Purchasing hearing aids is an investment not only in your ability to hear, but also in your ability to be an active participant in your life. Keep reading to learn more.
The Cost of Hearing Aids
The average cost of a pair of adult hearing aids is between $2000 and $7000. That may seem steep initially, but when you consider the advantages that hearing aids provide, the cost is justified. In rare cases that cost may be less if you only need one hearing aid, but most people have hearing loss in both ears, especially if the hearing loss is age-related. Some people may refer to their “good” ear, but most often that ear also has hearing loss and wearing two hearing aids provides much more hearing satisfaction.
Factors Affecting Cost
A big contributor to the cost of hearing aids is the technology that is included in them. Manufacturers have different product lines of hearing aids for different price points, however you truly get what you pay for when it comes to hearing aids. Hearing aid technology changes quickly, so advancements and features that were the “latest and greatest” two years ago are oftentimes basic features on the current year’s models.
In fact, hearing aid manufacturers collectively spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on continuing research and development. Some of the newest technologies available with hearing aids include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Your hearing aids learn your activity levels and automatically adjust volume levels for different environments like a noisy restaurant or a quiet library.
- Bluetooth Compatibility: This enables hearing aid wearers to connect wirelessly to mobile phones and other bluetooth devices. This can significantly improve the reduction of background noise.
- Tinnitus Assistance: Some advanced hearing aids come with a tinnitus masking feature where the hearing aid emits sounds to mask ringing in the ears.
These features and more are becoming abundantly available to hearing aid users to improve the overall experience of wearing hearing aids and to seamlessly integrate hearing aids into any lifestyle.
Another factor affecting the cost of hearing aids is the professional service needed in order to correctly diagnose and customize hearing aids. In many cases, the cost of the hearing aids includes the hearing test performed by an audiologist, the initial fittings of the hearing aids, and may include cleanings and maintenance as well. As with any higher priced purchase, buying from someone who knows what they’re talking about and can provide a space for you to explore your options is important.
Buying Locally Makes Sense When it Comes to Hearing Aids
There are many items that you can buy online without a second thought: a new T-shirt, a toothbrush, or your favorite type of protein bar. Hearing aids are not, and should not, be on that list. Purchasing hearing aids is an investment best made with the cooperation of a professional, local, audiologist.
While over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids may be available at your local Costco, they do not provide a tailored approach to improving your hearing loss. Every person’s hearing is different just as every person’s ears are unique. Seeing a local audiologist ensures that your hearing is tested correctly, and if hearing aids are needed, they are customized to fit your specific needs.
There are many other advantages to seeing a local hearing professional instead of ordering hearing aids online or buying them OTC. Some benefits to working with a local audiologist to address hearing loss include:
- Personalized Care: Not only are you receiving a comprehensive hearing test from a professional, the results of that test are being read by a certified professional audiologist who can make a diagnosis and determine your level of hearing loss.
- Ongoing Support: Purchasing hearing aids from a reputable audiologist means you’re able to make an appointment for any issues you encounter. From not being able to figure out some of the technology, to fine-tuning the sounds coming from your hearing aids. Having a professional to turn to for help takes the anxiety out of using a new device.
- Customization: The ability to customize your hearing aids to fit your lifestyle can only be done with an audiologist. They can recommend which technology you need and don’t need.
Making an appointment with your local audiologist guarantees that your specific type of hearing loss will be addressed. Local audiologists, like the team at Hearing Solution Centers, are proud of the service they provide to their clients and want to make sure that the needs of those with hearing loss in their communities are prioritized. Building a relationship between client and audiologist is imperative to providing exceptional hearing health care.
Make your comprehensive hearing test appointment today at Hearing Solution Centers!