Is the TV so loud the neighbors complain? Does your family have to repeat themselves when talking to you? Maybe they all mumble — or maybe it’s time to get your hearing tested.
But where should we start? We are going to go over why hearing aids cost so much and why it would be worth it to make that kind of investment.
My family might think I can’t hear, but I can hear just fine! Everyone else just needs to stop mumbling!
Maybe! When was the last time you had your
hearing tested? If the answer is “Never” or “I can’t remember,” it might be time to get your hearing checked. When you get your eyes and teeth checked annually, it is recommended that you get your hearing checked annually as well.
FINE! I will get my hearing checked — but only to prove them wrong! If I do need hearing aids, what would you recommend? The most expensive ones, right?!
Actually, no! The audiologist takes into account your lifestyle and your hearing loss when determining and recommending the best treatment. There are four different types of lifestyle that people typically fit under: very quiet, quiet, casual, and active lifestyles. We also work with the major manufacturers to make sure the hearing aid best fits YOU. We like to keep the “cookie cutter” technique with our cookies, not our hearing aids!
Okay, I’m listening. But I’m listening skeptically.
Fair enough! First things first: call to make an appointment for a hearing test and consultation with a doctor of audiology. Once the audiologist has tested your hearing and talked with you about your lifestyle, they will thoroughly explain your results and recommend the best treatment option for your individual needs. Hearing aids may not be the best treatment option — if they are not, we will recommend the next step to getting you help.
So how much is this going to cost me?
The important question to remember when shopping around for an audiologist is, “What is the best value?” Do they charge for supplies? Is there a copay at each visit? Do they supply batteries? Yes, some hearing aids are cheaper online. However, shopping online for a hearing aid is like buying gas station sushi. It may be cheaper, but it ends up being a bad decision!
Yes, but WHY are these tiny things so expensive?
A hearing aid is a supercomputer in a hostile environment. It is the equivalent of having your laptop in a steam room. Inside each hearing aid are wires and a tiny microchip that do so many important things! There are algorithms on the chip that filter out unwanted noise and perform tasks such as automatic feedback suppression, speech enhancement, noise reduction, directional processing, and even echo cancellation. It takes hundreds of man-years between audiologists, engineers, technicians, and others to develop a new chip. Yes, I did just say man-years.
So are we talking a few hundred dollars? A FEW THOUSAND?!
Before you fall off your chair, just hear me out. Depending on the level of technology and the hearing aid style, hearing aids can range from around $1,200 to around $3,700. However, that one price includes our services as well. You know how you have to pay your family doctor a copay EVERY TIME, so when you’re sick you don’t really want to go, because you know you’ll have to pay yet another copay? Well, we feel the same way. Anytime you need professional cleaning or any adjustment, we don’t charge a copay — it’s all covered in the hearing aid price. You can come in as often as you want, and we will always do our very best to help you with whatever you might need. We even take walk-ins for cleanings!
Okay, no copay is good. What other benefits are there?
I am so glad you asked! We have a pretty awesome trial period. Instead of having only 30 days to try out your hearing aids, we give you 75 DAYS! That way, you are able to see how well the hearing aids are working for you in all the environments that are important to you, because sometimes a month is just not long enough.
That is a long time. What if I don’t like them during that time?
Not a problem! We can exchange them for a different option that could work for you. We want you to LOVE your hearing aids and see the difference that it can make in your life and relationships. We want you to have a better hearing lifestyle, and we don’t want you to miss the important moments in your life. We want to take care of your hearing needs — not just for now, bit but for a lifetime!
Alright, that makes sense. Maybe it won’t be so bad just to try it out then.
That’s the spirit! We can’t wait to help you gain a better hearing lifestyle. Here at Anderson Audiology we are committed to better hearing and committed to you!