↓ Why do hearing aids cost so much?
↓ What is the best brand of hearing aid?
↓ Do hearing aids come with a trial period?
↓ Why aren't your hearing tests free?
↓ Do I need two hearing aids or can I get by with just one?
↓ Should I buy hearing aids on the internet?
↓ I have a question that isn't on the list, how can I contact you?
Q: What causes hearing loss?
A: The majority of hearing losses are a result of aging. Other possible causes are prolonged exposure to loud noises, heredity, certain illnesses, and medications. However, the most common form of hearing loss is called "nerve deafness." This happens when the cochlea (inner ear) and auditory nerves do not properly transmit signals to the brain.
Q: How common is hearing loss?
A: According to the "2008 Consumer's Guide to Hearing Aids," one of every 12 Americans currently has some degree of hearing loss. For those aged 65 or older, this ratio is almost one in every three.
Q: Why do hearing aids cost so much?
A: There are two main reasons:
1) Hearing aids are expensive because hearing aid companies invest millions of dollars into the research and development of hearing aid technology. Yet, the hearing aid industry is a small one in the electronics realm. Less than two million hearing aids were sold in the United States during the past year. (That many computers or TV's are probably sold in one month!) Because the R&D costs are spread out over a smaller number of units sold, prices are fairly high.
2) Unlike many types of electronic devices that can be purchased off the shelf, hearing aids require a lot of "hands on" follow-up and care. Testing, fitting, programming, and follow-up services, like cleaning and repairs, require a local center--with adequate staff--to provide these services. Since these services are costly, they also figure into hearing aid costs.
Q: What is the best brand of hearing aid?
A: There are approximately 23 worldwide hearing aid manufacturers, each producing quality products. Which brand is right for you is determined by the results of your audiogram, your lifestyle, your cosmetic requirements, and your dexterity. A hearing professional will select the brand only after selecting the type of technology best for your individual hearing loss as indicated by your audiogram.
Q: Do hearing aids come with a trial period?
A: Yes, by law each hearing aid that we sell comes with at least a 30 day trial period. The 30 days start the day the hearing aid or aids are fit. With some insurance company plans, a 40 day trial period is required.
Q: Why aren't your hearing tests free?
A: Audiologists generally charge for diagnostic services, since we have a graduate level of training and do much diagnostic testing which is unrelated to hearing aids. Usually, providers who provide "free" hearing tests are not Clinical Audiologists. Generally an office that doesn't charge you for testing will include it in the cost of the hearing aids which are often higher than ours, so in the end you don't save any money. Also, since we are a clinical Audiology office and bill Medicare and other insurance providers for testing, any procedures that we bill for Medicare patients cannot be given for free to others, otherwise it is considered Medicare fraud.
Q: Do I need two hearing aids or can I get by with just one?
A: We have two ears for a reason: the two ears work together and interface with the brain to perform complex tasks like sound localization (i.e., where the sound is coming from), sound balance, and speech discrimination ability, especially in noise. In addition, with two ears in play, there is a "summation effect" which occurs in the brain, making signals louder and clearer. People who only use one hearing aid when two are indicated set up difficulties which binaural (two hearing aids) users don't experience, or experience to a much lesser degree. Since there is always a trial period with hearing aids, we suggest that patients get two hearing aids for the trial (when indicated), then experiment both ways and see what they think. Interestingly, patients rarely return the second hearing aid when they experience the binaural advantages! Of course if a patient insists on trying one hearing aid, they can do so, but we want them to be aware of possible limitations which they may encounter.
Q: Should I buy hearing aids on the internet?
A: As a general rule, we discourage purchasing hearing aids over the Web. Hearing Aid fitting is very personalized, requiring on-site support and maintenance. Certain procedures (testing, ear impressions, programming/ fitting, follow-up adjustments, and maintenance) have to be done locally. What most internet hearing aid companies do is try to find a local audiologist or hearing aid office to perform these services for a set dispensing fee*, usually around $500 per hearing aid. By the time you pay these fees along with the price of the hearing aids themselves, usually the cost is close to what it would be if you had simply purchased the hearing aids from a local provider. Plus, the dispensing fees mentioned* do not cover the follow-up care for an extended period of time, as with local purchases. It usually will include a maximum of one year services. Local purchases usually include certain services for the lifetime of the hearing aids. The bottom line is this: On-line hearing aid sales companies make a pretty good profit by simply mailing a hearing aid to the patient, leaving all of the work of fitting and follow-up to a local professional. You're not usually going to save much going this way...but often you will give up quite a bit.
Q: I have a question that isn't on this list. How can I contact you?
A: We would like to answer any questions you have for us, and apologize if you could not find the information you were looking for on our site. If convenient to you, please call or stop by the office*, and we would be happy to help you as best as we can. Other forms of communication are also available to anyone who prefers. Visit our contact page for more information about our methods of contact.
*An appointment may be needed if you have several questions for us, or if you would like to speak with our hearing aid dispenser or audiologist about what we can offer you or a loved one.
