Question

My husband just found out he needs hearing aids. Our insurance only covers a small portion. (very small considering the cost of them) I had no idea they wouldn’t cover more and they are so expensive! Anyone have cheaper places they buy them, but still good quality? I should have started a sinking fund!  

Answer 1

Where have you gone?  

Comments

@tragedian824 we just started looking. Only been to our audiologist so far, since finding out Friday, and they were crazy expensive! Wasn’t sure where to even start.  

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@wildlife86907 I used to work at miracle ear. I’m not sure where you live but we offered different versions of hearing aids and also a financial aid. I also know there is beltone.  

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Based on experience, $3000 per ear is way too high. That should come closest to the cost of the set. And that is just for the aid itself. Then you have earmolds, set-up, etc. Are you looking at battery or charger? They do eat batteries.  

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@velocipede I am not sure what all of the costs included - when we looked at them at the doctor’s office. To be honest, I was in shock and wasn’t really paying close attention. I just kept thinking, we need to look elsewhere, they have to be cheaper!  

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@wildlife86907 Just let the shock wear off. Then call back and ask them to explain the situation again. Exactly what's wrong, how does the aid help, what brand, in-the-ear or over-the-ear recommendation (there is a big difference - I've had both), anything else you can think of. Take thorough notes and when the two of you are ready, start shopping. If you need a second opinion, look for one. Nobody says you have a make a decision right now. It is a big, expensive decision.  

Answer 2

Costco is cheapest

Answer 3

My mother used them for most of her life and they were so crazy expensive. I’d ask the audiologist for recommendations on how to save.  

Answer 4

Costco is GREAT! If you have any issues, they are more than helpful.  

Answer 5

Crazy enough some vision insurance has discounts on hearing aids. If you have it, I’d check.  

Answer 6

Costco. Great price, still not cheap. Great customer service.  

Answer 7

Ask around! I know some places offer grants for hearing aids!  

Answer 8

I've had hearing problems since high school and finally broke down about 30 years ago and bought hearing aids. Both ears. What a difference! I started out with in-the-ear aids, not at Costco (they weren't around at that time) but the place was similar. I went with him when he left there. Long story short, my hearing has deteriorated severely. The care and quality I have received from my audiologist is unsurpassed. Yes, aids are expensive! My insurance will not cover anything. Think long and hard. Is this something you really want to skimp on?  

Answer 9

We are dealing with this and I have some experience due to kiddo getting aided last year. Costco is like $3000 for a set. Downside is you can’t use any insurance but you could reimburse yourself if you have an HSA/FSA. Also if you ever have an issue, you can return them. You can product shop. Hearing center of America or other audiologists carry different products. At ours, the basic set is $3, 000 and it’s Phonak brand. With our insurance the hearing aid fund is subject to the deductible. So after we spend $3, 000 on healthcare, then they reimburse at 80/20 up to a max benefit of $1, 500 for 3 years. For pediatrics there are funds available via non-profits (income based) to get aids. You can always inquire if these exist for adults. Our town also has a local Deaf/HOH FB group and through them I was able to connect to other people and parents that helped me navigate resources to help our family. Hope this is helpful!  

Answer 10

My dad goes to Costco. Think he got two and paid $2, 000-2500. His insurance covers $1, 500 every few years towards it. And factor in battery price too afterwards . he’s always complaining about them too.  

Answer 11

I’ve heard of Costco having rest deals. Also google to see if you have a Lions Club in hour town or area. They help out with the some of the coat of you qualify through them.  

Answer 12

I know nothing about this but I wonder if you could check for grants for them?  

Answer 13

My dad gets his at Costco.  

Answer 14

It really depends on his hearing loss and what the need for the hearing aids are. I have had hearing aids since I was 2 years old and since I have rapidly sloping hearing loss and moderate to severe, I need more of the technology because my ears have never learned how to differentiate different sounds and different directions so unfortunately what I need is very high priced and high technology. That said he doesn't need all the technology (esp if he has had good hearing for most of his life so his ears know what they should be doing but just need a little support), then definitely shop around through Costco, miracle ear, more chain type audiologists. I am up on 5 years of these ones so I'm close to my deductible and doing a sinking fund for them (the more technology you need the more frequently you should replace them) for several years so they are covered when it comes time again.  

Comments

Well said. I have audio processing impairment among other things. I need more technology. There's nothing like the tester stopping your hearing test in the middle cause you can't hear squat and it's pointless! I know at a point the aids won't help at all. Right now I hear 3 - 4 levels of tinnitus without them. It cuts way down with them. How's yours?  

Answer 15

I have no insurance coverage for them and went to Costco. It was a great experience from the testing to purchase and customer service with free cleanings etc. I got a great set at a fraction of the cost through a regular center or doctor office.  

Comments

I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have also

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@scuppernong thank you so much! I maybe reaching out!  

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@wildlife86907 sure! I did a lot of research before I made the decision. I’ve had them almost three years and have never regretted it at all.  

Answer 16

Look into the Starkey hearing foundation. They are an amazing organization you may be able to get some assistance with.  

Answer 17

And yes the low amount they cover, it's because they are mostly seen as something someone needs as they get older and mostly need amplification or realizing later in life that they need them. They do not treat them differently for those that need them since birth and not just because it would be "nice to have" though I find quality of life drastically improves for older population to have them too! Constant fight of my life, that it is a necessity but insurance does not see it as such.  

Answer 18

Mine were 2100 total for both ears. Costco

Answer 19

It seems random, but if you have vision or dental insurance sometimes they have deals with hearing aid companies to get discounts. Something you may want to look into before purchasing.  

Answer 20

Wow! You have all been amazing with suggestions and input! Thank you all so much!  

Answer 21

I have no advice on $$$. But get good ones and make sure they’re covered by your homeowners or rental insurance. My dad got some about 10 years ago and it made a huge difference in our lives and his. He’s gone swimming in them and had the dog eat them and the insurance coverage was a life saver. Also-invest in a small dryer box for the really humid time of the year to make them last longer.  

Answer 22

Is he by any chance a veteran?  

Comments

@nola1 Martin no, but thanks for thinking of that.  

Answer 23

I have heard Costco has good ones and reasonably priced

Answer 24

There is a state funded agency in Texas. My ex worked so Texas Resources helped him. Look around for something like that in your state

Answer 25

Costco. I got mine there years ago. It cost 2000 for the pair and for the Bluetooth sound gate. I didn't have to do this (and I don't know if they still offer it), but they had it where if the aids were lost or eaten by my dog or whatever, they'd do a one time replacement. My insurance doesn't cover anything for hearing aids. Costco has been awesome. Once while traveling, I needed new plastics (I don't know the official term - it's the plastic piece that connects from the aid into the ear). I just went into the nearest Costco and they gave me new ones and cleaned my hearing aids.  

Answer 26

Make sure to get a personal article policy to cover them. If you cover them under your homeowners and something g happens it counts as a homeowners claim

Answer 27

Check your insurance by calling member services to see if there is a specific place you should go to. I know some insurance policies have contracts with a specific place and cover more. just a thought if you haven’t done it already

Answer 28

HearUSA has a great special going on for the entire month of February. They’re offering buy one get one free on hearing aids!  

Answer 29

Costco. We got my mom’s there. And when we realized she couldn’t put them on unassisted. we returned them for a full refund. So, customer service is great too!  

Answer 30

Costco! Look at the Kirkland brand!  

Answer 31

Costco is a good price for the digital hearings Aides. I have worn hearing sides dince since i I was 30. recently studies have proven the 1800 hearings aides are not significantly better than amplifying devices you can buy at drug stores and amazon for less than 100.  

Answer 32

Also who Told him he needed them? A doctor. if not before you buy expendive expensive hearing aides check with eR nose and throat dr. if it is nerve damage, hearing aides wont help much. Also , he should be able to try them on, wear them for a bit yo to see if they work for him. Can’t tell you how many people purchase them and never try them first, and then end up never wearing them. Hearing aid stores are big business. not slways always in your best interest

Answer 33

My husband also needs them and were financing with a Care Credit account, it’s 24 months interest free so we’re going to pay them off over the course of 2 years. Much more manageable. Check out CareCredit

Answer 34

What state are you in Texas has assistance for them if you need them for your job.