Why do the costs of hearing aids differ so much?
Author: Liam Hickson, Victorian Hearing Audiologist
So many hearing aid companies exist, so choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming. There are the ‘big’ hearing aid brands (eg. Phonak, Widex, and Oticon, to name a few), and also ‘white label’ hearing aid brands (big brand manufacturer products named something else) that are sold by chains of hearing clinics. Confused, yet? It must feel impossible for someone who’s just started to consider hearing aids to decide how much to spend and what’s the best brand for them. Google search “What is the best hearing aid?” or “Hearing aid prices,” and you’ll see for yourself that there is a huge variation in what is considered “the best” or a reasonable price.
Technology: What features are worth paying for?
When thinking about how hearing aids are priced, there are two main factors to consider:
1. The smallest hearing aids, generally speaking, tend to be more expensive than bigger ones. Paying for a customised fit allows the hearing aid components to be precisely packaged into the smallest possible space. This helps the hearing aid to sit as deeply and discreetly into the ear canal as physically possible. But beware! The smallest hearing aids lack some key features (like Bluetooth, directional microphones, or recharging capabilities) as a way to save space inside, leaving gaps in performance.
2. The more advanced the noise reduction/speech enhancement, directional microphone systems and AI features are, the more expensive a hearing aid will be. Research and development into hearing aid technology costs money, so the hearing aid companies developing these incredible machines need to recoup their development costs. Also, hearing aids aren’t as widely sold as other consumer electronics like smart phones, so the cost at-scale is lower. Over time, older features become available in cheaper models.
Good audiologists make a difference:
A hearing aid is just a device that is only as good as the way it’s set up. You need someone experienced to give you trusted advice, value your feedback, make adjustments, and most of all, someone who will support you along the way. A good audiologist will discuss your hearing difficulties and how they effect you in detail, perform a thorough hearing assessment, make unbiased recommendations as to how to proceed and then use best-practice techniques for hearing aid fitting that includes insitu testing that takes into consideration the size and shape of your ear canal, as well as the severity and type of hearing loss.
Tips for success when considering hearing aid prices:
While buying your first pair of hearing aids (or second, third or fourth!) can be daunting, here are some easy steps to follow to ensure that you are happy with your investment:
• Bring someone with you. Having someone supportive come to your hearing appointments often leads to better choices, and thus better results in the long run.
• Advocate for yourself and know what’s important to you. Come prepared to talk about your goals and know your priorities. The more you share, the better your audiologist can help you choose the best hearing aid for you.
• Know your budget. Knowing how much rebate you will get back from any private health insurance with extras policy, can help you decide which hearing aid technology suits your budget. If you have a pension card, a NDIS plan or a workplace hearing injury, you may qualify for full or partially subsidized hearing aids.
• Ask if your audiologist works on commission or receives profit-sharing. Consider if your audiologist’s opinion is unbiased or if they have hearing aid sales targets, rewards or incentives.
• Ask if other clinics can adjust your hearing aids. Purchasing a ‘white label’ hearing aid from a big chain may prevent you from taking them to be adjusted at another provider. Cheaper priced hearing aids can often lead to fewer options for aftercare service later if you’re having issues or you are dissatisfied with service.
• Warranty, and the ongoing costs of servicing and adjusting hearing aids. Expect your hearing aids to last four or more years. One thing that people don’t realise about hearing aids is that the repair costs can skyrocket once they are out of warranty. Three year warranties on hearing aids are standard, but four and five year warranties do exist. The longer the warranty is, the less you pay in the long run. So, ask about the warranty!
If you’re feeling confused about hearing aid prices or choosing the best hearing aid for your needs, it’s best to chat to an audiologist. Contact the experienced team at Victorian Hearing to book in a consultation.
With eleven clinics across Melbourne, you’re sure to find a friendly smile and expert support from the dedicated team at Victorian Hearing. Call (03) 9558 8842 or book online.