The World Health Organization estimates that 466 million individuals worldwide have serious hearing loss. If left untreated, it can incur higher healthcare costs, with direct medical and lost productivity costs expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Studies show that hearing aid users experience improvements in social engagement, mental health, and overall quality of life. Satisfaction rates are also high, with 83% of users reporting happiness with their hearing aids.
However, for many, the cost of hearing aids remains a common barrier. On top of that, there are a multitude of brands and devices with varying degrees of capabilities. All of these should be considered before buying the most suitable device.
As a leading hearing care facility, the Centre for Hearing® (CFH) offers patients comprehensive testing, hearing care, and guidance so that they can receive end-to-end compassionate care with a brand-agnostic approach.
So, why are hearing aids so expensive? Read on to learn more.
Cost of Hearing Aids: Key Factors
Here are some major factors affecting the cost of hearing aids:
1. High Investments in R&D and Precise Instrumentation Used in Hearing Aids
The foremost factor influencing the cost of hearing aids is the level of technology they have. Although the external appearance of two hearing aids could be the same, their internal components may significantly differ.
A higher level of technology implies the devices can automatically fine-tune their sound based on the degrees of hearing loss and the ambient sounds.
- Higher levels of tech are generally preferable for patients who spend a lot of time in challenging listening conditions. One example of a complex listening environment is one where background noise is present when numerous persons are speaking or conversing.
- High-tech hearing aids also offer a wider bandwidth and frequency response and better access to harmonics, which makes them better for musicians.
- Conversely, a lower level of technology might be adequate for patients who spend much of their time in calm environments with just one or two persons conversing at a time.
Check our video to understand the difference between analog vs digital hearing aids.
2. Bundled vs Unbundled Pricing Structure
In a bundled pricing model, the cost covers both hearing aids and audiological services like setup and maintenance. It typically includes:
- Hearing aids and expert audiological services
- Covers setup, fitting, adjustments, and maintenance
- Offers a comprehensive package for a fixed price
On the other hand, in an unbundled pricing model:
- Only the cost of hearing aids is covered
- Excludes professional audiology services for customisation
- Commonly seen in online sales of hearing aids
To know more about hearing aids’ price, check out this guide
3. Channels
Channels in hearing aids help enhance sound clarity and reduce background noise. They divide the frequency range into individual groups, allowing users to differentiate between noise and speech. Additionally, the number of channels influences the cost of hearing aids.
As the number of channels increases, the comfort and audio quality improve, as does speech quality in noise. Studies show that 4-20 channels are adequate for nearly all advanced hearing needs.
- Channels also aid in distinguishing between noise and speech, enhancing sound clarity.
- More channels allow users to adjust the volume of specific frequencies without affecting desired sounds. However, after 15 channels, there is little to no discernible improvement in sound or feature quality.
- Users can adjust the loudness or intensity of each channel.
- Prioritising quieter sounds over louder ones is possible with multiple channels.
- Sound limits can be set to a specific peak or threshold for personalised hearing preferences.
Check our video to learn about different types of hearing aids.
4. Styles and Sizes
Style is one of the many crucial elements that affect the cost of hearing aids.
- Currently, a wide range of hearing aid styles and options, such as BTE, CIC, IIC, RIC, etc., are available in the market. Each has varying price points.
- A basic, bulkier model of hearing aid with limited features will be less expensive than the digital, high-tech, and sleekest options.
- Depending on your lifestyle and the balance between budget and style, you can choose the suitable option within your budget.
To learn more, check our guide on the cost of hearing aids.
5. Customisation
Modifying a hearing aid to meet the patient’s requirements may occasionally be necessary. This customisation frequently increases the cost of hearing aids.
However, varying degrees of customisation could be the key to the hearing aid’s genuine optimisation and the patient’s overall improvement in hearing.
Know why you shouldn’t buy hearing aids online.
6. Features and Connectivity
A hearing aid’s features may determine how well-suited it is to the needs of the person with hearing loss:
- Directionality
- Feedback management
- Noise reduction
- Wind noise management
- Occlusion management
Also, the price of a hearing aid is influenced by how well these features work.
The cost of a hearing aid can also be high due to multiple connectivity options, which allow users to customise their hearing experience using external devices like smartphones, TVs, and remote controls.
Streaming technologies like Bluetooth and electromagnetic fields are examples of these devices. Such technology-enabled hearing aids will undoubtedly cost more than standard ones.
7. Support Services
It’s important to remember that acquiring hearing aids involves more than just a purchase.
- The expertise of a hearing care professional is essential for proper fitting and selection, and this service is typically included in the purchase price.
- Beyond the initial fitting, hearing aids may require ongoing care such as routine maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or adjustments due to changes in hearing.
- Regular battery replacements are also necessary.
- Additionally, users can consult with hearing care professionals for any questions or concerns.
Check out this video to know what our customers have to say about us.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for contemporary hearing aids, it’s essential to consult an audiologist or other hearing healthcare professional.
Centre for Hearing® is one of the pioneers in the field of hearing care, with a chain of high-tech facilities all across India, including Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Patiala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Mumbai.
Our brand-agnostic approach lets us analyse patients’ unique hearing needs and recommend the most appropriate equipment for each budget size. We collaborate with well-known producers, including Phonak, Signia, Oticon, Widex, Starkey, and more. We also offer insurance coverage so patients get the most out of their investments.
Thanks to our extensive diagnostic facilities and skilled hearing care professionals, we promise to provide you with the latest technology in hearing aids tailored to your needs.
Click here to book a free consultation, or call us at +91 9811 227 269 today.
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