Beyond the Hearing Aid Price Tag: How to Make the Right Choice
Author: Liam Hickson, Victorian Hearing Audiologist
I have over 15 years of experience as an audiologist. But long before that, I was the work experience kid at Widex Hearing Aids in Melbourne, where I discovered the fascinating world of advanced hearing technology and its life-changing impact. That experience ignited my passion for hearing aids and inspired me to pursue a career as an audiologist.
While my early fascination with hearing aids sparked my career, I’ve since learned that for those living with hearing loss, the choice of hearing aid is not the most important factor in improving hearing. In fact, I believe the true difference lies in the relationship between a client and their audiologist. Clients need to feel empowered to embrace change, and they need the support of a skilled, experienced, and compassionate professional to guide them through that journey.
Navigating the Jungle of Hearing Aid Options
With so many hearing aid companies out there, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. There are brands like Signia, Widex, Oticon, and countless others. For someone just starting to explore hearing aids, it can feel nearly impossible to figure out how much to spend and which brand is the best fit.
A quick Google search of “What is the best hearing aid?” or “Hearing aid prices” will show you just how much variation there is in what’s considered “the best” or a reasonable price. The options can be confusing, to say the least.
Good Audiologists Make a Difference
If you don’t spend any money learning to drive from an experienced driving instructor, are you going to get the same enjoyment driving an expensive car than if you had? The likely answer is no. A car you can’t drive will most likely end up in the garage gathering dust, sold, or (heaven forbid) crashed into something. Like a fast car, 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 solid advice, value your feedback, make adjustments and, most of all, someone who won’t give up until you’re happy.
Tips for Success When Considering Hearing Aid Prices
The other half of this equation is you! After many years of helping transform people into happy, successful hearing aid wearers, here’s what I’d recommend you do to ensure you get the best hearing aid, no matter how much you are willing to spend:
• Bring someone with you. Having someone to support you through this process often leads to better choices and better results in the long run.
• Trust your audiologist. Your audiologist is a university-trained health care professional with a passion for better hearing. They have your best interests at heart.
• 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 we can then help you choose the best hearing aid at the right price.
• Know your budget. Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars. Knowing how much your health insurance coverage for hearing aids is will help you get the best value from your money. If you have a pension card, an NDIS plan or a workplace hearing injury, you may qualify for free hearing aids.
• Ask if your audiologist works on commission or receives profit-sharing. Consider if your audiologist’s opinion is unbiased if they are under some sort of sales pressure or incentive.
• Ask if other clinics can adjust your hearing aids. Some national chains in Australia sell rebranded hearing aids that may prevent you from taking them to be adjusted at a competitor. Cheaper priced hearing aids can often lead to fewer options for aftercare service later.
• 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 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, unbiased, independent team at Victorian Hearing for an appointment.