Hearing Loss: Warning Signs


10 ways to save on the price of hearing aids

Monday, November 07 2016
10 ways to save on the price of hearing aids

You did your hearing test with an audiologist in a hearing clinic near you. You're now ready to buy a pair of hearing aids. It is time to meet with a hearing aid acoustician. But before you do, you need to ask a few questions.

Tip 1: Search your residential area for a hearing aid acoustician.

There are several ways to find a hearing health professional. Ask your ENT doctor or audiologist. You can also visit the website of the Professional Association of Hearing Aid Acousticians.

Tip 2: Have you found your hearing aid acoustician?

Make sure the clinic is near your residence. Indeed, with the purchase of hearing aids, there are several appointments to plan for. To limit unnecessary travel, it is best that your hearing clinic be in an radius of 10 to 15 kilometers.

Tip 3: Do you trust your hearing health professional?

At your first appointment, ask questions about your hearing loss. If the answers the audiologist gives you does not suit you, it might be wise to seek another.

Tip 4: What product range should you choose?

This question is very important. Above all, your hearing care professional should definitely tell you about the support programs. There are several. The first is the RAMQ or Quebec Medicare. There are also the CSST or CNESST and Veteran Affairs. The last are from private, community or group insurers. I often tell my patients to call their insurance agent and inquire about your options. Insurers often have assistance programs.

Tip 5: There are several models. Which should I choose?

Inquire with the hearing aid acoustician about which hearing aid is best for you. Several criteria are taken into account, such as your type of hearing loss, your ear shape, your dexterity, your selected support program and your budget.

Tip 6: How long will my hearing aids last?

This is a question that I answer constantly. A good hearing aid lasts 4 to 6 years. Inform yourself on warranties. Hearing aid warranties vary from one manufacturer to the next.

Tip 7: Do I have to pay a fee for each visit?

There are a few hearing clinic visits to plan a year. Ask about fees.

Tip 8: What do batteries cost?

Battery consumption varies. Ask about the average cost of 1 year with your new hearing aids. Your hearing care professional can answer this question. You can then compare battery prices with competitors.

Tip 9: I will go online to compare.

Several studies have shown that the purchase of a hearing aid on the internet can be dangerous. Indeed, a hearing aid is a medical device with national and international standards. To protect your hearing, you need a competent professional and a licensed hearing aid. The prices displayed on the internet are often misleading. An essential array of information is needed to make a good choice. Additionally, if you have a problem with a device bought on the internet, it will be difficult to get help from a hearing health professional. You must protect your hearing.

Tip 10: The competitor sells its hearing aids at a low cost.

It may be interesting to go to a competitor and I highly recommend it. You have all your papers in hand, so feel free to compare. But the only advice I can give you is to not rely strictly on the cost of hearing aids. In this field, services are performed before and especially after the sale. I often say that a relationship with a hearing aid acoustician is a long-term relationship. You can check with other customers or healthcare professionals regarding this particular hearing clinic.

In conclusion, prepare some questions before meeting a hearing care professional. This is the best advice I can give you. Be as informed as possible. Also, feel free to take a second appointment to deepen the matter of your hearing loss. The way to recover clear and accurate hearing is sometimes difficult but the rewards are worth the effort. Do not hesitate to contact us for a second opinion.


Hearing Clinic

An assessment by a hearing-aid acoustician is required in order to determine if the hearing aid is suitable for the patient's needs. Responsible for advertising: Annie Bouchard


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