Frequently asked questions about purchasing hearing aids

Hearing Aid General Purchase Questions:

What is the typical hearing aid selection process?

First, we will determine what hearing aid strength is most appropriate for your hearing. Then, we will discuss that style would work best for you. From there we will determine your listening needs and recommend a technology level. Finally, we will have you pick a color and order your aids.

Where do I go to buy hearing aids? Do I need to do anything before I can buy them?

Come to us (or at very least an Audiologist)! To get the process started, we ask that you schedule a visit with our ENT, Dr. Franklin Douglis, to obtain medical clearance and determine the type and severity of your hearing loss. Once that is completed, it’s just a matter of deciding what will work best for you and ordering your aids.

What brand should I choose?

There are many brands to fit all price points and goals. Currently, we prefer to work with Phonak and Oticon hearing aids. With these brands, we tend to have very few repair issues and high patient success rates.

Where can I go for hearing aid reviews?

Consumer reports and Healthy Hearing are great places to get information. You can visit their websites for more information.

Why shouldn't I buy a hearing aid wholesale?

Typically, the hearing aids that you can purchase on wholesale look similar to the hearing aids you can obtain from an Audiologist. However, they generally do not have the same features to help you hear better in background noise, do not have programs to help with tinnitus, and are at least a generation behind in processing technology.

Should I buy hearing aids online or at a big bix store?

We strongly advise against buying hearing aids online. If a hearing aid is purchased online most Audiologists will not program or service them (including us). Many of these sites also violate hearing aid fitting laws for the state of Texas. In Texas, you MUST provide follow up care if you sell someone a hearing aid. Most online retailers do not have follow up care. Some big box stores do provide care, but our office is a medical home for you. We provide customized treatment plans for patients regarding their hearing in addition to fitting your hearing aids. We also offer hearing aids at similar prices to big box stores that include your treatment plan.

Are over-the-counter (otc) hearing aids recommended?

Over the counter hearing aids are a great for patients with limited visitors and that are looking to hear the TV better. They are a very cost effective way to hear better at home on a fixed income. However, they are not recommended if you attend social gatherings, go to restaurants, etc. This is because they have very limited, if any, noise reduction. They also tend to be a general amplifier to make everything louder, not personalized to your hearing.

Should I purchase used hearing aids?

The short answer to this is no. It is not recommended because they are medical devices. In fact, in the state of Texas, we are not allowed to sell used hearing aids. However, a friend or family member can donate or gift them to you.

Should I get a personal sound amplification product (psap)?

PSAPs are great for patients with limited visitors and that are looking to hear the TV better. They are a very cost effective way to hear better at home on a fixed income. However, they are not recommended if you attend social gatherings, go to restaurants, etc. This is because they have very limited, if any, noise reduction. They also tend to be a general amplifier to make everything louder, not personalized to your hearing.

Hearing Aid Costs

How much do hearing aids cost?

That can vary widely depending on where they are purchased and the care package that is included with the hearing aids. Through our practice, prices from approximately $3200.00 to $5600.00 for a pair.

Why do hearing aids cost so much?

Admittedly, they are expensive. The primary reasons for this are the limited use by hearing impaired people and the follow up care that goes into the devices. Less than 30% of population in the United States that could benefit from hearing aids wear them. This drives the cost up, as manufacturers are always trying to improve their technology to help more people. Also, the cost of your follow up care is generally bundled into the cost of the hearing aid so that you do not have to think about it down the road.

What are the available financing options?

Yes. We offer financing through Care Credit. Our doctors of Audiology will help guide you through the application and purchase process.

Hearing Aids and Insurance:

Will my insurance cover hearing aids?

Some insurance companies have coverage for hearing aids. Of those, some will allow a particular monetary amount and some will pay a percentage of an allowed amount. However, that amount is generally not equal to the cost of the hearing aids. Through Hear Again, all hearing aids are considered as out of network through insurance, so be sure to verify your out of network benefits, as well!

Does my hearing aid come with a warranty?

Yes. The warranty length can vary anywhere from 6 months to 3 years depending on where it is purchased from. Through Hear Again, all hearing aids come with a 3 years warranty for both loss and repair.

What if I lose my hearing aids?

There is a loss policy that comes with your hearing aids. In the case of loss, the hearing aid manufacturer will replace each hearing aid once for a set fee. If this policy is used, there are also other insurance policies that you can obtain through an outside hearing aid insurer. We will discuss those options with you if it happens. Our motto is, better safe than sorry!

Will hearing aids be covered by Medicare in 2020?

No. This is a myth that we hear frequently. Medicare does not have any coverage toward the cost of hearing aids. However, if you have a Medicare replacement plan, they may have discount programs available. Check with your insurance provider to find out more about your benefits.

Hearing Aid Purchase Returns:

Can I return my hearing aids if I'm not satisfied?

Yes. There is a 30 day trial period that is mandated by state law. During that time, if we need to exchange the hearing aids for something different, we can do that at no penalty. However, if you return the hearing aids, we retain $300.00 per pair for our time and services.

What if I purchase a hearing aid that I don't like?

There is a 30 day trial period that is mandated by state law. During that time, if we need to exchange the hearing aids for something different, we can do that at no penalty. However, if you return the hearing aids, we retain $300.00 per pair for our time and services.