What Are Reasonably-priced Hearing Aids?
Well, first of all, what’s reasonable to pay for anything?
When we think about hearing aids, it comes down to value and not costs. This is because, like many other medical devices, you get what you pay for. And, when you’re buying something like hearing aids, you want to focus on what you’re getting for what you’re paying. Otherwise, you risk ending up with a product that doesn’t quite do what you need it to.
To level-set, the average price of a hearing aids cost around $4,600. So, if we’re going strictly based on costs, we’d say anything below this number is fairly reasonable.
Still, sophisticated hearing aid technology isn’t cheap. If you fixate exclusively on costs, you might end up with an amplifier or poorly-manufactured OTC hearing aid that doesn’t get the job done. And, if you focus on getting the most expensive hearing aid, you might end up paying more for the same product you could have found elsewhere. So, where exactly is the middle ground here?
Well, one way to figure it out is to start shopping around at places that focus on value. We’ve compiled some of the best value-driven places to find your hearing solution.
Popular Places to Buy Reasonably-priced Hearing Aids:
Hearing loss does not need to be a frustration in your everyday life. Affordable, quality hearing aids are available in most price ranges.
E-Commerce Shops:
According to AARP, prices vary by region. This is partially true since there is often a price adjustment depending on the area you live in.
Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, e-comm stores aren’t impacted by the local cost-of-living. Buying online can be a cheaper option because the region you live in does not affect prices.
Instead, costs are adjusted at a rate stable across the nation. Going the e-commerce route can be especially beneficial if you live in a high-cost-of-living area, like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, to name a few.
Fortunately, for individuals living in lower-cost areas, costs still tend to be competitive with local retailers selling hearing aids in physical stores. This is because e-comm stores are able to cut costs by eliminating the middleman and selling directly to consumers.
Online Clinics:
If you appreciate the service of your local clinic, an online clinic might be for you. Online clinics operate similarly to your traditional audiologists, except everything is done remotely.
You still take a hearing test and have access to a trained audiologist. You can even schedule telehealth consultations and receive support from real humans who are hearing aid experts.
Since the clinic has fewer overhead costs, they’re able to provide the same value you get in a physical clinic, but at a lower price point. Without needing to charge up to cover things like rent, online clinics have the flexibility to drop costs down without losing margins. In other words, it’s a win-win.
Warehouse Markets:
Did you know you can save on hearing aids by buying them from large-scale warehouse markets? Places like Costco and Sam’s Club are popular options for hearing aids.
Warehouse markets are able to provide affordable, quality products to consumers at a lower price point than many competitors. While they’re a solid option for many, it’s important to factor in convenience before committing to this option.
In today’s day and age, more and more people are choosing to do away with local retailers because of the hassle associated with them. It doesn’t hurt to consider your proximity to your local hearing center before deciding where to buy.
Do you want to spend your Saturdays driving to and from Costco for the lifespan of your hearing aids? Trekking around the city for each and every fitting and reprogramming can quickly lose allure, which is why so many are turning to online models for hearing care today.
How are Companies Able to Offer Reasonably-priced Hearing Aids?
So, what’s the secret? Why are hearing aids so expensive at local clinics but thousands less online?
Operating expenses are the primary costs driving up the price of your hearing aids. At brick-and-mortar clinics, the business needs to pay for employee salaries, overhead, and rent. All of these costs, plus the expense of the service itself, are baked into the number you see when you get your bill.
With traditional clinics, costs are passed down to the consumer. It sounds sneaky, but it’s really just the way old-school business works.
Online companies, on the other hand, are able to offer more affordable price points for a number of reasons, but the main one is that they have fewer recurring costs to worry about. They’re able to charge you less because they have fewer costs themselves. It sounds simple, but it’s really just smart business.