You rock Dr Cliff! One more option I've found: my ins co has helped a little, while my benefit is every 2 years, it comes up again in 14 months; there is no objection to me buying very high tec in one ear (I won't use it much) then the second ear in what will be 13 months later. :D
#7. If you're still working and in a higher income bracket, paying the cost of the hearing aids out of Flexible Savings Account (pre tax money) can save you an additional 15-25%. Unbundling helps here too, because there is an upper limit on FSA for one year that definitely won't cover the entire cost of a bundled payment option, but if you pay for your follow-up visits from FSA over the ensuing years, that cost can also come out of FSA pre-tax money, you just need to factor that cost into your FSA deduction prior to each year. #8. Check into ZipHearing if you don't have TruHearing through your insurance. Or even if you do, there may be better providers that participate in ZipHearing but not TruHearing.
Very good information. I'm still wearing a pair of Siemens Pure 700's purchased in March 2010, still serving me well. I've never had any others so don't know the comparison. I'm not one that has to have the latest model. I purchased these online from a hearing specialist after I had my hearing examined by an and ENT, then an audiologist in the same office. I will probably buy online again when ready.
I retired to Costa Rica and the cost is allot less for hearing aids. I'm profoundly deaf and replace my $3,000 US hearing aids for $1,000. Not the same brand, but they work better.
When my wife replaced her 6 year old hearing aids I took them. Our audiologist tested my hearing and set the old aids to my hearing loss. Two years later and the aids are doing OK. After eight years the left aid is getting a little flaky starting to go off and on so I am going to buy a new pair from Costco. Those aids owe us nothing. I wish you lived in NJ.
Hi doc do you sell hearing aid we live here in the Philippines now and my hisband his been wearing the hearing for 10 years and over the years his lossing more and more hearing . And he had a severe hearing loss he wishes that the hearing manufacturer can make a better hearing aid just like cellphone when his listening to a program on facebook like some news that share to his facebook he will listen at the bottome of the cell phone without hearing aid and he can listen to it clearly not like putting his hearing aid that we bought here from a hearimg company but he cannot even understand the word of what they say but listening to the bottom of his cellphone he can understand so well
I never realized how complex the hearing aids markets is I learn a lot watching a lots of video from Doctor Cliff very informative and educational I do not like the one beyond my ears I ware glass and they hurt I tried one time they hurt me so bad I had to take them off plus a bad headache Dr Cliff I want to thank you for all the videos you post on line for now on I am devoted to your web side Thanks again
Don't forget vocational rehabilitation! They can help as well. Between that and insurance, I get premium level hearing aids and associated care 100% covered every 3 years.
Dr. Cliff, Unfortunately I am currently unemployed and I have an Internet service for my hearing devices. I wish someone could tune my devices yet no takers but Grateful advice. I'm taking a financial test and have an opportunity to work nearby. I appreciate what you do.You are the first You Tube subscription, I've ever done. Keep your good work for hearing impaired.! Thanks again.
Dr cliff Love your presentations You previously were a Tru Hearing Clinic. Your info on Tru Hearing was very informative as my In’s now has Tru Hearing and I must go to one of their clinics for any benefit. Could you do a review about the Tru Hearing Aid? standard vs premium and compare to Phonak Audeo M An FYI, I have profound hearing loss in my rt ear and deaf in left ear due to radiation treatment my wife has a higher pitched voice and I can barely understand her. I currently have a phonak audeo V 90. I’m constantly seeing my AuD with little success Appreciate you reply Dan B
I also have TruHearing and must use their suggested clinics. I would also love to see a review of the TruHearing hearing aid. He's no longer associated with them, so not sure he's able to.
When I was in the Master’s program many moons ago I really hated our professor for not training us on the VERY new Digital HAs. But you know what we did the 2cc coupler To check the hearing aid when it came in, we did the real ear measurements In the follow up appointment and speech and noise........And would you believe that the behind the ear Phonak analog Hearing aid with directional mic and k-amp Worked beautifully with everyone. We never had returns ever! And all I hear from audiologists Is about their return rate and unhappy patients but since I’m a speech therapist too....I do Aural rehab With patients who were having problems with your hearing aids because they are aids they need training.......Once the patient is trained to use and care for their HA and they’re getting A benefit from it they wear it! When I was getting my AuD I tried to explain rehab techniques from a speech therapist point of view To help them decrease their return rate but the problem was that most of the audiologist were not very social talkative people. They flat out looked at me and said I was crazy they are not gonna spend that much time talking with those people. I was baffled!
@@DrCliffAuD So true, I was so unimpressed by an audiologist I saw recently as a checkup and because I qualified for new aids under the govt. subsidy and insurance. It became quite obvious to me that the ONLY thing they were interested in was selling me new aids, with exceedingly poor [non existent] fitting - did not even try on a dummy rechargeable aid to see if it was comfortable. I don't think it was Covid related as we are very strict here in Qld. Watching your videos confirmed my suspicions and allayed my anxiety over dumping that company. Trying again with a new provider today.
Very good advice. Thank you. In one of your points, would you say that it is okay to buy a Resound Enzo 3D 5 compared to the Enzo 3D 7 as long as the fitting and programming are done well? I will be able to save quite some bucks if I will go with the 5.
When you live in a developing country, finally get over the barrier of accepting you will need to get hearing aids, go for the test and then see the eye watering cost... wow. This is a great video though
My insurance doesnt cover hearing aids , only coclear implants for children ! So i am screwed . Is there a way to buy refurbished hearing aids ? I found a website that sells them but i am wondering if that is a good way to go .
Dr. Cliff, I just had a hearing assessment completed at the ENT. My speech discrimination was 100%. Most levels came in around 25-30 dB. However, only one level, the high frequency level, came in at LE 70 and RE 60 dB. I have a couple observations if you don't care answering. The cost of $4K seemed steep. I was told to maintain my hearing, I should consider purchasing them within the next 6 months. With my condition, what is the best aids. I'm not looking for bells and whistles. I need something dependable. I'm a dean at a university and have a lot of meetings. Are you able to sell and set the aids to maximum performance via online? Blessings, Roy
Buying hearing aids "within the next 6 months" will not "preserve" your hearing. While it is always a better idea to treat your hearing loss sooner rather than later for cognitive reasons, you hearing will not deteriorate due to lack of amplification. It is a common sales tactic that happens in the industry. The determination of which level of technology is right for you depends on your needs. If you don't find yourself in complex situations, you can get away with a lower level technology. The one negative about this is that it is harder to precisely match Real Ear Measurement prescriptive targets with lower level technologies. However, if you are finding yourself in a lot of meetings, you may need a more dynamic hearing aid. Just FYI, the most expensive hearing aids in my clinic are $1,845 per device, but this does not include my services to fit, program, & service the hearing devices. That costs extra. So from my perspective, $4k doesn't seem too steep if they are actually providing you with top-notch care with decent devices. What is your Speech in Noise score? This would help determine the necessity for a better hearing aid. As much as I would love to sell you hearing aids online, it would be impossible to ensure they are programmed correctly which is the most important thing when it comes to your performance (Yes, even more important than the hearing aid tech level). There are so many other factors that go into ensuring proper fit and programming that I could type all night, but my recommendation is to do some more research on devices and what things you should expect from the hearing care provider.
Hey Dr. Olson, do you think it might be possible to save money by buying a pair of hearing aids in the country of manufacture? For example: if I was going on a trip to Switzerland anyway, do you think I might be able to pick up a pair of Phonak hearing aids at a better price over there? Then if I did that, how likely would it be to find a clinic in the US to do the adjustments and tweaking over the life of the hearing aids at a reasonable cost? Thank you so much for your awesome videos, they are helpful beyond measure!
Hi David. I'm not sure if you can get them there cheaper. It is possible if you can buy them unbundled from fitting and follow-up care since they won't likely have any tariff taxes on them from being imported. However, this is probably avoided anyway by having the devices assembled in the USA.
Thanks so much for the quick reply Dr. Cliff! I'll check it out and get back to you if it looks like I can buy them cheaper overseas. Your commitment to helping people is so incredibly awesome :-)
Pricing on hearing aids is irrelevant to a "maintenance plan". The more you pay the more sophisticated the technology is within the units. If any Audiologist expects payment on every consult e.g. adjustments, reprogramming etc. I would highly recommend you re-evaluate your hearing professional. The sale of the units are far more profitable than you may think, once you have purchased hearing aids you should be managed within the practice with free after care service. In saying that "free after care service" is the cornerstone to retention and referrals, which generally happens. I hope you can read into this and be more knowledgeable, always expect more from your hearing practice/Audiologist - they make good margins on each sale.
I bet they do. I have my first hearing aids for about a year now and still struggling to get them programmer properly. I think it is just a bad set of hearing aids.
Actually, unbundled care is a great way to save money and only pay for what you need. Many bundled clinics charge you a lot of money for the hearing aids and provide "free" care that is often low quality.
@@DrCliffAuD well it getting frustrating, and embarrassing, when people tell me why am I wearing hearing aids if I still struggle to hear them. Mostly in loud environment. I only have mild moderate loss.
Doctor Cliff, AuD rocks the hearing aid world!!! Thank you for the work you do!!!
You have been so incredibly helpful in educating me on this entire process. thank you
Bjarb J yes and I’m a Hearing Aid specialist in Florida and I trust Him very Much.
You rock Dr Cliff! One more option I've found: my ins co has helped a little, while my benefit is every 2 years, it comes up again in 14 months; there is no objection to me buying very high tec in one ear (I won't use it much) then the second ear in what will be 13 months later. :D
#7. If you're still working and in a higher income bracket, paying the cost of the hearing aids out of Flexible Savings Account (pre tax money) can save you an additional 15-25%. Unbundling helps here too, because there is an upper limit on FSA for one year that definitely won't cover the entire cost of a bundled payment option, but if you pay for your follow-up visits from FSA over the ensuing years, that cost can also come out of FSA pre-tax money, you just need to factor that cost into your FSA deduction prior to each year. #8. Check into ZipHearing if you don't have TruHearing through your insurance. Or even if you do, there may be better providers that participate in ZipHearing but not TruHearing.
Very good information. I'm still wearing a pair of Siemens Pure 700's purchased in March 2010, still serving me well. I've never had any others so don't know the comparison. I'm not one that has to have the latest model. I purchased these online from a hearing specialist after I had my hearing examined by an and ENT, then an audiologist in the same office. I will probably buy online again when ready.
where did you buy them??
I retired to Costa Rica and the cost is allot less for hearing aids. I'm profoundly deaf and replace my $3,000 US hearing aids for $1,000. Not the same brand, but they work better.
Yes I have seen a documentary on the true cost of aids outside of US Its sad!
When my wife replaced her 6 year old hearing aids I took them. Our audiologist tested my hearing and set the old aids to my hearing loss. Two years later and the aids are doing OK. After eight years the left aid is getting a little flaky starting to go off and on so I am going to buy a new pair from Costco. Those aids owe us nothing. I wish you lived in NJ.
Another great video, Dr. Cliff! Keep the videos coming!!!
Hi doc do you sell hearing aid we live here in the Philippines now and my hisband his been wearing the hearing for 10 years and over the years his lossing more and more hearing . And he had a severe hearing loss he wishes that the hearing manufacturer can make a better hearing aid just like cellphone when his listening to a program on facebook like some news that share to his facebook he will listen at the bottome of the cell phone without hearing aid and he can listen to it clearly not like putting his hearing aid that we bought here from a hearimg company but he cannot even understand the word of what they say but listening to the bottom of his cellphone he can understand so well
Hi Dr Cliff All of your videos are filled with great info! Do you have a video on online repair?
What do you mean by online repair?
I never realized how complex the hearing aids markets is I learn a lot watching a lots of video from Doctor Cliff very informative and educational I do not like the one beyond my ears I ware glass and they hurt I tried one time they hurt me so bad I had to take them off plus a bad headache Dr Cliff I want to thank you for all the videos you post on line for now on I am devoted to your web side Thanks again
mimi inguanez I didn’t even think of this!! I’m looking for my first set of hearing aids and didn’t think of my glasses being an issue- thanks!!
Don't forget vocational rehabilitation! They can help as well. Between that and insurance, I get premium level hearing aids and associated care 100% covered every 3 years.
Wow wow!
Your advice is too good to be true....If I move out west for a new career, I will definitely make an appointment!
Thanks Larry!
Dr. Cliff,
Unfortunately I am currently unemployed and I have an Internet service for my hearing devices.
I wish someone could tune my devices yet no takers but Grateful advice. I'm taking a financial test and have an opportunity to work nearby.
I appreciate what you do.You are the first You Tube subscription, I've ever done.
Keep your good work for hearing impaired.!
Thanks again.
Larry Deutchman Hi Larry. Check with you Department of Vocational Rehab. They may pay for hearing aids if you need them for employment.
Thankyou excellent information
Dr cliff
Love your presentations
You previously were a Tru Hearing Clinic. Your info on Tru Hearing was very informative as my In’s now has Tru Hearing and I must go to one of their clinics for any benefit. Could you do a review about the Tru Hearing Aid?
standard vs premium and compare to Phonak Audeo M
An FYI, I have profound hearing loss in my rt ear and deaf in left ear due to radiation treatment my wife has a higher pitched voice and I can barely understand her. I currently have a phonak audeo
V 90. I’m constantly seeing my AuD with little success
Appreciate you reply
Dan B
I also have TruHearing and must use their suggested clinics. I would also love to see a review of the TruHearing hearing aid. He's no longer associated with them, so not sure he's able to.
When I was in the Master’s program many moons ago I really hated our professor for not training us on the VERY new Digital HAs. But you know what we did the 2cc coupler To check the hearing aid when it came in, we did the real ear measurements In the follow up appointment and speech and noise........And would you believe that the behind the ear Phonak analog Hearing aid with directional mic and k-amp Worked beautifully with everyone. We never had returns ever! And all I hear from audiologists Is about their return rate and unhappy patients but since I’m a speech therapist too....I do Aural rehab With patients who were having problems with your hearing aids because they are aids they need training.......Once the patient is trained to use and care for their HA and they’re getting A benefit from it they wear it! When I was getting my AuD I tried to explain rehab techniques from a speech therapist point of view To help them decrease their return rate but the problem was that most of the audiologist were not very social talkative people. They flat out looked at me and said I was crazy they are not gonna spend that much time talking with those people. I was baffled!
Yep there are all kinds of audiologists out there. This is why the professional is much more important than the device.
@@DrCliffAuD So true, I was so unimpressed by an audiologist I saw recently as a checkup and because I qualified for new aids under the govt. subsidy and insurance.
It became quite obvious to me that the ONLY thing they were interested in was selling me new aids, with exceedingly poor [non existent] fitting - did not even try on a dummy rechargeable aid to see if it was comfortable. I don't think it was Covid related as we are very strict here in Qld. Watching your videos confirmed my suspicions and allayed my anxiety over dumping that company. Trying again with a new provider today.
Very good advice. Thank you. In one of your points, would you say that it is okay to buy a Resound Enzo 3D 5 compared to the Enzo 3D 7 as long as the fitting and programming are done well? I will be able to save quite some bucks if I will go with the 5.
When you live in a developing country, finally get over the barrier of accepting you will need to get hearing aids, go for the test and then see the eye watering cost... wow. This is a great video though
is the Simplicity Smart Touch Digital Hearing Aid worth thinking about? thx
Excellent information, I really appreciate it.
Always great info.
I just found out I got a grant and my Medicaid insurance will cover thank goodness. Medicare will not.
HI DR. cLIFF - GREAT SERIES! How can you tell if someone can hear fine, and they are just faking hearing loss?
I have a video about Faking hearing loss. Are you asking as someone who wants to see if a friend is faking?
What's up with clinics that charge $500.00 deductible on rechargeable battery problems on each Aid in the first 36 months. It seems like a scam.👎
My insurance doesnt cover hearing aids , only coclear implants for children ! So i am screwed . Is there a way to buy refurbished hearing aids ? I found a website that sells them but i am wondering if that is a good way to go .
Costco 1300. Premium stuff
Dr. Cliff, I just had a hearing assessment completed at the ENT. My speech discrimination was 100%. Most levels came in around 25-30 dB. However, only one level, the high frequency level, came in at LE 70 and RE 60 dB. I have a couple observations if you don't care answering. The cost of $4K seemed steep. I was told to maintain my hearing, I should consider purchasing them within the next 6 months. With my condition, what is the best aids. I'm not looking for bells and whistles. I need something dependable. I'm a dean at a university and have a lot of meetings. Are you able to sell and set the aids to maximum performance via online? Blessings, Roy
Buying hearing aids "within the next 6 months" will not "preserve" your hearing. While it is always a better idea to treat your hearing loss sooner rather than later for cognitive reasons, you hearing will not deteriorate due to lack of amplification. It is a common sales tactic that happens in the industry.
The determination of which level of technology is right for you depends on your needs. If you don't find yourself in complex situations, you can get away with a lower level technology. The one negative about this is that it is harder to precisely match Real Ear Measurement prescriptive targets with lower level technologies. However, if you are finding yourself in a lot of meetings, you may need a more dynamic hearing aid.
Just FYI, the most expensive hearing aids in my clinic are $1,845 per device, but this does not include my services to fit, program, & service the hearing devices. That costs extra. So from my perspective, $4k doesn't seem too steep if they are actually providing you with top-notch care with decent devices.
What is your Speech in Noise score? This would help determine the necessity for a better hearing aid.
As much as I would love to sell you hearing aids online, it would be impossible to ensure they are programmed correctly which is the most important thing when it comes to your performance (Yes, even more important than the hearing aid tech level). There are so many other factors that go into ensuring proper fit and programming that I could type all night, but my recommendation is to do some more research on devices and what things you should expect from the hearing care provider.
I have zounds hearing aids I think they are ahead technology but the Doctor said that the program has reached what it can do.
I would consider Zounds to be on the low end of the spectrum of quality.
help me pls aim pilipino lose in my ear drum...pls god bles
Hey Dr. Olson, do you think it might be possible to save money by buying a pair of hearing aids in the country of manufacture? For example: if I was going on a trip to Switzerland anyway, do you think I might be able to pick up a pair of Phonak hearing aids at a better price over there? Then if I did that, how likely would it be to find a clinic in the US to do the adjustments and tweaking over the life of the hearing aids at a reasonable cost?
Thank you so much for your awesome videos, they are helpful beyond measure!
Hi David. I'm not sure if you can get them there cheaper. It is possible if you can buy them unbundled from fitting and follow-up care since they won't likely have any tariff taxes on them from being imported. However, this is probably avoided anyway by having the devices assembled in the USA.
Thanks so much for the quick reply Dr. Cliff! I'll check it out and get back to you if it looks like I can buy them cheaper overseas. Your commitment to helping people is so incredibly awesome :-)
What did you say
So are you saying the high price for hearing aids is usually because of the maintenance plan that comes with it.
Pricing on hearing aids is irrelevant to a "maintenance plan". The more you pay the more sophisticated the technology is within the units. If any Audiologist expects payment on every consult e.g. adjustments, reprogramming etc. I would highly recommend you re-evaluate your hearing professional. The sale of the units are far more profitable than you may think, once you have purchased hearing aids you should be managed within the practice with free after care service. In saying that "free after care service" is the cornerstone to retention and referrals, which generally happens. I hope you can read into this and be more knowledgeable, always expect more from your hearing practice/Audiologist - they make good margins on each sale.
I bet they do. I have my first hearing aids for about a year now and still struggling to get them programmer properly. I think it is just a bad set of hearing aids.
I would bet that they are not programmed properly. Find a Best Practice Pro to fix it.
Actually, unbundled care is a great way to save money and only pay for what you need. Many bundled clinics charge you a lot of money for the hearing aids and provide "free" care that is often low quality.
@@DrCliffAuD well it getting frustrating, and embarrassing, when people tell me why am I wearing hearing aids if I still struggle to hear them. Mostly in loud environment. I only have mild moderate loss.
Do you know of companies that sponsor hearing aids?
Starkey Hearing Foundation
What about financing for bad credit?
What if my credit score is low and no one will finance me?
Sylvia J Davis Try care credit. They give you credit based on your income and its interest free for 12 months.
I cannot find this on the web is it spelled correctly