Cut Your Cost on Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are hard to buy. First, there are so many models and options along with many manufactures and companies. It is hard to know which is right for you.

The other problem with buying hearing aids is they are expensive. And, there is no insurance coverage or Medicare coverage for hearing aids. People have to buy them, repair them, keep them in batteries all at out-of-pocket expense. There are not even any tax breaks for hearing aid costs. The lesser-priced hearing aids are the open fit aids. They are more visible and sit behind the ear. These will cost about $500 + per ear. The more advanced and digital models will costs about $900 + an ear. Often people have progressive hearing loss and have to buy more powerful hearing aids over several years, another huge cost.

Pennypinchinghints has a few ideas about how you can find your way through the morass of buying a good hearing aid for a good price.

Use online buyers’ guides. One of the best we found is Hearingplanet.com. Not only do they allow you to download a chart comparing models and options, they also provide a buyers’ pricing guide.

Buy direct. An audiologist has to charge for overhead so buying directly from a hearing aid company by phone or online can help you save.

Look for hearing aid trials. Some aids are free on trial for up to a year which can allow you some free hearing time and a chance to save up for the payment.

Haggle for a price. Very few people actually negotiate, but with over a 100%+ markup on hearing aids, there is room to save. Shop around and keeping asking for better prices.

You should know there are hearing aid banks, places where used and reconditioned hearing aids are available for those with financial difficulties.

Also organizations and local hearing centers will help people, especially children, afford hearing aids. This possibility varies state-by-state, but local Lion’s Clubs are often a good place to start.

There are battery savings, too. Make sure you ask which are the longer-lasting batteries before you buy. Also, shop for batteries. Target sells a package of 10 batteries for $12.99, but you can find deals online for packages of 60 for as little as $15.95.