Private provider vs Costco or other

The real tragedy is that those ‘inflated’ prices are set by the manufacturers, not the audiologist or HIS. They have to make a living after all! The additional tragedy is that for some reason hearing aids are often not covered by health insurance here in the US and often only somewhat covered even in countries with national health care. additionally, until the changes made to prevent denial based on preexisting conditions it was impossible for me to get any coverage for my HAs at all since I am diagnosed as born with my loss (despite actual diagnosis at 3 years old).

Finally, folks with a profound loss like mine have no Costco options. I was very fortunate to find a skilled HIS who is only(!) charging me $6,000 ($4,000 after insurance) for my Phonak Naida L90-UPs. My audiologist charges $8,000 for the same HAs but they have a whole office to support while my HIS is a one man shop.

It’s insane and a tragedy for so many folks struggling with hearing loss.

May I politely enquire: do you reside in Florida? Those prices you are being quoted beggar belief. I live in the WDC area, frequent an audiologist who has a sterling reputation and have had her remark to me - dealing with “snowbird” patients who move between this area and Florida - that the Florida prices these snowbirds quote her being charged in Florida are jaw-droppingly out of line with what she charges.

I live in western PA. The audiologist at Hearing Unlimited actually alluded to the fact that the prices are high because of the supply and demand circumstance with the senior citizen demographic. Im assuming because hearing loss is generally more profound as we age? Either way, that gave me yet another reason not to return. Of course I do not fault the individual audiologist for any of this, I do realize it’s how she makes her living! However, I don’t want to participate in that kind of business. I do feel for those who are trapped into having to pay those extremely inflated prices, due to their geographic location, poorer hearing, etc. I feel lucky to have the ability to compare and choose the more cost effective option.

Costco has changed the way hearing aids are marketed. The 4 year PHD audiologist is getting caught in this. They have put a huge investment in time and money into their training but the truth to me seems to be that many if not most hearing aid users don’t need that level of expertise. It’s a little like the difference between and M.D. and a physician’s assistant. Each have a role in care, but the extra training is not needed to address most problems. Manufacturers are adjusting by withholding some brands from the mass marketers. And without doubt there are many who need the the newer hearing aid advances. How it will work out is anyone’s guess but it’s nice to have the option of a less expensive care model…

I would fully agree except with the statement of lasting 4 to 5 years. With the additional changes brought on by “Over the Counter” sales that are pushing much improved technologies out the door at an increasing pace, plus waterproofing and sealed rechargeable batteries which are often useless after 2 years, you are likely to be pushed into a continuously shorter upgrade cycle. Take a look at what happened with cellphones and electric cars both of which are depreciating much faster than their older counterparts.