What makes up the cost of a hearing instrument? Is it the size? Is it the style? NO. The answer is No. There is not a difference in the cost of the hearing instrument based on physical appearance.
Hearing Instruments are available in several different levels of technology. Most manufacturers have five levels. Each level has different types of processors to control background noise or boost speech signals automatically in noise. The top or premium level will have the broadest frequency band…thus providing the most auditory stimulus to the brain. The more you stimulate your brain the better. So each level has a different price tag. The hearing instrument is a computer. So just like buying a laptop..the more that it can do..the more you end up paying for it.
Along with the capabilities of the hearing instrument itself is the warranty and service package that it comes with. The history of this industry offers a “bundled approach”. In this approach you pay one price for the hearing instrument and then your Hearing aids, hearing test, fitting, and follow-up care are included for a specific time…usually 3 years or to follow the length of the warranty.
With advances in technology and the ability to upgrade earlier for better hearing and taking into account the cost of hearing instruments..there is also an “unbundled” pricing option. In this option, you will have choice of paying for everything separately. The hearing instrument will have a one year warranty and a specific number of appointments. Then you can pay for your needs as you go. This option helps to get the initial cost or “out-of-pocket” expense reduced. Many people may use this to help them to get into higher technology that they otherwise may not be able to afford.
Both the ‘Bundled’ and ‘Unbundled” purchase plans have benefits. Our office actually offers both. We understand that hearing instruments are expensive. We also understand that ALL the studies prove that the best / Premium Hearing Instruments with the broadest bandwidth that stimulate the brain the most will also protects our cognitive function the best.
By offering both types of pricing options it allows our patients to make educated decisions on what works best for their specific needs. The severity of your hearing loss, your experience with hearing aids, your age and many other elements help to determine which type of hearing plan is best for you. For example; you may wish to have less out of pocket initially and pick premium hearing instruments with a 1 year warranty and 1 year unlimited service. ( you may then extend warranty at the end of the first year). You may decide to choose a 3 year warranty with a 3 year service plan. Or the 3 year warranty with lifetime office care covering all adjustments and updates. Maybe you prefer a 5 year warranty with Lifetime care. Many different options to allow everyone to get the very best hearing care possible. The 1 year and 3 year warranty options are available in all 5 levels of technology.
If we find a patient who simply can not handle the cost of hearing instruments at any level then we work with the Starkey Hear Now Foundation to provide hearing instruments for qualified patients. It is our goal to provide the very best hearing care experience for all who walk through our doors. We have been serving the hearing needs of this community for 57 years with great gratitude and it has been our privilege to care for generations of families with compassion, integrity and trust. We remain committed to delivering personalized hearing care with the same dedication that we began with.”
We are here to help you with your hearing needs! Phone 385-3497 for your appointment today and start protecting your brain! To Hear Better Is To Live Better!
By: Roseann B. Kiefer, B.A., BC-HIS