Hearing aids often seem like an expensive investment, especially if you lack insurance coverage that will help pay for them. Many people put off getting hearing aids for as long as possible simply because of the cost. If you’ve been putting off hearing aids due to the price, it’s essential to consider why they cost as much as they do, and why that cost is such a worthwhile investment. Hearing aid technology has improved a great deal over the past several years. By understanding why the cost of hearing aids has gone up, you can also better determine what hearing aid technology will work best for you.
1. Hearing aids are getting smaller.
Instead of the bulky devices, you may remember your grandparents using; modern hearing aids are becoming increasingly small and subtle. The small technology means that, in many cases, people won’t even realize that you’re wearing hearing aids. Unfortunately, this advanced technology comes at a price. The more subtle and comfortable you want your hearing aids to be, in many cases, the more you’ll pay for them.
2. Hearing aids can now help you focus on the sounds you most want to hear.
In the past, hearing aids simply amplified every sound in the area. While that allows you to hear everything that’s going on in the room, it can also be incredibly distracting. Many people chose to turn their hearing aids off rather than listen to, for example, the increased sound of water dripping, or the hum of background conversation a bit too far away for them to hear.
Modern hearing aids, however, offer advantages that make it easier to focus on the sounds you want to hear. Many will help dim background noises while concentrating on the sounds you want to hear. Other models can focus on specific sounds as you turn your head around the room, which means that you will be able to more easily focus on the conversations you want to hear (and tune out the ones you don’t).
3. Modern hearing aids connect to your smart devices.
These days, there’s an app for everything–and your hearing aids are no exception. Thanks to smart technology, you can connect your hearing aids to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to accomplish several useful tasks.
Depending on the app that goes with your hearing aids, you can stream specific sounds, like driving directions or phone conversations directly to your hearing aids, rather than having to listen to them through the phone. Most models will allow you to quickly check the battery status of your hearing aids so that you’ll know when it’s time to charge or change them.
Not only that, in some cases, you can use your hearing aid app to find lost hearing aids, a tool that becomes even more vital as hearing aids get smaller. That technology, however, has to be developed, and the cost of development can increase the price of your hearing aids even as it offers you more convenience.
4. You need specific tests and calibrations that will ensure your hearing aids are set up just for you.
Your ears aren’t like anyone else’s, nor is your hearing loss identical to everyone else who uses the same hearing aids you do. To make the most of your hearing aids, you need careful testing and calibration that will help your hearing aid dispenser set up your hearing aids to your specific needs. This may include several visits to the office as your hearing is tested and your hearing loss evaluated. Then, once you have chosen your hearing aids, you may need a second visit to have your hearing aids calibrated to your specific needs.
As your hearing changes, you may need to revisit your hearing aid dispenser to have your hearing aids adjusted according to your new needs: while the attached app can allow you to raise or lower the volume according to your needs, you may find that having a professional adjust it will help make your hearing clearer.
Hearing aids have become increasingly complex–and as the technology improves, you may see the cost rise along with it. Fortunately, there are many financing options available at Beltone to make it easier for you to pay for your hearing aids. Are you ready to start the hearing journey that will help you get the hearing care you need?
Contact us today to learn more about the latest technology available in hearing aids and how it can help you.
