What You Need To Know About The Cost Of Hearing Aids
Thursday, July 30th, 2009 | Always Online
Medicare and most private insurance plans pay only for the doctor visit to determine the need for a hearing aid, The device itself is generally not covered. However, there are exceptions, including coverage for cochlear implants to treat severe hearing loss or deafness, some Veterans Affairs programs and some federal employee insurance. For the most part, the cost of hearing aids must be met by the purchaser. The private plans that do pay for hearing aids usually contribute only $500 to $1,000 toward the cost. Hearing aids are seen as one of those medical costs, like vision and dental, that does not deserve full insurance coverage.
About 37 million people suffer from some form of hearing loss, from minor impairment to total deafness, in the United States. But less than a quarter of the people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them. Cost is a big factor. Hearing aids average about $2,000 each with prices ranging from $1,400 to $5,000 apiece.
Hearing aid technology has improved significantly in the last decade. Almost all hearing aids used today are digital; sound goes into a microphone and is digitally processed by a chip, amplified, then sent to the ear. Digital technology allows the aids to be programmed for an individuals exact hearing loss needs. This is a big improvement from the old fashioned analog varieties that were little more than an amplifier with a volume control. This is also the main reason for the high costs of hearing aids today. But the technical leap is not the only reason for high prices. Traditionally, hearing aids have been sold through professionals who also fit and adjust the devices as part of the overall cost. The system, however, leaves room for abuse and fraud.
“Thats why choosing an audiologist or hearing aid technician can be just as important as choosing the aid itself”, said Jude Liptak of Colonial Center for Hearing, a provider of Newport News Hearing Aids and audiology services. The following recommendations are recommended.
Shop for your provider. No matter how state of the art your hearing aid may be, if it is not properly programmed and adjusted it will not do you any good.
Newport News audiologist, state that two people with the same degree of hearing loss will process sound differently depending on the cause of the hearing diminishment and how long the problem has gone untreated. That makes it difficult to buy the right hearing aid over the counter or through the Internet.
Most hearing aids are sold by an audiologist or a hearing instrument specialist. Audiologists have a doctorate, but not a medical degree, while instrument specialists go through a training program and an apprenticeship. Sometimes a hearing aid center will employ both types of professionals. Your ear, nose and throat medical specialist may have an audiologist on staff who will dispense hearing aids.
Questions to ask before a hearing aid purchase
Do you sell a wide range of products?
Your provider should sell every style of hearing aid, including behind the ear open fit, behind the ear with ear mold, inside the ear and inside the ear canal. That way you will have a better chance of finding the type that works best and is most comfortable for you.
Because it would be difficult for a dispenser to become an expert in fitting all the various brands of hearing aids available, a limited choice of manufacturers is not necessarily a red flag. But do watch out if a dispenser is pushing a particular brand without discussing other options.
What kind of testing do you do?
Make sure your dispenser will do an extensive hearing assessment in a soundproof booth to determine the type, degree and dimension of your hearing loss.
The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates the hearing loss industry, also requires you to get a doctors examination. If you do not have that exam and do not want one, the dispenser must have you sign a waiver before selling you a hearing aid.
In addition, the audiologist or hearing aid technician should also do a follow up test while you are wearing the new aid to determine how well it is working in several simulated situations.
Is there a separate fitting fee?
In most cases, the initial fitting, when you first learn how to insert and use your new aid, should be included in the purchase price. With the behind the ear style using an ear mold, however, some dispensers charge an extra fee for the mold.
How often can I come in for adjustments?
The best answer is, as much as you need to. Barring that, make sure the purchase price covers at least two or three visits after the initial fitting. The need for adjustments and fine tuning is almost inevitable.
Can I get a copy of my test results?
As with eyeglass prescriptions, you should be able to get a copy of your hearing tests. That way, if you do not like working with that particular dispenser, you will not have to repeat that rigmarole when you choose another one.
Once you choose a provider, make sure you get a written contract and understand what exactly is included in the price. Any fee for follow up visits should be spelled out.
Once you buy, manufacturers offer a trial period during which you can return your hearing aid at no cost or for a minimal fee. Many states mandate a minimum trial period, usually 30 days. Some providers and manufacturers offer 45 days. And make sure your contract specifies that you will get all or most of your money back if you return the hearing aid or aids within the trial period.
This document should also cover the length of the warranty and the cost to replace lost or damaged aids, and specify the policy on batteries. Some providers include a continuous supply of batteries to encourage clients to continue to use their aids. Although the batteries are widely available in retail stores for a dollar or so, the cost can add up.