HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PAY FOR HEARING AIDS?
How much you should spend to enhance your hearing with hearing aids or assistive listening devices depends on many factors. If you live alone in the woods, rarely talk on the phone, never listen to the radio or watch TV, and rarely venture out, then your hearing aid use will probably be low and it doesn’t make sense to opt for “top shelf” hearing aids.
On the other hand, even if you live by yourself, if you spend time in meetings at work, or like to watch TV, talk on the phone or listen to the news on the radio; if you enjoy socializing with friends and family, your use is going to be high. In fact, you’ll probably wear your hearing aids for 12 to 16 hours a day. You’ll want hearing aids that consistently perform well.
Given your high use, paying for high quality hearing aids is a good investment in your quality of life, in your ability to stay connected and to communicate well.
The Price and Value of Hearing Aids
Cost and value are two different things. Take out a piece of paper and make a list of how many times each day and each week you could benefit from using hearing aids. What are situations where hearing more clearly would help you enjoy life more? Look at your list and calculate what it would be worth to you, per day, to be an active part of the conversation. That’s the value to you of wearing hearing aids.
What Determines the Cost of Hearing Aids?
Cost is determined by features and function. The more features you want and the higher level of performance you’d like, the more you’ll pay. Almost-invisible hearing aids that work well across a broad spectrum of listening environments and are designed for someone with an active lifestyle are likely to be more costly (and work better) than cheap imitations.
Like any other technology, your hearing aid price depends on which features you choose and, more importantly, what your hearing healthcare professional recommends for you. The more features you receive, the more the hearing aids will cost.
For example, if you live a very active lifestyle, we may recommend dual microphones to help you hear better in noisy environments. Our patients are typically very satisfied with this feature.
All hearing aids come with an adjustment or trial period, typically 30 days from date of purchase. During this adjustment period, you’re welcome to visit us for any necessary fitting issues. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the hearing aids you buy, you can return them for a refund minus a small fitting/restocking fee.
Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are generally not covered by health insurance companies, with some exceptions. For eligible children and young adults ages 21 and under, Medicaid will pay for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, including hearing aids, under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) service. Also, children may be covered by their state’s early intervention program or State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Medicare does not cover hearing aids for adults; however, diagnostic evaluations are covered if they are ordered by a physician to assist in developing a treatment plan. Since Medicare has declared the bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) a prosthetic device and not a hearing aid, Medicare will cover the BAHA if other coverage policies are met.
Some nonprofit organizations provide financial assistance for hearing aids, while others may help provide used or refurbished aids.
We’ll help you make the right choice for your hearing needs, lifestyle and budget. Call or text us today at 732-451-6690
Why wait? You don’t have to live with hearing loss.
Why wait? You don’t have to live with hearing loss.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Before you buy a hearing aid, ask us these important questions:
- What features would be most useful to me?
- What is the total cost of the hearing aid?
- Do the benefits of newer technologies outweigh the higher costs?
- Is there a trial period to test the hearing aids? (Most manufacturers allow a 30-to 60-day trial period during which aids can be returned for a refund.)
- What fees are nonrefundable if the aids are returned after the trial period?
- How long is the warranty?
- Can it be extended?
- Does the warranty cover future maintenance and repairs?
- What service do they provide after the sale? Can the hearing aid specialist make adjustments and provide servicing and minor repairs?
- Will loaner aids be provided when repairs are needed?
- What instruction does the hearing aid specialist provide?