 | Canal: $150-$5,000+ |
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 | In-the-Ear: $300-$5,600 |
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 | Behind-the-Ear: $450-$5,600 |
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| Hearing aids help people with mild, moderate or severe hearing loss hear sounds at decibels they can't otherwise perceive. Hearing aids range from basic models to mini-computers, complete with Bluetooth technology. Most health insurance, including Medicare, doesn't cover hearing aids, but check for any coverage before buying hearing aids. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A hearing test is required before purchasing a hearing aid. The test determines if a hearing aid is necessary and what type might work best. Hearing tests can be free with the purchse of hearings aids or cost up to $250. See How Much Does a Hearing Test Cost.
- Patients also need a hearing aid selection appointment, which can be free with purchase or cost up to $250, depending upon the clinic. The Cleveland Clinic charges about $100 for hearing needs assessment.
- There are several different types of hearing aids. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids cost between $450 and $5,600. Economy Hearing Products offers a very basic BTE hearing aid for about $630. ReSound Azure retails for about $2,600 with programmable volume control settings, an open fit to minimize a "plugged up" sensation in the ear and a 330-hour battery.
- In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are much smaller devices that fit entirely within the ear, but not entirely within the ear canal. A set costs between $300 and $5,600. The MicroPod 32 automatically adjusts to different hearing environments and retails for about $1,000. The Siemens Nitro 16 retails for $5,000, offering features like feedback cancellation, noise reduction and data logging.
- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest on the market. They fit entirely in the ear canal, and cost between $150 and more than $5,000. Facelake offers a basic CIC hearing aid for under $150. Siemens offers a CIC version of the Nitro 16, for about $5,000.
What should be included: | - Hearing aids are typically sold individually online, so order two devices. A hearing aid purchase should include the device, information about the device and, in most cases, warranty information. Some devices also include a carrying case, data logging software, a remote or, in the case of rechargeable hearing aids, a charging station.
- Most hearing aid clinics include a hearing aid orientation with the purchase of hearing aids. This appointment includes a fitting, programming of the hearing aid to fit the patient's needs and a care and maintenance tutorial.
Additional costs: | - Batteries can last a week or a few months, depending up on the strength of the hearing aid. Replacement batteries can cost about $.70 to $3.95 per battery.
- Experts recommend having hearing aids checked annually at a cost of $60 to $260 per visit, depending upon the clinic. A practitioner will check the effectiveness of the hearing aid and make any adjustments necessary. Most insurance does not cover hearing aid checks.
- Hearing aid retailers are legally required to have a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, many vendors charge restocking fees of up to 12 percent of the purchase price for hearing aids returned within the 30-day trial period.
- Most hearing aids come with a warranty, lasting between 60 days and five years. An extended warranty can cost between $100 and $200 per hearing aid.
Discounts: | |
Shopping for a hearing aid: | - :
- The required hearing test can be scheduled with most physicians' offices or with a specialty clinic The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends that patients only work with an ASHA-certified retailer.
- Patients should consider which hearing aid features will help them in their daily lives and which seem superfluous. Patients who have purchased hearing aids before may feel comfortable buying online or through a mail-order retailer.
- The Mayo Clinic offers tips for selecting the right hearing aid and American Hearing Aid Associates lists seven things to consider when purchasing a hearing aid.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated August 2010 |
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