Ear Hearing Aids

At first glance hearing aids prices may seem very expensive but when you see it in context it really ain’t that much at all. The most basic prosthetic devices can cost as much as $10,000 and even if you have to get spectacles to improve your failing eye sight it can be as much as $1000 for a cheap pair. Hearing aids are highly sophisticated devices and in many ways its one of the modern miracles that can give you back your hearing.

Hearing aid prices vary greatly depending on the model, the type and even the manufacturer. There are quite a few models on the market today and prices range between $1000 and $4000 although this is just a rough estimate. Older behind-the-ear (BTE) type devices are generally the cheapest and they are usually analogue devices that are very basic although they’ve been very effective over the last 10 years.

The latest hearing aids are digital and they are getting smaller and smaller. Digital hearing devices are more expensive because they are much more sophisticated. It works with a microchip and has to be programmed and fine tuned for your ears. They are also much smaller and many models can be placed deeper into the ear canal. The sound quality is much better and allows for a bigger range of sound frequencies. It can also cancel out unwanted noises that tends to make analogue devices a real pain.

As a rule of thumb, the more sophisticated the device, the more expensive it will be. The good news is that prices are coming down and more than anything this is an investment. With an average lifetime of 5 years, it breaks down to about $3 per day.

Here are some of the best hearing aids and a rough guide to current prices (approximate prices only).

Phonak Hearing Aids: $2,799 to $1,599
ReSound Hearing Aids: $2,599 to $1,799
Unitron Hearing Aids: $2,699 to $1,699
Sonic Innovations: $2,799 to $1,599
Oticon Hearing Aids: 3,199 to $1,699
Widex Hearing Aids: $3,299 to $1,699

* Prices are show for most expensive and least expensive models

These are only approximate prices and you need to factor in what a professional will charge to fit the device. For many hearing aids there may also be a service charge as you will need to regularly fine tune it.
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Contrary to popular belief, used hearing aids are actually a very good option for those who desperately need one but who can’t afford it. With brand new hearing aids costing as much as $5000 and little or no help from health insurance its actually a great option to look into second hand hearing aids. With thousands of used devices not in use, there is a lot of stock. In fact, there is so much that it often end up with less fortunate people in Third world countries where these devices aren’t freely available.

Used hearing aids are actually reconditioned as you will need a new ear piece from a hygienic point of view. For in-ear models the entire mold has to be replaced and all that is really “recycled” is the device itself. Cosmetically it will look new and if you buy it from a good source it will be tested as well which means its as good as new – at one third of the price. Obviously you still need to make sure you buy a suitable model and being able to test it is also very important.

For used digital hearing aids you will need to get it re-programmed but most audiologists offer this service and can be done quite quickly. The majority of used devices are analogue and with so many people with hearing problems switching over to digital devices, the analogue ones have become redundant which makes them freely available as second hand models. You may even be lucky enough to get a free analogue device but with a bit of searching you can find used digital devices.

The most important part of any hearing aid is the device itself. The mold and earpiece are only plastic containers and can be replaced inexpensively. Its important that you check with manufacturers as well as many of them offer refurbished devices which are as good as new. Your doctor or audiologist can also give you more information about different programs and organizations where you can obtain a second hand device. be careful though as you will need to have parts of it replaced regardless of the condition. Its also good if you can have it tested before you buy it.

There is nothing “wrong” with getting a second hand device. Although you won’t have all the advantages of a new one with the latest technology, it will do the job and with the help of a good audiologist you won’t even know the difference.
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Even though the cost of hearing aids came down by about 10% in the last 5 years, its still very expensive. If you are looking for cheap hearing aids, then hopefully these tips will help you find something. One of the biggest problems is that Medicare and even private health insurance do not cover hearing aids although some of them do offer financial help in certain circumstances. However, for 99% of people who suffer from hearing loss its going to come out of your pocket if you want to buy a hearing aid.

One of the first places to start looking for cheap hearing aids is with your doctor or audiologist. Firstly, they are better connected with manufacturers and are likely to get you the best prices. Secondly, they would be able to hook you up with used hearing aids. Its perfectly acceptable to look into second hand ones as most of them are still in perfect working condition and you can probably get it at a fraction of the cost.

The next best place to look for cheap hearing aids is online. The fact that you can buy from all over the world means that you are likely to find some great bargains. Discontinued stock and online sales are often the best place to find a bargain, but you need to make sure you buy the right one. See your audiologist first and let him help you identify suitable models. Then go online and see if you can find the cheaper.

The type of hearing aid you buy and the make and model will have a huge effect on the price. Make sure you ask your audiologist about all your options. Although digital aids are by far better devices, analogue ones are much cheaper. Even the price difference between manufacturers are quite large. Try to compare prices and look for similar models between different manufacturers. Although Phonak, Starkey and Beltone are the biggest names, there are a lot of manufacturers who produce equally good device for much less.

Lastly, you can explore financing options. Some hearing aid manufacturers offer payment plans and it may just allow you to afford the one you really need. In general, older models are cheaper and you will pay for the latest technology. Cheaper aid are usually discontinued and older models.
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