Hearing solutions can be expensive, and many people focus on the price when choosing which product to use. While budget concerns are definitely worth thinking about, the reality is that searching for cheap hearing aids, without considering other factors, may not be the best solution for your hearing loss. We’ll explore some budget-friendly options and provide information on how to find a hearing solution that works best for your budget and your lifestyle.
What is the best cheap hearing aid?
Why is “cheap” not a good way to find a hearing solution? The old maxim “you get what you pay for” has some truth to it, especially when shopping for a hearing aid. In fact, low-quality hearing devices for $50 or $100 are often not real hearing solutions, but instead are personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). Another downside to lower-cost hearing aids is that they require a lot more cognitive effort by the wearer, which can be exhausting and not sustainable in the long run.
The best way to evaluate a hearing solution is to focus on the right fit for your budget and lifestyle. Hearing solutions are an investment, but a worthwhile one that can help you regain a significant quality of life. When dealing with budgetary limitations, there are options that can help you get a high-quality device without breaking the bank. Phonak Lyric hearing aids are one of the few solutions on the market that has a subscription model, helping to reduce upfront costs and making them an affordable option.
How to avoid hearing aid ripoffs
Searching for “cheap hearing aids” may open you up to offers that are too good to be true. Sadly, there are many unethical websites and products that promise the world for very little money. Here are a few of the most common hearing solution scams to watch out for:
- One size fits all
Hearing solutions are extremely unique to each individual wearer, since every person with hearing loss has their own particular set of circumstances. It’s important to avoid companies that claim their solutions work for almost everyone.
- Pricing sounds too good to be true
If you’ve poked around and looked at different hearing solutions, you’ll notice that price ranges tend to be on the higher side. Good hearing solutions do cost money, and it’s a good idea to be slightly skeptical if an offer sounds way too inexpensive. There are deals that can be found, but you want to make sure the company you’re using is reputable.
- Dramatic claims
Any unsubstantiated claim like “100% hearing improvement” or “the best on the market” are usually false or quite exaggerated. Asking a hearing health professional, like those available through Next Level Hearing Care, is one of the best ways to determine if a claim is true or not. We work with all the major hearing aid manufacturers, so our providers aren’t biased towards one brand or another. Another way is to look for honest hearing aid reviews that give pros and cons.
For more information about common scams, you can read our blog on how to avoid hearing aid scams[1] .
What is the best hearing aid for the money?
When doing a hearing aid price comparison, there’s more than just hearing aid brands and prices to consider. The best hearing aid for your money is one that fits your lifestyle and is comfortable and compatible with the wearer. There are many different types of hearing solutions, and there are a few different questions to consider:
- What type of hearing aid are you interested in? Most wearers prefer Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) or traditional Behind-the-Ear hearing aids (BTE), but you may find that a different style solution works better for you.
- Does the seller have an exclusive deal with a particular manufacturer? Companies like Next Level that work with all the major manufacturers may be able to better match you up with the right solution.
- Is there any follow up care with this purchase? There may be hidden costs with follow up care, so be sure to inquire about the next steps after the initial fitting.
- How often does this hearing solution need to be checked or adjusted? This can weigh into long-term pricing.
You should always consult with your hearing health provider to pick a hearing solution that works best for your budget and lifestyle.
How do I find the best hearing aid for me?
At Next Level Hearing Care, we are on a mission to find the best hearing solution for patients nationwide. We remain free from manufacturer influence and hidden conflicts of interest so our clinicians can truly choose the best solution for our constituents and patients. While our business does include selling hearing aids, the most important part of what we do is treating hearing loss.
If you’re searching for the right hearing solution for your budget and lifestyle, contact us today!
