A hearing aid or hearing device is a small device that can be worn in or behind
the ear. It makes sounds louder so that a person who has a hearing loss can listen,
communicate and participate more fully in daily activities.
Hearing aids typically have 4 basic parts: a microphone, a processor, an amplifier
and a speaker. The microphone receives the acoustic signal and converts it into
an electrical one. The processor is a computer chip that determines exactly how
the sound will be amplified according to the individual’s hearing loss, the amplifier
increases the power of the electrical signal accordingly and the speaker converts
the electrical signal back into an acoustic one.
Despite the benefits of using a hearing device, research shows that only about one
out of five people who would benefit from a hearing aid use one. More
Click here to read about the different types of hearing aids that are available
and the differences between them...
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Click here for a virtual tour of the technology used in today's hearing aids...
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Levels of Technology and Hearing Aid Prices:
Cost vs. Benefits
Quality hearing aids will cost you a few dollars these days. In fact, hearing aids
start about $1000 per ear and can go as high as $5000.
Why is this?
Recent studies have demonstrated that treating a hearing loss with hearing aids
has a direct impact on life quality. Improvements can include:
- Earning power on the job –a survey found persons who chose to treat their hearing
loss earns an average of $7000 more per year than those who do not.
- Isolation and depression are reduced
- Relationships improve due to improvements in communication.
A decent set of hearing aids allow you to enjoy the sounds that surround you every
day, so don’t be discouraged by the cost of hearing aids until you understand the
benefits they will bring you.
That still doesn’t answer the question- why spend thousands?
Quality hearing aids are designed by hearing aid manufacturers to be fitted to the
needs of the wearer by a professional.
Inside the small hearing aid casing is digital technology consisting of circuit
boards, sound amplification, automation and safety that can be tuned to your specific
hearing needs. This technology, in a tiny casing, costs money end to end:
- Research and development
- Manufacturing costs
- Customization of each hearing aid by a hearing aid professional
- Time spent with the hearing aid professional (audiologist) in consultation to deliver
the most desired outcome for not only the fitting but follow-up care
- Fittings and adjustments (usually included in the price of a hearing aid set)
- Two hearing aids are better than one even if you only experience hearing loss in
one ear
- Loss, damage and repair warranties that are typically included for the first 1-2
years following purchase
- Geographical location (for example, the cost of hearing aids in New York City and
Los Angeles will be much different then hearing aids in small town Iowa)
Today’s hearing aids
deliver features that increase sound quality, wearing comfort, an improved wearer
experience, low-profile designs and complete automation that actually “learns” your
listening preferences over time.
Levels of Technology
More about hearing aid technology
Hearing aid prices vary greatly based mostly on their features. The following graph
can give you a better idea of what to expect at each level. For more information
and to learn which level of technology will best suit your needs, contact our office
to schedule a free, no hassle hearing aid screening.
Basic Digital
These hearing aids offer amplification systems at a very affordable cost. However,
flexibility in making adjustments is limited, and these hearing aids may not perform
as well in noisy situations. They are the least expensive choice when cost is the
main concern.
Entry Level
These instruments offer newer advanced technology. This line offers greater flexibility
than basic technology. In the advanced digital hearing aid category, increased cost
reflects more features for better sound quality. These instruments are designed
for simple lifestyles.
Mid Level
This line of digital instruments are designed for more active lifestyles. These
devices offer better speech understanding in the presence of noise.
Premium Level
These are the most sophisticated hearing systems available. They offer the greatest
amount of fine-tuning flexibility. These systems were designed for people who spend
a great deal of time in difficult listening situations.