Hearing aids are incredibly expensive, and the cost can be a barrier for many people who need them. But why are they so expensive? The answer lies in the amount of research and development that goes into making hearing aids smaller, more powerful, and more natural-sounding. Companies continue to invest in improvements, and fees often cover the services of a highly trained audiologist. Cost reductions can't come soon enough for those who rely on hearing aids.The cost of hearing aids includes the device itself, as well as the services of a professional.
The relationship between manufacturers, audiologists, and end-patients plays a role in the prices we see. Manufacturers invest a lot of time and money in research and development to build better and more sophisticated hearing aids year after year. Technology is also a factor that increases costs.Direct-to-consumer companies such as Eargo, Lively, MDHearingAid, and Audicus offer hearing products directly online. While overall hearing aid prices have remained stable, the technology you can get for the price is much higher than it was two years ago.
If you qualify, the VA normally pays for everything related to the hearing aid, including the supply of batteries.It's important to consult an audiologist before buying hearing aids, at least for the first pair. A hearing problem may be caused by something that a hearing aid doesn't solve, such as wax buildup, but that an audiologist can diagnose. Without first consulting an audiologist, consumers may be wasting money on hearing aids that they don't need or that aren't suitable for their type of hearing loss.Research has shown that hearing problems can have serious health consequences, leading to falls, cognitive problems, depression, and social isolation. It's about improving your ability to hear “lost” frequencies that help you discern speech amid noise and other important sounds.The high cost of hearing aids is the main reason why many people give up these life-changing devices.
However, there are steps you can take to improve your heart health through cardiovascular fitness and minimize the risk of hearing damage. Check if the clinic you are considering has any proactive programs to ensure your continued satisfaction with your hearing devices.
