In fact, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that among adults with hearing loss, fewer than 30 percent, age 70 and older, currently use or have used a hearing aid. What’s more, only 16 percent of adults ages 20 to 69 with hearing loss have used a hearing aid. Here’s what you need to know about hearing aid costs and how to lower the overall price. 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:
FittingsOngoing professional servicesRepairsLoaner hearing aidsThe 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 services and support, the higher the costs.Insurance benefits Some private health insurance providers offer limited benefits for hearing evaluations and devices, lowering the cost.
Why Do Hearing Aids Cost So Much?
Hearing aids are expensive. Whether you buy a basic model or the top of the line, the costs associated with these devices are often why people avoid purchasing them. One factor driving up costs is technology. Improved innovations in technology, research and development, Bluetooth, smartphone apps, and other add-on services that improve the user experience can significantly increase the final price. And finally, hearing aid companies likely raise the sticker price to account for manufacturing costs, parts, and other business-related expenses required to produce the device.
Can I Buy Hearing Aids Online?
Purchasing hearing aids online is now a popular option for many people. You have several ways to go about buying devices online. Big-box retailers like Walmart sell hearing aids online. You can also purchase hearing aids through an online discount network that sells devices at up to 35 percent less than retail price. These online suppliers work with a local hearing center or audiologist to offer you high-quality hearing aids at a reduced cost.
Direct-to-Consumer Hearing Aid Companies
Direct-to-consumer companies like Eargo, Jabra Enhance, MDHearing, and Audicus offer hearing products directly to you online. A professional hearing test or evaluation is not required to purchase from these companies, but many sites offer an online hearing test to help you make informed decisions about your hearing needs. Additionally, some direct-to-consumer companies provide consultation via phone or online with an in-house audiologist during the purchase process and after to help with programming.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
You may be interested in purchasing hearing aids over the counter at your local drugstore or big-box retailer, but technically speaking, over-the-counter hearing aids aren’t available yet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was tasked through the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 with developing regulations to make high-quality hearing aids more accessible to people with self-perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. But these regulations are not in place yet. On July 9, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order directing the FDA to provide guidance within 120 days that would allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter. While retailers and consumers alike await the FDA’s ruling on over-the-counter hearing aids, hearing aids can be purchased online from direct-to-consumer sites.
Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?
If you have private health insurance through an employer or a self-paid individual or family plan, you may have hearing aid benefits. Some private health plans will pay for a hearing evaluation or cover a small portion of hearing aid costs. But many do not offer any benefits for hearing aids. Make sure to check the fine print in your benefits booklet before purchasing hearing aids. Several states have mandates that require health benefits plans in the state to pay for hearing aids for children, and some even have stipulations for adults allowing for hearing aid benefits, so it’s worth looking into your plan. Additionally, Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. If you have Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage plan, you may want to contact your plan provider. Some Part C plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
Is Financing Available for Hearing Aids?
Financing is available for hearing aids through select hearing centers and online distributors. Most licensed hearing specialists and centers offer some type of financing to help with the cost or offer payment plans that allow you to spread the costs over several months. But make sure to research the financing company before you sign on the dotted line. Nonprofit organizations like Help America Hear provide hearing aids to qualifying individuals with limited financial resources. Additionally, the NIDCD lists opportunities for low-cost hearing aids.
Why Invest in High-Quality Hearing Aids?
With the average cost of hearing aids ranging from $1,800 to more than $3,000, it might be tempting to go with the lowest-priced option you can find. And while some low-cost hearing aids are appropriate for mild hearing loss, experts generally recommend investing in a high-quality hearing aid for moderate to profound hearing loss. Severe to profound hearing loss requires a high-powered hearing aid, which provides the most amplification. This maximizes your ability to hear sound and understand what you are hearing. Many high-quality hearing aids also come with added features that make managing your device easier. Some of the more popular features include:
Bluetooth capabilitySmartphone appsFeedback suppressionSpeech enhancementRechargeable batteriesMultiple channels to adjust the volume of certain frequencies
If you’re ready to invest in a hearing aid, here are some steps to help you find the right fit.
Read up on your coverage. While most insurance companies do not provide hearing aid benefits, it’s still worth your time to call your plan representative to ask.Make an appointment with a licensed audiologist or hearing health professional to go over your hearing needs, ask questions about hearing aids, and get a hearing assessment. If you feel your hearing loss is due to a medical condition, you should see a licensed physician or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) to rule out any medical issues.Before you purchase a hearing aid, experts recommend you take a hearing test. Ideally, this is done in an audiologist’s office, with an expert interpreting the results. But at a minimum, use one of the online hearing tests that hearing aid manufacturers offer before purchasing the product.Purchase hearing aids through an audiologist or discount network that partners with an audiologist in your area. That said, it’s also a good idea to shop around before you settle on a provider.Ask for a detailed written contract that lays out costs, coverage, warranties, extra fees, return policy, guarantees, loss and damage insurance, and any other fine-print details. This is also the time to ask about fittings, adjustments, maintenance, and ongoing care.
The Bottom Line
High prices are often the reason people avoid buying hearing aids. The good news is that direct-to-consumer companies, online discount networks, and entry-level models sold by some of the premium brands are making it easier for people to afford hearing aids. If you’re looking to lower your costs, remember to buy only what you need, ask for unbundled packages, take some time to shop around, and look into financing the cost. Additionally, check your insurance coverage for any hearing benefits.
