Handful Tips to Help with Hearing Aid Costs

A Handful of Tips to Help with Hearing Aid Costs

Published on: September 28, 2021
Last Updated: September 28, 2021

A Handful of Tips to Help with Hearing Aid Costs

Published on: September 28, 2021
Last Updated: September 28, 2021

With age comes specific physical deterioration with which we as humans must contend. One of those is gradual hearing loss, with nearly half of seniors over the age of 75 succumbing to some degree of loss. Hearing aids ease the process to improve the overall quality of life.

Unfortunately, a very small percentage of individuals who would see a difference with these devices will actually attempt to use them. The cost deems unaffordable for a majority of those in the age bracket.

Fortunately, more options are available, including hearing aid rental from Audien Hearing and new buying options for various gears. If you consider a brand that offers lower-tech varieties, the price could be substantially lower than those offering extensive features, and these might prove considerably easier to use also.

Factors That Affect the Costs of Hearing Aids

Consumer Reports indicates an average cost for single devices at as much as approximately $5000 for two. When buying as a pair, the price was substantially lower per device to the highest price point of approximately $4600 for the pair. A majority of people will buy their devices as a pair.

Claims suggest the average gear costs approximately $2500, but you have the potential to pay as little as $500, but this would be for a basic pair with minimal technological features. Some people might not want advanced equipment but, instead, prefer the ease of use, and for some, it will depend on the degree of loss and lifestyle.

Today’s innovations have come a long way than even merely a decade ago, with some reminiscent of “smartphone headsets” that allow you to receive calls, stream podcasts or music, and use them as a means for physical health tracking. While the feature might be beneficial to a more tech-savvy individual, the price point advances with each one you add. It’s wise to have only what you know you’ll need and use. Go to https://www.consumerreports.org/hearing-aids/ways-to-spend-less-on-a-hearing-aid/. Some popular options for the devices include:

  • Channel Settings:  These allow volume adjustments for specific frequencies like lower or high pitches depending on your kind of impairment.
  • Taking Direction: The feature implements directional microphones for concentration on the sounds when people speak to you.
  • Enhancing Speech:  This allows artificial sounds like television, spoken words, and other audio sources to amplify for clearer interpretation.
  • Suppressed Feedback: Occasionally, with hearing aids, there is background noise like whistles or whining sounds, but this enhancement eliminates that from the microphone.
  • Suppress Wind: When you are active outside, there can be wind interference, but it is possible to minimize the volume if you have this.
  • Recharging Batteries: Disposable batteries can become quite expensive, but if you invest in rechargeable options, you can have as much as 16 hours before you need to charge and no costs for new batteries.

You can bypass the high-tech features or choose to go for an older model offering features that are not as current to bring the price down to a more reasonable level. Some of these, even those outdated, can give users enhanced quality of life by enabling a better hearing experience.

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Helpful Hints on Lowering Device Costs

There is little help for purchasing hearing aids from Medicare or insurance providers. You can choose to buy direct or even buy online (a relatively new concept) to save some costs.

As a rule, the suggestion is that buying the devices from the manufacturer directly online (if you want to purchase them) is the most budget-friendly option. Some individuals opt for renting rather than buying. There is the potential to save as much as 50% compared to a hearing facility. Other helpful hints:

  • Only Buy the Basics Instead of Advanced Features: It is appealing when you have an impairment to want to indulge in as many cutting-edge features that will bring the ability back to as normal as possible no matter how high-end.

If you pay attention, much of the technology is not necessary for this capacity. For instance, when tracking physical health, you can use a health tracking app or another device-specific for that.

Health monitoring added in with enhancing the capacity to hear seems odd unless you have a definitive need for the service and would prefer to consolidate devices as opposed to having multiple pieces of equipment.

  • HSA or Health Savings Account Can Help with Costs:  Under the HSA regulations, hearing aids qualify, meaning you can withdraw funds without penalty to purchase the devices.

When you pay cash upfront for your purchase, you avoid interest charges that typically come with financing.

  • Buy Online and Then Use A Professional: Save a chunk of money by purchasing the pair online, but then have them professionally fitted if you are concerned.

You should already have a specialist who takes care of testing your hearing and taking care of your audiology needs. This person can make sure the gear fits correctly and ensure the devices are right for your needs.

No matter where you buy from, you should see your doctor for an assessment with the units. Safety and wellness are top priorities when it comes to your health.

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Final Thought

Unfortunately, it used to be that many people avoided correcting their hearing impairments because they simply could not afford the aids to help them improve the condition, whether mild or severe. Click here for guidance on how to choose the right devices for you.

Now, many opportunities present themselves to those who struggle. Options include renting devices, over-the-counter aids, even buying online. Online purchases can decrease the price as low as $500 for a basic model.

If given high-end advanced technology as your only option, remember you do not have to take features that you do not need or want or will use. You can go as generic as you want.

You can also go for older models with less current technology that will still offer advantages. It is essential to speak with your doctor and research to find what is available to you. Do not avoid correction. There is something available for everyone at every price point.

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Written by Jason Wise

Hello! I’m the editor at EarthWeb, with a particular interest in business and technology topics, including social media, privacy, and cryptocurrency. As an experienced editor and researcher, I have a passion for exploring the latest trends and innovations in these fields and sharing my insights with our readers. I also enjoy testing and reviewing products, and you’ll often find my reviews and recommendations on EarthWeb. With a focus on providing informative and engaging content, I am committed to ensuring that EarthWeb remains a leading source of news and analysis in the tech industry.