Many people become overwhelmed once they realize they need hearing aids. In many cases, they have mixed feelings about the devices; they know they can improve their hearing and quality of life, but they also have some concerns.
The biggest concern usually relates to money: How much are hearing aids? There’s a lot of numbers floating around out there, and it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. So how much does it really cost to hear your best?
A Huge Range of Estimates
The first thing you’ll realize about hearing aid pricing is there’s an enormous range of estimates. At the low end, some people will tell you the price should be somewhere around $600 per device. And while you can get devices for this price point, everything really comes down to the advice of your audiologist—do those $500 go far when it comes to quality and performance? The right doctoral-level audiologist can answer that question.
At the other end of the spectrum, some people will tell you hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars.
Why the enormous range? A few factors are at play. First, you have several manufacturers as well as many different models with different functionality. Next, it also depends on where you purchase your hearing aids and whether or not that price includes more than just the device, such as consultations, custom fittings, wax removal and ongoing service/maintenance.
A Better Understanding
You may feel overwhelmed by the enormous range of estimates around the question “how much are hearing aids?” That’s natural. If you want a better understanding of what hearing aids will cost you, then you need to consider a few things.
First, think about what you need in a hearing aid. Someone who is quite active and participates in many social activities has different needs than someone who prefers to listen to the television or enjoys one-on-one conversation with friends. Your hearing loss will also play into what type of hearing aids would be best for you. Your audiologist should be able to help set important goals and objectives based upon your unique hearing loss.
Next, you’ll also need to consider where you want to purchase your hearing aids. There are many options in today’s environment and they couldn’t be more different. It’s important you are fully aware of what you are getting into before making your decision. Big-box retail outlets or wholesalers have more limited options available because they purchase in bulk. They also don’t have the systems in place for the important ongoing support and follow-up care so critical to long-term success.
Although some options may be more attractive because of low cost, this may not translate to best performance or overall satisfaction as compared to working with an independent professional who has many options at their disposal to make individual recommendations from the best technologies currently available.
How Much Will You Pay?
As you continue to try to figure out the answer to the question “how much are hearing aids,” you’ll also want to know how much you’ll end up paying out of pocket. Our staff is experienced in checking your insurance plan or benefits, and providing you with an estimate.
Finally, always talk to an audiologist—an audiologist understands your hearing needs as well as your budgetary needs, and they’ll work with you to find something that works for you.
How Much Are Hearing Aids?
At the end of the day, you still need an answer to the question: Just how much are hearing aids? The answer, of course, will depend on a number of factors unique to you and your situation.
A reasonable estimate is around $1,900 to $3,000 per ear for quality devices and technology. You can, of course, pay a lot less or a lot more, but the average cost falls somewhere in the middle of that wide range. Devices in the $1,900 to $3,000 per ear range should support hearing well.
They should also fit well and have user-friendly functionalities; some lower-cost models can’t boast the same. For the money, devices in this range are a good solution to you hearing issues and should include important follow up services during the critical acclimatization period.
There are also low cost options in the $600-1200 per ear range which will provide basic features and may have more limited follow-up services included as a way to keep the overall cost down.
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