The cost of hearing aids — are the expensive ones the best?
Kim Galick, owner of Ears Hearing Clinic in Langley, helps fit a client with a new hearing aid.
Some hearing aid clinics are associated with a single brand, which means their experts can only offer you a fraction of the available technology — kind of like a sales person at a car dealership is limited to the various vehicle models manufactured by that brand.
But as the independent owner of Ears Hearing Clinic in Langley, Kim Galick can offer her clients a wide range of hearing aids from all of the major brands, meaning her knowledge is that much more far reaching.
So with all of that knowledge and years of experience fitting clients with hearing aids, which one does she say is the best?
“Cost isn’t the only factor when fitting a hearing aid, so the most expensive hearing aid isn’t necessarily the best. In fact, different types of hearing loss and different lifestyles require different technology, so ‘the best hearing aid’ will be different for everyone,” Kim says.
3 tips to finding affordable hearing aids
- Don’t assume you can’t afford hearing aids: It’s important for seniors to get their hearing tested regularly, even if they can’t afford the newest brand or style. “We can still find effective solutions for people on a limited budget, and can also help you find out if some of the cost is covered by insurance or other health benefits,” Kim says. “If you have worked in an industry that may have contributed to your hearing loss, you may be eligible to apply for coverage as well.”
- Inexpensive hearing aids from a big box store may cost you more in the long run: The price tag on hearing aids from big box stores may be tempting, but hearing aids are not ‘one-size-fits-all’ and you may be so frustrated with your cheap hearing aids that you never wear them! “The hearing assessment and fitting is just as important as the technology itself. Sometimes I’ll keep working with a client for months after their purchase to ensure their hearing aid is adjusted to their unique needs. At big box stores, that level of service isn’t always included.”
- Fancy technology isn’t for everyone: Some hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth so they can be controlled from your smartphone — useful for some, and confusing for others! Some hearing aids can be connected to your TV audio, but you’d better check if others in the room can still hear it too. Every hearing aid has advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of hearing loss you have, and the sounds you’re trying to hear. “Inexpensive hearing aids can still dramatically improve your hearing. It just depends on your individual needs,” Kim says.
For a free hearing consultation and more hearing advice, call Kim Galick at Ears Hearing Clinic, 604-427-2828 or email info@earslangley.com. Find Ears Hearing at Unit C 20568 56 Ave. in Langley, online at earslangley.com and on Facebook.