Cheap Hearing Aid Alternatives: Are They Worth It?

In the U.S., hearing loss is the third most common physical condition after heart disease and arthritis. Despite one in three people above the age of 65 suffering from a hearing impairment, only about 20-30% of them seek help. Untreated hearing loss has been associated with up to a 40% faster decline in cognitive abilities, such as concentration and memory. So, what is the biggest barrier to hearing aids? You guessed it: The cost.

Here’s what you need to know about cheap hearing aid alternatives and whether these alternative hearing aids are suitable for you.

People commonly search for hearing aid alternatives for seniors because of the high cost of cutting-edge hearing aids. For a state-of-the-art hearing aid from a reputable manufacturer, expect to pay up to $2,500 per hearing aid. While some private medical insurance policies may cover the cost of hearing aids, most seniors don’t have this privilege.

Medicare parts A and B offer no coverage for hearing aids, tests, or maintenance appointments. Unfortunately, in 1965 when Medicare became law, hearing aids were seen as cheap, routinely needed, and most Americans didn’t live long enough to get to the point of needing them. Campaigners have fought without success to have hearing aids covered by Medicare. For millions of Americans, the cutting-edge features of modern hearing aids are simply out of their price range, which is why more and more seniors are looking into inexpensive hearing aid alternatives

Hearing aids vary heavily in price, depending on the brand and the features offered in individual models. Here are some of the features that will increase the price of hearing aids:

• Bluetooth streaming
• Wireless connectivity
• Telecoils
• Remote volume controls
• Noise and wind reduction
• Direct audio input
• Rechargeable hearing aids

In other words, the more features a hearing aids model has, the more you can expect to pay. However, everyone lives a different lifestyle. Is there any need to incorporate Bluetooth streaming if you don’t own a smartphone, for example? Many hearing aids also come with health-monitoring apps and other functions, which seems like a cool feature but may not be relevant to everyone.

Are there any alternatives to hearing aids that work just as well? Truthfully, while there are plenty of alternatives for seniors, they will never work as well as a custom-fitted hearing aid from a highly reputed manufacturer. They simply lack the advanced technology and features. If you’re searching for the best hearing aid alternative, here are a few different options to consider.

The lack of Medicare coverage for hearing aids is what led to the new FDA-regulated category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, known as Personal Sound Amplification Devices (PSAPs), in 2017. These can be purchased for as little as $300 for the highest-rated models and are sold openly on Amazon.

It’s important to note that PSAPs are not FDA approved and there is little regulation when it comes to the different models and who can sell them. Here’s a breakdown of PSAPs:

• Amplification Only – PSAPs only amplify existing sounds, rather than help your brain to process them. Think of it as turning up the volume on your life.
• No Customization – These devices are not custom-fitted to suit your ears, therefore amplifying sounds too much could cause further damage to your hearing. Without a professional, you may be unaware of when it’s too loud.
• Convenient to Wear – Wear them immediately without any follow-up appointments or complicated maintenance.
• Can Be Uncomfortable – PSAPs are not tailored to the wearer’s ear. These devices can be uncomfortable for some people and may cause discomfort when worn over a prolonged period.
• Cheap Hearing Aid Alternatives – PSAPs can be purchased for as little as $100, which makes them ideal for those looking for a more affordable option.
• Soft Sound Recognition – These devices are ideal for amplifying soft sounds, which are often more difficult to hear.

There is a huge amount of variation across the industry of OTC hearing devices. Make sure you do your research and look up cheap hearing aid alternatives ratings before committing to a purchase.

Perhaps the most common complaint experienced by family members and friends of the hearing impaired is the volume of the TV. People who suffer from hearing loss are often forced to crank the volume of their television sets incredibly high so they can hear what’s happening. Unfortunately, this can be uncomfortable for everyone else and may even cause damage to their hearing.

TV listening devices enable you to connect wirelessly to your television set and listen to the volume independently. This essentially allows all viewers to watch the same show at two different volume levels. While it’s far from a solution to hearing loss, it can improve quality of life.

Another frustrating issue experienced by those with hearing loss is being unable to hear on the phone. Speaking with friends and family becomes incredibly frustrating as words are misunderstood or not heard at all. The lack of visual cues can also make it more difficult for those with a hearing impairment to grasp what the other person is saying.

Amplified telephones are a device that increases the one-way volume of the speaker. Unlike hearing aids, many states provide amplified telephones to residents free of charge. To obtain a free amplified telephone, you may have to fill out a formal application and attend an appointment with a hearing professional who can confirm your hearing loss. If you’re unable to get a free amplified phone, you can find models sold privately.

Before discussing some of the different affordable hearing aid options, it’s important to be aware that many companies are helping ordinary Americans by offering hearing aids on finance. If you cannot afford to make a lump sum payment for hearing aids, you may be able to spread out the cost over a specific period. Remember, a significant part of the cost of hearing aids comes from the consultation fees, tests, custom fitting, and any adjustments that need to be made. Here are a few of our favorites if you’re looking to upgrade to an affordable pair of hearing aids:

At EarPros, we believe that hearing aids can change your life. Looking for alternatives to hearing aids will ultimately lead to a lower quality hearing experience and can end up damaging your hearing even more. Not to mention, cheap hearing aid alternatives simply don’t offer the quality of life that modern hearing aids can.

Saving on hearing aids is a big priority for millions of Americans. If a company doesn’t offer a payment plan, you may need to get creative when you shop. Here are some tips for saving on your hearing aids:

• Shop Around – Stop shopping for hearing aid alternatives and start looking for more affordable hearing aids. With so many models, it can often be confusing for first-time wearers to find a great deal on their hearing aids. But with enough research, you will find your perfect pair.
• Search for Medicare Supplemental Coverage – While basic Medicare does not offer coverage for hearing aids, roughly half of all Medicare enrollees pay for the Medicare Advantage plan. Average costs range from $10-$150 per month, and most of these plans do cover hearing aids.
• Ask About Local Aid Organizations – Many aid organizations are operating locally that may offer used or repurposed hearing aids. The Lions Club is just one such organization.
• Veteran? Check for Coverage – Many veterans are unaware that they are eligible for hearing aids via the VA Health Benefits program. One in three veterans is eligible.
• Avoid Unnecessary Features – Hearing aids often come with state-of-the-art features, but if you have no use for those features, then why pay extra for them?

As you can see, there are several hacks to cut the cost of your hearing aids. In some cases, Americans have found that they do have coverage without even knowing it.

Cheap hearing aid alternatives might seem like a quick fix, but there is little regulation surrounding them and they don’t offer the same tailored hearing experience as a genuine hearing aid. While the latest models can cost thousands of dollars, don’t give up on hearing aids. You may be able to find help to cover the cost or opt-in for a payment plan.

Start your journey to better hearing and schedule your free hearing test with EarPros today.

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