Hearing aids definitely have a bad reputation of being very expensive, and rightly so. I mean, paying $8000 - $12,000 for hearing aids seems very excessive. Well, I hope that by reading this article you learn something new about hearing aids and hearing healthcare and become a better informed patient.
Before we go any further, though, I would like to calm your reservations and let you know that at Space City Audiology, we pride ourselves on never offering a hearing aid to our patients that is more than $6000. The average cost of recommended hearing aids at our clinic is actually much less than this (thousands of dollars less). We believe that you deserve access to quality, top-of-the-line, hearing aids at an affordable price, with care provided by none other than an audiologist (hearing doctor).
We believe that you deserve access to quality, top-of-the-line, hearing aids at an affordable price, with care provided by none other than an audiologist.
Alright, back to the question... Do cheap hearing aids exist? The short answer is yes.
There are numerous places that one can go to seek hearing testing and hearing aids, but not all hearing testing and hearing aid facilities are created equal. Did you know? There are two different types of individuals that are currently legally able to fit a person with hearing aids? One is a hearing instrument specialist and the other is an audiologist. The main difference between these two providers is their level of training and expertise. An audiologist is someone who has completed extensive doctoral level education and training specifically for the purpose of testing and treating hearing and balance disorders. Basically, audiologists are your go to provider for all things hearing. After all, they are hearing doctors. A hearing instrument specialist, on the other hand, does not have the same training or qualifications as an audiologist. Why pay the same or more to be fit with hearing aids by a hearing instrument specialist when you could see an audiologist (hearing doctor)? The choice is ultimately yours. We, at Space City Audiologist, hope to enable you to make an informed decision.
Basically, audiologists are your go-to doctor for all things hearing.
After you decide which provider to obtain hearing aids from, there are a few more pieces of the puzzle to consider that factor into hearing aid pricing. Did you know? Many hearing aid providers include the cost of service and follow up care for you and your hearing aids in the price quoted to you for hearing aids. The included follow up care can range anywhere from a few visits to five years. This can quickly and easily drive up your up-front cost to purchase hearing aids. At Space City Audiology, we allow our patients to make an informed decision regarding paying up-front for their follow up care or to pay as they go for each service provided. Either way, hearing aids typically require several weeks up to several months of follow up care to have them adjusted properly to meet your specific needs. After your hearing aids are adjusted properly, it is recommended to have your hearing aids cleaned and checked once every three months to ensure they are working properly and to prolong the life of the devices. If someone tells you they have a hearing aid that does not require or allow any follow up adjustments to tweak your hearing aids specifically for you, run away. Fast. This device will not give you the best chance at hearing well.
At Space City Audiology, we allow our patients to make an informed decision regarding paying up-front for their follow up care or to pay as they go for each service provided.
Another piece of the hearing aid puzzle to consider is which device is right for you. There are numerous hearing aid manufacturers out there and it can be hard to sift through the options to decide which one is best for you. Here at Space City Audiology, we work with all six major hearing aid manufacturers in the United States. This includes Widex, Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, Oticon, and Signia (Siemens). It is important to discuss with your audiologist about your specific hearing goals to ensure that the best treatment option is recommended for you. Sometimes all it takes is a single goal of yours to completely shift the hearing aid recommendation to something that would better fit your needs. Depending on where you go to be fit with hearing aids, they may or may not have the flexibility to recommend the best hearing aid for you, as they may only work with one or two hearing aid manufacturers. If you decide to give us a visit, we will do the hard work of staying on top of the latest hearing aid advances and sift through all of the manufacturers for you, so that you can rest assured that the device(s) recommended to you are right for your specific needs.
In summary, hearing aid pricing and quality depends on several factors including hearing aid brand, technology level, hearing goals, chosen provider, and hearing aid follow up care options. Still have questions about hearing aids? Contact us today.
If you or someone you know has hearing loss and is currently considering purchasing hearing aids, please consider scheduling a hearing aid evaluation appointment here at Space City Audiology to discuss your specific needs and receive a hearing aid recommendation. If your hearing has been tested within the past six months by an audiologist, be sure to bring a copy of your hearing test to your appointment. Do you have a hearing aid benefit through your insurance? Give us a call and we would be more than happy to verify your benefit for you. We currently accept several major insurance plans when purchasing hearing aids.
Space City Audiology
Your destination for hearing healthcare
281-809-6008
info@spacecityaudiology.com