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Currently, about 40 million Americans suffer from some form of a hearing loss condition. Depending on the diagnosis and severity of the disease, most of them need to use hearing aids.
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to purchase them because of the high price of the devices. Today we will take a closer look at the pricing of hearing aids in 2020, analyze how it is formed, and also recommend you the easiest way to purchase them and save on it.
Will health insurance cover my hearing aids?
Some insurance and Medicare options may partially or fully cover the price of a hearing aid, but this is a rare occurrence. Therefore, the cost of hearing aids outrages some people who need to purchase them, moreover, most of them, for this reason, generally refuse to purchase the device.
Did you know that nearly 40 million Americans suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss? Only 30% of them use special devices, which get them back to a happy life style. Why is there not a greater acceptance of hearing aids if we know they improve quality of life? One of the main reasons is its high cost. On average, one such high-tech device costs about $ 2600. This certainly hits the budget of an ordinary American
In this situation, veterans get to utilize special benefits. A special program for acquiring devices has been developed for this category of citizens. Furthermore, they may be provided with additional commercial assistance in paying for the treatment of problems related to hearing loss.
If you belong to a union, you should inquire, as most union plans offer a benefit package for hearing aids.
Why are hearing aids so expensive?
Audiology Island always sets reasonable prices for hearing aids. Drs. Fulman and Shapiro began the unbundling process in late 2015 and introduced a billing model that has helped to lower the up-front cost of hearing aids and services.
Let’s get the definition of a few terms so that it becomes more understandable.
Unbundled—verb: to separate.
Bundled—verb: to offer or supply (related products or services) in a single transaction at one all-inclusive price.
In an unbundled model, (a model that Audiology Island utilizes) the price of the hearing aids is separated from the cost of the provided services. Most audiological practices utilize a more common model – bundled, where the price of hearing aids includes the fees for the professional services for a specified period of time. They also offer so called “free services”. You have to understand that the free hearing tests are not actually free. The cost of providing any type of service is bundled into the cost of hearing aids. In addition, the free hearing test in most cases is not a comprehensive evaluation and is just a screening, as Medicare prohibits any free evaluations. The bundled model also includes such services as hearing aid fittings, follow-up appointments and repairs of hearing aids. In a clinic that utilities a bundled model, the number of visits needed is averaged for a specific period of time, this covers the services and cost of doing business. This fee is added to the price of hearing aids and that makes up the cost of the hearing aids that’s offered to you.
Reasonable prices for hearing aids at Audiology Island
At Audiology Island we offer pay-as-you-go option, where you pay a much lower price for the hearing aids and. Following appointments are fee-for-service, the same way as when you visit any other health care provider.
At our clinic, following the evaluation and adjustment period, patients are seen three to four times per year for maintenance. Most of our patients report that this model is appealing as the up-front investment is lower and the maintenance fees are fair and manageable as they are distributed over time.
This year was a perfect example of how the bundled model did not work for many patients, where due to Covid-19 most clinics were closed, and patients who purchased their hearing aids at a clinic with a bundled model could not utilize their services even though they were paid for.
We want our patients to understand that the “free visits” are being paid for, upfront. Therefore the cost of hearing aids at a bundled clinic is much higher than at Audiology Island, that utilizes an unbundled option.
You should always remember that you have every right to find a better price for the recommended device and independently consider all possible options. Buying hearing aids is an important step to be taken with all seriousness.
Our main goal is to take care of patients who have come to us for help. We do our best to bring best practices to those who are diagnosed with hearing loss. We use the most effective methods to restore it.
At Audiology Island, you can receive diagnostic and hearing testing services and purchase hearing aids that are prescribed for your specific hearing loss and your lifestyle.
We perfectly understand the importance of hearing aids for our patients, so we try to provide the best possible pricing options.
The pricing structure here at Audiology Island is simple. We do not use extra charges and purchase devices directly from the manufacturer. We offer hearing aids starting from $500. We offer interest free payment plans, as well as other options that make it more affordable for patients to take care of their hearing needs. We guarantee that you will get the most reliable products at lowest prices with best services.
We offer our patients only FDA-registered hearing aids. Among the most popular models, you will find the following devices.
Signia makes one of the best devices available on the market. Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro recommends them to those who value comfort and aesthetics. Thanks to the innovative design of the device, they are completely invisible, so they allow users to feel more confident in any situation!
I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the hearing aids developed by this company. Read our complete review of Signia hearing aids here.
ReSound LiNX Quattro was created for those who value their time and lead an active lifestyle. The kit includes a portable case for charging. The main advantage of the rechargeable model is that you can always charge them, without interruption from important matters. You no longer depend on hearing aids. They depend on you!
Phonak Audeo M has long-held leadership for its technology, high quality, and ease of use. You will forever forget about the problems associated with setting up the device and get real assistance that can provide you comfort. The model is great for people with a passion for travel and is widely used by middle-aged people.
Professionals at Audiology Island will help you choose the most suitable model that will surely satisfy all your needs and last for many years. Our hearing care professionals’ team will always help you make the right choice.
After all, a properly selected hearing aid will make your life better and allow you to forget about unnecessary problems!
Hearing aids alone will never cure hearing loss. One of the most important aspects in obtaining new hearing wear is the expertise and knowledge of the audiologist. We always recommend for you to research and find a reputable practice that utilizes the best practice guidelines established by the American Academy of Audiology. Even though cost will always be a cosern, we believe that proper audiologic care of an experienced doctor is priceless.
About Dr Zhanneta Shapiro
Dr Zhanneta Shapiro received her Masters of Science from Brooklyn College in 2005 and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from Florida University in May 2008. Her graduate training was in various hospitals in the tri-state area and a residency period completed at Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York. [ Learn More ]