An estimated 50 million Americans are living with hearing loss based on recent reports. While some are born with it, others develop it over time. It’s the nation’s third most common chronic condition; in fact, it’s more common than diabetes and cancer. Studies show that it’s becoming more prevalent as well with the number of people across the globe who suffer from hearing loss expected to surge by one billion over the next 25 years.
Experts point out that at least 80 percent of Americans who suffer from hearing loss can benefit from using hearing aids. Unfortunately, fewer than half are actually using them. Many are afraid that hearing aids will be uncomfortable or too complicated for them to use effectively. Some are embarrassed to wear hearing aids or are afraid they’ll make them feel old. Still, for many hearing loss sufferers, the cost of hearing aids is the factor that’s holding them back. How much do hearing aids really cost, though? Read on to learn more about what to expect when you buy hearing aids.
Breaking Down the Cost of Hearing Aids
If you’ve done any research on hearing aids, you’ve probably discovered that their prices can vary widely. Some of the least expensive options on the market cost as little as $100 per device. On the higher end of the spectrum, you could pay as much as $8,000 per pair. Several factors can affect their price, and we’ll take a look at those to help you understand their potential costs.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
As you might imagine, over-the-counter hearing aids are generally the least expensive. They range from less than $100 per device to around $1,000 per pair. You can buy them at several locations, including pharmacies and department stores. They’re available through several online sources as well. On top of that, you don’t need a prescription to get them, so they don’t come with the added costs of an audiologist appointment and hearing evaluation.
Keep in mind that those savings aren’t necessarily a boon. OTC hearing aids can work well to an extent for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss, but they’re not effective for those with significant hearing issues. They’re not tailored to your specific needs, either. With that being the case, they may not meet your needs. They can even cause additional hearing loss in some cases if they’re used improperly.
Prescription Hearing Aids
Prescription hearing aids tend to be more expensive, but they’re also more effective. They’re customized to your unique needs, so they’ll address the specific hearing issues you’re dealing with. How much they cost depends on their design, the level of technology used in them, and their additional features.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are conventional options. They have a piece that fits into the ear. It’s connected to a tube that loops over the top of the ear, and their main working components are in a housing that rests behind the ear. In general, they cost about $2,000 per pair, and they’re appropriate for people with mild to profound hearing loss.
In-the-ear hearing aids are smaller. They fit into the ear canal, and a portion of them is visible in the outer ear. They’re suitable for different types and severities of hearing loss. In-the-canal hearing aids fit entirely in the ear canal, and they’re virtually invisible from the outside. They’re recommended for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Since both of these types of hearing aids are more compact, they’re generally more costly.
Understanding the True Cost of Hearing Aids
As noted, the level of technology incorporated into hearing aids affects their cost, and smaller models are often more expensive. Though prescription hearing aids are more expensive, their price generally also include the costs of hearing tests, fittings, adjustments, maintenance, and other services. Some hearing aids also come with Bluetooth capabilities, tinnitus masking, and other features that can further drive up their costs. Some health insurance policies cover a portion of the cost of hearing aids and related services. For Medicaid patients, the full cost of hearing evaluations and certain types of hearing aids may be covered. Those solutions can help make the price more manageable. Keep in mind that in the long run, avoiding treating your hearing loss can be much more costly than purchasing hearing aids.
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