can recommend one that meets your hearing loss and lifestyle needs.
In-the-ear (ITE) aids are smaller and are usually used for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They are easier to handle than their larger cousins and can include a telecoil switch that connects to telephones or sound systems to help you hear them more clearly.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) aids are even smaller and can be completely invisible to others if you place them deep inside the ear canal. These devices are ideal for people who don’t want to be seen wearing a hearing device or those with poor finger dexterity.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids are more suitable for babies and children because they have soft earmolds that are less likely to hurt the ear canal. They are more durable than in-the-ear (ITE) aids, which may have to be replaced often as the ear grows.
Warranty
Many hearing aids come with a warranty for any damage or malfunctions. This is an excellent way to protect your investment and avoid paying out of pocket for any repairs.
The warranty may last up to two years, depending on the manufacturer. Your audiologist will be available to help you with any issues.
Your audiologist will also be able to send your hearing aids to the manufacturer for repair work. This can be expensive, but it helps keep your hearing aids working at their best.
Some people purchase an extended warranty, which can extend coverage for a few more years.
This type of warranty typically covers loss, damage, and any repairs due to manufacturing defects. It also comes with a one-time replacement, so you don’t have to worry about repurchasing your hearing aids every few years.
Financing
There are several financing options available for hearing aids that can help you to spread the cost over time. Some companies offer 0% interest financing, so you can make monthly payments to pay off the device.
Another option for hearing aid financing is to set aside pre-tax income through a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). These accounts can be used with many employer-sponsored health insurance plans to help cover the cost of hearing aids.
Using your FSA or HSA is an excellent way to help offset the cost of hearing aids, especially if your plan offers an allowance. This benefit usually renews every three to five years and is generally based on a specified amount that is subtracted from the total cost of your hearing aids.
Other financing options include credit from a third-party lender such as CareCredit, charitable organizations, and family members. You can also find a loan or payment plan offered by your hearing care professional. These programs are not a guaranteed solution and should be investigated carefully.