Unlike other types of technological development, the process of creating new hearing aids is more expensive, due to the fact that hardware, such as chips, is unique to hearing aids and is not used in any other application. What Makes Hearing Aids So Expensive? Research and development costs for hearing aids are much higher than in many similar industries. This is because hearing aid chips are not a reused technology that is also found in other devices. They are custom-made by the hearing aid manufacturer, specifically for that line of hearing aids.
In addition to hardware development costs, there is research to refine the functions of hearing aids that are software-based. Whether you buy an entry-level model or a top-of-the-line model, the costs associated with these devices are often why people avoid buying them. One of the factors that increase costs is technology. No matter how you look at it, hearing aids are expensive.
So why do they cost exactly what they do? Experts say that you are not only buying a high-tech device that requires thorough research, but you are also likely to pay for the services of highly trained hearing specialists over the life of your hearing aids. A large percentage of the cost is due to the amount of research and development needed to continually improve the technology that powers your hearing aid. Every year, the hearing industry spends hundreds of millions of dollars to make its hearing aids smaller, more powerful and more natural-sounding. The R%26D process involves electrical engineers, sound engineers, audiologists, computer engineers, programmers and more.
There are many online retailers selling hearing aids at a discounted price. Some manufacturers also sell their own devices. Most online retailers can work with an existing copy of your audiogram (hearing prescription). Some offer free online hearing tests or telephone consultations with a specialist.
In terms of manufacturing, materials such as microprocessors and microphones can account for about 10 percent of the final cost of some hearing aids. If you have a mild hearing loss, you may be tempted to buy a personal sound amplification product (PSAP) on a website, often called hearing amplifiers or even hearing aid amplifiers. Part of the cost of manufacturing hearing aids comes from research needed to continue making technological advances each year. The price of hearing aids includes the cost of the device itself, as well as the services of the professional.
Hearing aids are a major investment; they're devices you'll use most of your waking hours, seven days a week. The importance of connectivity, your budget, the overall look of the hearing aid, if dexterity is limited, the feature set you need for your hearing loss, your lifestyle and much more. In some cases, your audiologist may be able to help you identify hearing aids that are affordable for you. Clinics can also pre-program hearing aids to change settings when in different environments.
In addition to the additional features of hearing aids (such as Bluetooth functionality) that influence the price of a device, there are four other factors. Hearing aids have many colors, shapes and sizes that determine their price, and also when customized to your liking they can make it easy to hide them in plain sight. Currently, hearing aids that you can buy directly, without having them examined by an audiologist first, are personal sound amplification products or PSAP. Severe to profound hearing loss requires a high-powered hearing aid, which provides the highest amplification.
While hearing aid prices are high, it's important to know that you're paying a lot more than just for the devices themselves. That sounds like a lot, but if you consider that there are about 319 million people in the United States, a couple of million hearing aids sound like a drop in the bucket. Audicus sells its own brand of custom programmable hearing aids online and at clinics in select cities. .
