Hearing Aids in 2021: Why Do They Cost So Much? – Everyday Health
What’s Included in the Price?
The price you see listed under a hearing aid device might not be the final amount you pay before walking out the door. In general, the overall cost of a hearing aid can include services like fitting and dispensing fees, aftercare, adjustments, warranties, customization, and ongoing care such as future appointments.
These fees are in addition to the hearing aid device and are typically associated with a hearing center or audiologist. But if you pur…….
What’s Included in the Price?
The price you see listed under a hearing aid device might not be the final amount you pay before walking out the door. In general, the overall cost of a hearing aid can include services like fitting and dispensing fees, aftercare, adjustments, warranties, customization, and ongoing care such as future appointments.
These fees are in addition to the hearing aid device and are typically associated with a hearing center or audiologist. But if you purchase hearing aids online through a direct-to-consumer site, the price may include only the hearing aid device. Some people choose to add a warranty or accessories that increase the final price.
Bundling Costs
If the audiologist or hearing center bundles costs, you may also notice a higher sticker price. Bundling involves paying one price for all your hearing aid needs:
- Fittings
- Ongoing professional services
- Repairs
- Loaner hearing aids
- The hearing aid device itself
But if you ask to have the costs unbundled, you pay just for the hearing aid, then purchase services as needed. Whether to bundle or unbundle is a personal decision. Some people like the security that bundling provides, while others prefer a pay-as-you-go model.
Factors Affecting Hearing Aid Costs
Hearing aid costs range from $399 to more than $6,000, leaving many people wondering about the big price differences. While not an exhaustive list, here are some of the more common factors affecting the overall cost.
- Technology level Improved innovations, cutting-edge technology, connectivity features like Bluetooth, smartphone apps, wireless components, telecoil, and multiple channels to adjust the volume of certain frequencies all increase the cost of hearing aids.
- Hearing aid style The style you choose can affect the bottom line. For example, in-the-ear hearing aids are often more expensive than behind-the-ear models.
- Battery type Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries typically have a higher initial cost than models with disposable batteries. That said, a rechargeable battery could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
- Operational features Tools like feedback management, noise reduction, directional microphones, wind noise management, artificial intelligence, and tinnitus-masking features add to the overall cost.
- Hearing aid model Some hearing aid companies have previous models that are more affordable and often very similar to their latest version. When shopping, look for an older model and compare the features. Sometimes the differences are so minimal that it’s worth it to go with the cheaper one.
- Support and ongoing care Hearing consultations, fittings, adjustments, and ongoing care from an audiologist or hearing center professional can affect hearing aid costs. The more …….
Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/hearing-aids-cost/
