There are plenty of factors to consider when setting a budget for hearing aids. Besides the devices, you must consider follow-up audiology care, including exams and adjustments.
Fortunately, there are several ways to save on hearing aid costs. By researching, asking the right questions, and shopping around, you can find a hearing aid that meets your needs while staying within your budget.
Prioritize Your Needs
One of the best ways to budget for hearing aids is to prioritize your needs. Typical needs include your rent or mortgage payment, groceries, insurance premiums, and any healthcare expenses you have (like doctor visits, prescriptions, vision care, or hearing aids).
Your audiologist will help guide the process, but it’s also a good idea to ask family and friends to offer some input along the way. This can help you to find the most appropriate hearing aids for your budget and lifestyle, which in turn will make your search more productive.
When selecting the right technology for your ears, there are plenty of options – and lots of them to choose from. With some patience and research, you can get the hearing aid that’s right for you without breaking the bank. Selecting the most effective hearing aids for your needs and budget is a smart move if you want to live a healthy, happy life. It’s a great way to enhance your quality of life; you’ll feel the difference when wearing your new hearing aids!
Do Your Research
Hearing aids are a robust investment that can significantly improve your quality of life. However, knowing which options will work for you can be challenging with so many options available.
The first step in budgeting for hearing aids is to do your research. You need to consider many things, including the average cost of hearing aids, the type of device, the services provided, insurance benefits, and financing options.
It would help if you also thought about your future needs. For example, if you want to increase the power of your hearing aid as your condition worsens, ask about that option.
Before buying your hearing aids, take a thorough hearing test. Ideally, this is done in an audiologist’s office.
In addition, you should do some research online about the features and prices of your preferred hearing aids. This will help you determine what is important to you and whether or not you can afford them.
If you do your research and choose a hearing aid that fits your budget, you can be confident it will improve your quality of life.
Ask Your Audiologist
If you don’t have insurance or don’t qualify for a payment plan, ask your audiologist about ways to keep the costs of your hearing aids down. They can help you find an audiologist that offers a bundled service model, which gives you the benefit of follow-up appointments for your hearing aids and professional maintenance checkups, all at no additional cost.
Another option is to purchase a pair of hearing aids currently refurbished and sold in the over-the-counter market at a significantly discounted price, with many brands still under warranty. These are usually less expensive than name-brand new hearing aids, but they may not have the features you need or the quality of performance you’re looking for.
Suppose you can get a diagnostic hearing evaluation. In that case, your results can help guide your treatment options, and the audiologist can then recommend products that will work best for your unique needs. You can also ask about the various government programs available for people with hearing loss that assist with the costs of hearing aids.
Ask Your Insurance Company
Whether you have Medicare or another insurance plan, you must check what your benefits cover. Many assume they have good coverage, only to discover they’ve been misled.
Several insurance companies offer hearing aid benefit options. However, these benefits vary depending on your state, the provider, and what makes or technologies are covered.
The best way to know if you have adequate coverage is to ask your insurance company for a list of their plans and how they handle hearing services and devices. They’re also likely to be able to tell you what benefits are included in their goals and how those benefits work.
For example, some UnitedHealthcare dual-eligible health plans include routine hearing coverage. Some also offer an allowance to help you pay for hearing aids.
Alternatively, some hearing aid manufacturers have financing options for their products. These leases allow you to make low monthly payments on your hearing aids, similar to car leases. Having a monthly fee instead of paying thousands of dollars up-front can be a helpful budgeting tool.
Shop Around
One way to save on hearing aid costs is by shopping for products and services. You can do this online by visiting hearing aid companies’ websites or talking with an audiologist about your needs and budget.
Stores often offer free trials of their products, and you can typically return them for fixing if needed. Others will have special deals for certain products, such as a “buy one get one free” deal or “limited-time offers.”
Be sure to research the features of each product before you buy. For example, if you want to use Bluetooth for streaming music, you should look for a model with this feature.
You’ll also want to consider the support that comes with your device. Most hearing aids come with a warranty covering parts and labor, so you’ll have peace of mind that your device will be covered if it breaks or needs service. The warranty length varies, but many OTC brands offer a three-year coverage period to ensure your hearing aids continue working at their optimum capacity.
