6 Ways to Keep the Cost of Hearing Aids Down
Hearing loss affects 28.6 million Americans aged 60 or over, and when untreated it can lead to other serious problems like depression, and a decline in memory and concentration. Despite these life-altering side effects, only 14% of people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually use one. You’re probably wondering why? One of the biggest reasons is due to the high cost – hearing aids aren’t usually covered by Medicare or health insurance. But, that’s soon to change!
Transforming the Hearing Aid Industry
Currently, the hearing aid industry is going through a big change. The market is starting to offer more affordable, over-the-counter hearing aids known as PSAPs (personal sound amplification products). According to Consumer Reports, the “right hearing aid for you depends on several factors, including the kind and severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your manual dexterity. However, a hearing aid that one person likes might not impress someone else, even if both have almost identical audiograms, a hearing test that also measures the degree of hearing loss.” “It’s going to bring people back to hearing, but because of the way we process sound, it’s not going to bring them back to normal hearing,” audiologist Patricia Chute, Ed.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Dalton State College in Dalton, Georgia, told Consumer Reports.How to Keep Costs Down
With cost being a large factor in why so many people go without a hearing aid, here are six tips you can use to find the best deal.1. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans don’t cover the cost of hearing aids, but there are other options to explore:- Veterans, some children, federal workers, and residents of Arkansas, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island can get the cost of hearing aids covered.
- Medicare Advantage will offer at least partial coverage or a discount.
- If you have a high-deductible insurance plan, you can pay up to $3,400 if you an individual, or $6,750 for a family into health savings account to buy a hearing aid with pre-tax dollars.
2. Get a Detailed Written Contract
When you purchase a hearing aid make sure you can return it, or get most of your money back if you aren’t satisfied. Check the length of the trial period, as well as warranty period and find out exactly what it covers.3. Buy Only What You Need
Only purchase a hearing aid that has features that you need. Extras can add hundreds of dollars to the price.4. Ask for a Price Break
It doesn’t hurt to ask! "Your provider should explain why he or she recommends one brand over another and should go through the pros and cons of each. Wherever you buy, try bargaining or asking for a lower-priced model," suggests Consumer Reports.5. Look for Bargains
Costco offers free screenings at certain locations and more reasonable prices. You can get a hearing aid from $500 - $1,500 each. If you shop online, you have up to $2,000 per pair, and then visit a local specialist to make any small changes.6. Seek Out Organizations that Offer Assistance
If you need some assistance when covering the cost of a hearing aid, Asha.org has information on a state and national level that might provide some answers.Other Affordable Hearing Aid Options
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The iHEAR Hearing Aid
