Choosing discount hearing aids may save you money upfront, but the hidden costs of inadequate care can add up over time

The Hidden Costs of Discount Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know

by | Oct 2, 2024 | Hearing Aids

When deciding where to purchase hearing aids, many people are drawn to big-box retailers by their lower prices and quick services. 

However, what often goes unnoticed are the hidden costs associated with discount hearing aids that come without comprehensive care. We have encountered countless patients who initially opted for cheaper hearing aids, only to discover that they were not getting the value they expected. 

Here’s a closer look at the real costs of discount hearing aids and why comprehensive care is essential. 

The Price Tag Isn’t the Whole Story 

Big-box retailers like Costco often market their hearing aids at much lower prices than specialized clinics. For example, Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand hearing aids might sell for around $1,800 per pair, compared to the higher prices of hearing aids at specialized clinics. But what these retailers don’t highlight are the limitations that come with their hearing aids – limitations that can end up costing you more in the long run. 

A former Costco hearing aid provider who is now part of the AVI New England team explained,

Costco offers hearing aids at a lower price, but there’s no follow-up care, no personalization, and limited services for more complex hearing needs. Patients often end up spending more on appointments and adjustments elsewhere because they aren’t getting the proper care initially. 

The True Cost of Limited Follow-Up Care 

One of the biggest hidden costs of discount hearing aids is the lack of comprehensive follow-up care. At big-box stores, once you walk out with your hearing aids, you’re largely on your own. Follow-up visits can be hard to schedule, and issues often go unaddressed for months. 

At Costco, you don’t get time for proper adjustments or fine-tuning. Patients often came to us later because their hearing aids were uncomfortable or ineffective, and they needed more personalized care to resolve these issues. 

Without regular check-ups and adjustments, hearing aids may not be optimized for your unique hearing loss, potentially causing discomfort, frustration, and even worsening your hearing ability over time. Many patients who buy discount hearing aids eventually find themselves paying for additional appointments, repairs, or even entirely new devices. 

Compromising on Quality of Care 

While big-box retailers like Costco provide basic hearing aids, they often do not cater to those with complex hearing needs. 

At Costco, we didn’t handle cases like tinnitus or single-sided deafness. If your hearing needs were more complex, you were often left without the right solution. That’s why many patients ended up coming to AVI New England for specialized care. 

Choosing discount hearing aids can mean sacrificing the quality of your hearing care. Hearing loss is not just about amplifying sound; it’s about understanding speech, adapting to different environments, and maintaining overall brain health. 

High-quality care from a specialized clinic includes personalized programming, patient education, and support for any hearing-related issues that arise. 

Why Specialized Care Is Worth the Investment 

AVI New England’s focus is on providing comprehensive care that extends far beyond simply fitting a device. We spend time understanding each patient’s unique hearing profile, adjusting their hearing aids for optimal performance, and offering ongoing support. This personalized care makes a significant difference in the long-term success of hearing aids. 

Patients who come to us after trying discount hearing aids often experience a revelation. They realize that it’s not just about the device itself – it’s about the expertise and care that come with it. Comprehensive care improves not only their hearing but also their overall quality of life. 

Real-Life Stories: The Impact of Choosing Quality Care 

Many of our patients have firsthand experience with the hidden costs of discount hearing aids. For instance, Carol K. initially bought her hearing aids from a big-box store but soon realized they weren’t tailored to her needs. 

The care I receive at AVI is on a completely different level,” Carol said. “I never knew how detailed and essential the fitting process was until I switched. 

Another patient, Mike, shared a similar story: 

I bought my first hearing aids at a big-box store because they were cheaper, but I was never satisfied with the results. After switching to AVI, I understood what real hearing care is. Now, my hearing is better than ever, and I appreciate the value of ongoing support. 

The Risk of Untreated Hearing Issues 

There are also significant health risks associated with untreated hearing loss due to inadequate care. Hearing loss is linked to several health issues, including cognitive decline, social isolation, and increased risk of falls. Comprehensive care helps manage these risks by ensuring that your hearing aids are properly fitted, adjusted, and maintained. 

When patients choose quality care, they are investing not only in better hearing but also in their overall health and well-being. Hearing aids from big-box stores might seem like a cost-effective option at first, but without the right care, the risks can far outweigh the benefits. 

Conclusion: Why Comprehensive Care Is Essential 

While discount hearing aids from big-box retailers may seem like a good deal upfront, the hidden costs of limited care, inadequate support, and potentially ineffective devices can add up over time. 

We believe that your hearing health is too important to compromise. By investing in comprehensive care, you are investing in your overall quality of life. 

If you are considering hearing aids or are unhappy with your current ones, schedule a consultation with AVI New England today. Let us show you the difference that personalized, professional care can make. 

Call us at (475) 227-0842 to schedule your appointment. Experience the peace of mind that comes with investing in comprehensive hearing care. 

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Dr. Natan Bauman

For more than 40 years, I have had the honor and opportunity of helping thousands of local, national, and international people to achieve a better life through better hearing. As an audiologist and electronic engineer, I have changed the course of the hearing aid industry by inventing the Receiver-In-The-Canal, the most widely used hearing aid in the world. Additionally, I established a tinnitus and sound over-sensitivity clinic and developed a special treatment program which I have been teaching to other practitioners nationally and internationally. Our practice follows the key principles that have defined my career: an adherence to best practices, use of the latest technologies, and personalized care in which the patient is treated as family.

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