Hearing loss isn’t something you have to succumb to. In fact, the right hearing aids can greatly improve your ability to hear, partake in conversations, and can even improve your hearing to a level which is superior to what you experienced, prior to noticing your hearing loss began. The cost of hearing aids, however, isn’t something to gawk at. In fact, you can easily spend in excess of $6000 on a high-end model. So, let’s break down the general cost, and possible ways you can save.
Basic Hearing Aid
On the lower end of the spectrum, you can expect to pay $1000 to $3500 for a basic hearing aid. With these hearing aids you’ll have
- Digital sound processing
- Up to four hearing programs/adjustment levels (may vary based on the hearing aid company you purchase from)
- Feedback cancellation (noise reduction)
For everyday conversations, going out to lunch with friends (in a quiet location), or chatting at the park or an area with limited traffic, a basic hearing aid is often enough for most people who notice levels of hearing loss, and get an aid as early as possible.
Mid-Range Hearing Aid
Stepping up to the next level, you’re going to pay a higher price. For a mid-range hearing aid (pair) you will pay between $3500 to $5000 (model, brand, design, fit, etc). With these basic systems, you’ll receive the same benefits/features as the basic hearing aid, as well as
- Wireless connection for TV/phone
- Speech recognition/adjustments
- Directional hearing (based upon where you are and where noise/conversation is coming from)
For a mid-range hearing aid, you can expect great sound clarity in low level conditions, in a restaurant, meeting space, or in a small group of friends/co workers/family. Depending on the interference levels, and how loud the location is, some individuals might require a higher end model to make sure they can hear everything clearly.
High-End Hearing Aid
The third tier to consider when choosing a hearing aid is the higher end. These models run $5000 and up (usually up to $7000 for the highest end models). You’ll have the same hearing benefits as the mid-range hearing aids, and the addition of
- Choosing different styles, ranges, fits (in ear, over ear, behind ear, in canal, etc)
- Auto 360 degree hearing adjustment for noise levels, and all conditions
- Auto adjustment, based upon the environment and noise levels around you
If you want to hear everything, regardless of where you are, this is the solution for you. Individuals with a significant level of hearing loss will benefit from these higher end hearing aids. With these you can hear clearly in loud environment, family gatherings, busy locations, around traffic, at concerts, and other crowded locations. They are truly spectacular, and you might notice enhanced hearing, which is improved from your hearing levels when you were younger (hadn’t yet experienced hearing loss).
Saving on your Hearing Aid
Of course you want the best of the best, but you can easily see that this comes at a premium price for your hearing aid pairs. So, how do you go about saving or finding the best discounts? Some ways to reduce the financial burden of purchasing a hearing aid pair includes
- Contact Medicaid; if it is medically necessary, at least a portion of the cost is covered
- Consider supplemental insurance to go above what Medicaid covers
- Use mail order companies to buy the hearing aid (try out a few pairs and test one before ordering)
- Visit several audiologists and compare, ask them for referrals and ways to save
- Buy when items are on sale or if a new model just came out, consider a previous model of the hearing aid you’re considering
Lastly, shop around. The best way to know you are actually getting a great deal and paying the lowest price for your hearing aid is to compare more than one product. Doing this, you can often find a better/superior quality hearing aid, for a lower price. Don’t simply choose the first item you find or try out. Shop, compare, learn about features and options, and look for the best deals possible, if you are experiencing significant levels of hearing loss, and need to invest in a pair of hearing ai