Q&A

Subject: Hearing aid cost

From: RKB

I was tested today and I knew my hearing was bad but what I didn't know was how expensive hearing aids are. I was told $1600.00 apiece, and I needed one in each ear. We are hard working people and that is out of the question. Could you please tell me why the cost is so high. ... Thank You For Your Time, R

Hi R,
Not all hearing aids are that expensive. Some audiologists sell reconditioned ("like new", used by the manufacturers for demos or something) BTE hearing aids with new hearing aid warranties, for around $400 each. The typical new hearing aid sold costs around $900. Fancier aids (smaller, higher technology circuits, perhaps with remote controls) can cost over $4000 each! Your audiologist might be able to fit you with simpler hearing aids that would cost less, that might not be perfect for you, but better than no hearing aids at all.

Many states have programs to help people get hearing aids. Maryland's Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, for example, provides hearing aids for people who need them to do their jobs better, to get a better job, to advance in their present job, and for many other reasons. Your state probably has a similar agency. Give them a call.

Hearing aids are expensive because of the costs of fitting and maintaining them. Think about what your car would cost if the consumer had the right to return it for any reason (or no reason) and get his money back and if the dealer had to throw it away (not resell it). And if it had to be custom shaped to fit the customer's body. And if the engine had to be specially designed to fit his acceleration needs. And if the owner always used the car in warm, gooey, muddy, wet roads???

Good luck with your state agency. Solveig