The Cost of Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know
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Many would benefit from hearing aids, but only
Hearing aids are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated medical devices that are worn in or behind the ear. Whether you can easily afford them or not, hearing aids can be expensive. On average, a set of hearing aids may cost anywhere from $900 to $6,000 or more.
“Hearing aids vary in cost, but this doesn’t always reflect their effectiveness It is possible that one person’s idea of what works for another person is not compatible with their own.”
In some instances, more expensive hearing aids may come with high-end features, such as Bluetooth wireless connectivity or tinnitus masking.
Types of hearing aids
There are different types of hearing aids.
- Behind the ear is called the BTE.
- In the ear is where it is located.
- In the canal.
- Completely in the canal.
Each style has the same basic parts and works in the same way.
A set of hearing aids can cost as much as $6,000. They are supposed to last for a long time.
Services and add-ons can be included in the full cost of hearing aids. This is a common practice.
Bundled pricing vs. unbundled
Hearing aid costs can be bundled.
- A hearing test.
- A consultation with a hearing professional.
- fitting and adjustments
- Hearing aid cleanings.
- A one-time replacement of hearing aids is a warranty.
You can pick and choose the items you want to buy when the hearing aids are unbundled. This may help you with your cost.
Your location and healthcare professionals
The price of hearing aids can be influenced by a number of factors, including your state of residence and the hearing aid dispensers you are working with.
Technology
Hearing aid technology is constantly evolving. The newest hearing aids are better than ever. Some have features that help mask the sound of ringing in the ears.
Basic options are available for a lower cost if you are on a budget. You can expect less personalization, limited fine- tuning, and the need for manual adjustments at a lower price point.
“That doesn’t mean you should settle for a mediocre product. Hearing aids are even more affordable.”
- Two hearing aids can work together without a wire.
- The hearing aid wearer can hear the sounds of the microphones.
- The sound signal is analyzed and the background noise and static is reduced.
In 2015, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology compiled a report on hearing technologies. This report identified several factors that escalate the cost of hearing aids. These factors include:
- There is no health insurance.
- Improved technology but not lower consumer costs.
- The costs associated with hearing aids are bundled.
- State regulations that make it difficult for consumers to compare prices are also included.
Hearing aid dispensers who work with a few manufacturers are part of the sales practices. You may not be offered a complete range of hearing aid brands or models, including those that are budget-priced.
Hearing aid manufacturers may have a high cost of production, which includes parts, manufacturing, and employee salaries. The price of hearing aids are built on these costs.
Read about buying hearing aids.
In some instances, the high cost of hearing aids may be a barrier to getting them. To address this issue, the
The same way prescription hearing aids work, OTC hearing aids will do the same thing. They are different from personal sound amplification products.
The new OTC hearing aids are meant for people with
The hearing aids will be available in stores. They will be available online.
There are many online retailers that sell hearing aids at a reduced cost. Some manufacturers sell their own devices, too. Most online retailers are able to work with an existing copy of your audiogram (hearing prescription), and some provide free online hearing tests or phone consultations with a specialist.
Online hearing aids retailers include:
Lively
Lively sells their own brand of hearing aids online. To purchase Lively hearing aids, you’ll take a free hearing test online. Lively hearing aids connect to an app. Through the app, the Lively audiology team can adjust your hearing aids as needed.
3 years of audiological care and a 100 day guarantee are included in the price of your hearing aids.
Eargo
Eargo hearing aids are sold directly to consumers online. Eargo hearing aids are self-fitting and don’t require an audiogram. Through an app, you can personalize Eargo hearing aids for sound environments such as windy outdoor areas and noisy indoor environments. A free Eargo hearing screening can be accessed online.
The hearing aids come with a risk-free guarantee and are nearly invisible in the ear.
Costco hearing aids
Hearing services and devices are provided by the Hearing Aid Centers. The company has its own hearing aids called the Kirkland Signature brand.
Hearing aid clients can get free follow-ups from the store. This includes free cleanings. The 180-day trial is a generous feature of most devices.
You need to be a member of the club to shop at the center.
Comparison table
| Name | Customizable? | Hearing test | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lively | yes | • free and online | • hearing aid connects to app • Lively audiologist team can help adjust settings • 3 years of care • 100-day, risk-free guarantee |
| Eargo | no; self-fitting | • free and online | • can personalize aids for sound by environment through app • 45-day, risk-free trial |
| Costco Hearing Aids | – | • free, but in-store • need to be a member |
• free follow-ups and cleanings for clients • 180-day trial period |
“Most insurance plans don’t cover the full cost of hearing aids. Some insurers give partial coverage.”
Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage Part C plans may cover them, though.
When you call your insurance provider, you might ask about coverage.
- Does my plan cover hearing aids?
- Does my plan include a stipend for hearing aids? Is the stipend per ear?
- Is it only through certain providers? Which ones? I need a list of approved providers in my area.
- Can I use my stipend to claim a benefit for hearing aids? Is it only for specific models?
- Is there anything else I need to know about coverage eligibility, like the degree of hearing loss, or how much coverage is needed?
If you think your insurance will cover them, never buy hearing aids. Before you can file a medical device claim, you need to go through a process that includes getting a cost estimate, which is a requirement by most insurance providers.
- Deals at some stores. Many people report getting better-than-expected deals through wholesale clubs and at big-box stores.
- Online stores. Online retailers may also provide cost savings by cutting out the middleman and showcasing a large variety of models and brands for you to choose between.
- Certain Medicare coverage. If you know you need hearing aids and are eligible for Medicare, shop for a Part C plan that covers the cost or partial cost of hearing aids.
- HSA or FSA, with insurance coverage. If you currently have a high deductible health insurance plan, you may be able to benefit from using a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) so you can pay for your hearing aids with pretax dollars.
- Ask for the itemized breakdown of costs. Ask your hearing aid dispenser to give you the unbundled breakdown of costs for your hearing aids. If there are items you feel you do not need, do not buy them.
- Choosing basic models. Eliminate expensive bells and whistles, such as Bluetooth capability and voice recognition.
- Clubs, organizations, or associations you may be part of. Check to see whether organizations you belong to, such as your school’s alumni club, provide discounts on hearing aids.
- Insights from healthcare professionals. If cost is a barrier, talk with your doctor, nurse, or audiologist. They may be able to identify affordable hearing aids that are priced within your budget. They also may be able to point you toward leasing options that allow you to make low monthly payments rather than paying the whole sum upfront.
Hearing aid manufacturers can provide payment plans that allow you to make monthly payments over a period of time.
Be careful with healthcare credit cards. These may have terms that make it hard to manage or pay back, such as interest rates that change and are high.
Organizations like Help America Hear work with people of all ages who have limited resources.
OTC hearing aids are a
PSAPs are personal sound amplification products that are not examined by an audiologist before you purchase them.
PSAPs are not recommended for people with hearing loss. They are designed for people who want to amplify sounds.
PSAPs are not FDA- regulated.
“They are less expensive than hearing aids but can’t provide the same benefits. Speech and noise can be separated by PSAPs. They can’t be tailored to meet your needs.”
The increase in sound volume may cause hearing damage.
Untreated hearing loss can have severe effects on quality of life, especially in older adults.
- There is loneliness.
- Is there isolation.
- dependence
- It was frustrating.
Hearing loss can make it difficult to interact with others, and people can be isolated. If you are having trouble hearing, you might find yourself being quick to anger.
Loss of hearing can also contribute to increased stress levels and depression. In older adults, hearing loss may increase the risk of developing neurological disorders like dementia, according to a
Hearing aids can help people maintain their independence. Hearing aids can help people with hearing issues communicate more effectively. They can also make music better.
When you start to notice hearing loss, you should visit an audiologist.
Why is it crucial to get A hearing test.? Some forms of hearing loss happen because of underlying conditions. For example, some neurological conditions can cause hearing loss. In this case, getting a hearing aid won’t necessarily treat the issue.
An audiologist is qualified to help you find the best hearing aid for your needs. They can make devices for your specific hearing loss.
Hearing loss may be present from birth (congenital hearing loss) or occur later in life (acquired hearing loss). Here are some causes of hearing loss in adults:
- Otosclerosis: This disease makes it difficult for the bones in the middle ear to move. It usually requires treatment with surgery.
- Ménière’s disease: Doctors don’t know what causes this inner ear disorder. It can lead to vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Hearing loss comes and goes but may eventually become permanent.
- Autoimmune inner ear disease: This rare disorder happens when your body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in your inner ear. Hearing loss happens quickly.
- Ototoxic medications: Some medications can cause hearing loss, including aminoglycoside antibiotics, high doses of aspirin, and some chemotherapy drugs.
- Very loud noise: Loud noises can cause permanent damage to the ears and loss of hearing. Chronic exposure is the most common way this happens, but an extremely loud sound could cause sudden hearing loss.
- Acoustic neuroma: This tumor can cause ringing in the ears and hearing loss.
- Physical head injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) or damage to the middle ear or eardrum can cause hearing loss.
- Presbycusis: This sensorineural hearing loss occurs with age. Speech and sound may begin to sound muffled or unclear.
There are some things you can do to protect your hearing.
Because noise exposure is a major cause of hearing loss, wear ear protection when you’re exposed to loud noises, such as when using power tools, riding a motorcycle, or attending a concert. Also, turn down the volume on your headphones or earbuds, and take breaks from using them.
If you have a health condition that could lead to hearing loss, you should work with your healthcare team to manage it.
“Smoking is a risk factor for hearing loss, so it’s important to find a smoking cessation tool that works for you.”
Hearing screenings are important as you age. Early detection and treatment of hearing problems can help slow the progression of hearing loss.
Does Medicare cover the cost of hearing aids?
“No. Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids. Medicare Advantage C plans are unlikely to provide coverage.”
Can you buy just one hearing aid?
Of course! Users can buy hearing aid devices in pairs.
Are hearing aids tax deductible?
According to the IRS, you can only deduct medical expenses, such as hearing aids, if they surpass 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income.
How long do hearing aids last?
Hearing aids will last on average about 3 to 7 years. This can be different depending on use.
Hearing aids are FDA approved to improve hearing in people with hearing loss.
Hearing aids can be expensive. Health insurance plans do not cover hearing aids. Neither does original Medicare.
There are ways to reduce the cost of hearing aids. Financing and payment plan options are available.
Your audiologist can help you identify hearing aids that are affordable for you.
