Ask your audiologist...
Dr. Tia Flynn | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 9 months AGO
My relative was quoted $6,000 for a pair of hearing aids. Is that the normal cost?
I would always recommend a second opinion if you feel you are being over-quoted. Ask for a copy of your evaluation, and make an appointment at a reputable office with a certified audiologist to see what an expert recommends. In my opinion, a price quote of $6,000 is "over the top." I usually hear about these high prices from the franchises that need to recoup their national advertising, or when an office is giving a discount or trade-in.
Quality hearing aids typically run between $2,000 and $5,000 a pair in North Idaho, $5,000 being the best sound processing technology available. I don't recommend hearing aids for less than $1,000 per ear because my patients have found the sound quality lacking, and a hearing aid in the drawer doesn't help anyone.
Do not trade in your working spare hearing aids. You need those in case your newest one ever needs to be repaired.
If you would like a second opinion, I would like to help you. Just call for a free hearing aid consultation appointment and bring in a copy of your last audiogram (hearing test), and I will be happy to tell you what I think.
Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for over 14 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit www.affordablehearinginc.com for a free copy of the consumers guide to hearing aids and watch helpful videos.
ARTICLES BY DR. TIA FLYNN
How long does it take to get hearing aids?
It depends on what style of hearing aid you are purchasing. If you are purchasing one of the new mini BTE’s (Behind the Ear) your hearing health care office may have some in stock that you may take home that day. There are generally two types of mini BTE’s. One is an open fit model, which has a selection of tubes, and tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. The other type is a receiver in the canal, which also has a selection of receivers, and dome tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. Some offices stock these types of aids but you usually have to special order the color that matches your hair.
About age-related hearing loss
Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. Causes of presbycusis include changes within the inner ear (damage to the tiny hair cells that pick up sound), changes in the middle ear (stiffening of the tympanic membrane and ossicles), complex changes along the nerve pathway leading to the brain, and cognitive changes in the brain.
Ask your audiologist: Free hearing help and repairs for the holidays!
Every holiday season I give back to the community by giving away a free pair of digital hearing aids to a deserving individual. I will also provide free in house repairs by appointment and bringing in a copy of this article. Everyone deserves to hear during the holidays! The holidays are usually the most important family gatherings of the year. Many people with hearing loss get left out of family conversations around the dinner table if they do not have hearing aids or if their hearing aid(s) are broken.