Hearing Aid Costs
The cost of not buying hearing aids
When you first look at the costs of hearing aids, it might seem like a lot. After all, if you’re like most of the 20% of people with hearing loss in the United States you’ve ignored your hearing loss for years. Ignoring your symptoms, however, will end up costing you both money and your health in the long run. There are numerous health issues that can arise from untreated hearing loss. These health issues, over time, add up in healthcare costs. In fact, a study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that untreated hearing loss on average leads to a 46% increase in healthcare costs. Comparing records of patients with hearing loss who got hearing aids versus those who didn’t over a 10 year period, they found those who opted not to treat their hearing loss had:
- 50% more hospital admissions
- 44% higher risk of readmission within 30 days
- 17% higher risk of having an ER visit.
What does that mean in real money? The average person who ignored their hearing loss for 10 years overspent on healthcare by $22,000. Even ignoring it for a short period can be costly: Another study reported in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery found that ignoring it for just two years cost the average person 26% more than they would have paid had they treated their hearing loss. Now consider that hearing loss can be gradual, and it takes time before you recognize that you have it. In fact, the average person with hearing loss waits 7 years before getting help.
If you have hearing loss, don’t wait. Research shows that hearing aids can slow cognitive decline up to 75% and helps reverse other side effects of hearing loss. Contact us to get a complete hearing test and evaluation.
Ignoring hearing loss hits your wallet in other ways as well. Over time it affects your work and can reduce your income potential. Better Hearing Institute found that people with untreated hearing loss earn an average of $12,000 less than those with normal hearing.
Call or text us today to schedule a hearing evaluation.
Will insurance pay the full cost of hearing aids?
Insurance coverage varies by plan and location. Some states mandate coverage, especially for children with hearing loss. Children under the age of 21 are often covered for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. For adults, plans might cover the hearing evaluation, but usually not the hearing aids. To find out what your plan covers, contact your insurance company using the number on the back of your insurance card and ask:
- Do you cover hearing aids?
- If so, under what conditions are they covered?
- Do you cover the hearing evaluation?
Rather not deal with the insurance company? Schedule a hearing test and we will help you unravel what’s covered by insurance.
How to make hearing aids more affordable
Besides calling your insurance company, consider whether you belong to any group that might help with the purchase of hearing technology. Would your employer, for example, help pay for hearing aids? Can you get a tax deduction on the purchase or purchase them through a Health Savings Plan? If you are a veteran, contact the VA to see whether they will assist you.
Still having trouble with the costs? Talk to us about how to make hearing aids more affordable.