Nearly 30 million Americans, or 13% of the population, have hearing loss in both ears. This may range from minor hearing problems to pure deafness. Regardless of the severity of the problem, however, hearing loss can be an impairing and confusing condition to deal with. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about the use of hearing aids. Dispelling common myths about hearing aid pricing can help you or your loved one make informed decisions when purchasing hearing aids.
Myth #1: Good hearing aids are outside of the average person’s price range.
Too often, people with hearing loss — particularly those with milder hearing problems — dismiss the idea of getting hearing aids because of concerns about cost. Although it is true that some hearing aid models can be pricey, there are hearing aids available at a range of price points. The best first step to take is to find a location that specializes in fitting and selling hearing aids. Good sales associates will discuss your budget and find a high-quality solution within your price point.
Myth #2: Insurance never covers the costs of hearing aids.
It’s true that level of coverage may vary by your insurance provider, but many people mistakenly believe that they must pay the full sticker price for hearing aids. In fact, many insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of hearing aids. This may include a specified amount (perhaps $500 to $1,000) toward a hearing aid purchase or an allowed amount per year. Check with your insurance company to see if they have coverage for hearing enhancement devices.
Myth #3: Buying hearing aids online is always cheaper.
Many online providers offer deals that seem too good to be true — and that’s because they usually are. While it is possible to find an online retailer selling hearing aids at rock bottom prices, those devices are often poorer quality and have a much shorter lifespan than alternatives. Brick and mortar stores may be able to provide a higher quality hearing aid with discounts to make the purchase more affordable.
Myth #4: A person must be able to come up with a lump sum of hundreds of dollars to purchase hearing aids.
It’s easy to get sticker shock when discussing the cost of hearing aids. However, hearing centers are used to working with people who are on fixed incomes. Ask about payment plans to see how you can defray the costs of hearing aids by spreading them out over several months.
Myth #5: The “fancier” hearing aid models just aren’t worth the price.
It’s important to consider hearing aids a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Although “fancy” hearing aids may not be for everyone, features such as directional microphones, Bluetooth capabilities, a telephone switch, or direct audio input can be worth the additional investment. Discuss your daily routine and hearing challenges with a hearing aid specialist to find the model that best fits your lifestyle.