Hearing Aid Brands and Pricing
Posted on October 5, 2009
Filed Under The Topics | 1 Comment
Recently, someone pointed out the fact that I never did a listing of specific brands of hearing aids that were the same or almost the same, as I referred to in the last letter. So here it is, even though I will be sticking my neck out on the line! This is a portion of a response that I sent by email to a newsletter subscriber, mentioning specific brands and pricing comparisons:
“There are a lot of good brands, and some are better than others, but because of competition, most of the “respected” manufacturers do have good technology. But they are kind of like cars – each brand has its “Chevette”, it’s “Malibu”, and it’s “Corvette”. So even though someone tells you “Siemens is the best brand”, that may not be true – especially if you compare Siemens entry level “Chevette” to some other brand’s “top of the line” aid.
Here is something to save you money, whenever you do buy a hearing aid(s). Lots of brands own several different companies. (Or at least utilize the same circuitry). For example:
Beltone $$$ ——– GN Resound $$ ———– Interton $
NuEar $$$ ——— Starkey $$ ————— MicroTech $
Miracle Ear $$$ —– Siemens $$ —————–Rexton $
Phonak $$$ ———Unitron $$
Notice the ratings of $$$ for more expensive, $$ for mid priced, and $ for lower average costs. I did over-generalize to make a point here, and that is that many times a franchised or “name brand” hearing aid can be purchased under a different name at lower cost.
This is all the more reason to pay attention to the person and the local company you are working with. I would rather find someone I feel I can trust to explain a technology I am unfamiliar with, than to try to become an expert myself. You would do well to find an expert you feel you can trust.
Referrals are a good place to start, when looking for a credible business. I am working with the national release of “New Perceptions in Hearing”, which is making hearing aids available on a cell phone rate plan. We are relying on referrals and a screening processes to develop our list of dispensers and audiologists that we will invite to join us in the new program. You can help me.
If you have done business with someone you consider to be an excellent audiologist and/or dispenser, please let us know about them at suggestions@hearinghaven.com. I’d love to compile a list of “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” practices. Just let me know the Business Name, City, State, name of the audiologist/hearing aid dispenser and the reasons you would or wouldn’t recommend them. This way, if anyone ever needs a referral in your area, I can share the “good” names, but I imagine I will probably not tell anyone who the “bad apples” are!
Thank you for your time. Have a blessed day. We do have our new website up now. Visit http://www.hearingaidsforlife.com and let me know what you think!
Bob Bare
http://www.HearingHaven.com/
http://www.HearingAidsForLife.com/
Comments
One Response to “Hearing Aid Brands and Pricing”
Leave a Reply
Great tips! I will try it definitely
thanks for sharing this!