You’ll find a wide range of hearing aids on the market, ranging from basic to top-of-the-line models. One of the current most popular brands of hearing aids is the Miracle-Ear. So let us know how much does Miracle-Ear cost then.
Average Cost of Hearing Aids
A quality analog–type hearing aid costs around $900 to $1,200. On the other hand, digital hearing aids are a lot more expensive, at around $1,300 to $8,000 and possibly more.
The average cost of quality hearing aids ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. However, as for the Miracle-Ear hearing aid cost, the range is between $4,000 and $8,000.
The bad news is that most health insurance generally does not cover hearing aids. It was also said that even Medicare does not cover this. The most that insurance covers are the hearing tests and the fitting of hearing aids.
Luckily, there are around 20 states that require these health insurance companies to cover hearing aids, whether full or partial. However, this is only applicable to children, not adults.
But don’t fret just yet, as there are plans that might cover the cost, like Medicare Advantage plans. It is said to qualify veterans for free hearing aids through its Veterans Affairs Organization.
Additional Costs
Before a doctor or otolaryngologist (ENT) can recommend someone use a hearing aid, there needs to be a hearing test first. The doctor should be able to determine whether the patient really needs one or not.
These hearing tests can be free of charge if bundled with a hearing aid purchase. But it could cost up to $250 per person without insurance.
Hearing aids that are of good quality will need to be checked twice a year in order to ensure that the product is working well. This entails additional costs when visiting your doctor if your hearing aid isn’t included in a bundle of services when purchasing a hearing aid. This is because some hearing aids are packaged with free tests and hearing aid checks.
If the warranty on your device has already lapsed, you will have to shell out some cash for the repair. Mechanical defects, such as issues with the microphone and receiver, will cost around $300 to $400. On the other hand, the replacement of the case will set you back around $500 to $600.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Hearing Aids
What makes hearing aids very costly? Here are several reasons:
- Type – you have several options when it comes to the type of hearing aid that you need or just a mere preference. The choices include behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely in the canal (CIC).
- Technology – prices also vary depending on the technology involved. Some hearing aids have high-end features such as tinnitus masking, voice recognition, or Bluetooth connectivity, which make them extra costly.
- Insurance – a patient’s insurance coverage, or lack thereof, will always be a huge factor in what you will be spending on healthcare. Although as mentioned, most hearing aids are not really covered, there will always be an exception if you do more research about your prospective insurance provider.
- Bundling or package – hearing aids are available for purchase as is. However, some providers offer them as a package deal that includes a hearing test, consultation, cleaning or maintenance, and warranty.
- Brand – as expected, brands play a major role in the cost of any product. However, a high price does not necessarily translate into quality all the time.
- Location – where you are purchasing the hearing aid will also differ depending on your location. Although brands may set specific prices for each model and type, there will still be some differences that can be attributed to the economic situation of a state or city.
- Specialist – when visiting a specialist for your hearing concerns, the hearing aid dispenser or your audiologist will charge differently. Their expertise and reputation will affect what you will be charged.
How To Save On Hearing Aid Cost?
Hearing aids can be very expensive nowadays, which makes purchasing them a bit of a burden for low-income earners. However, there are several ways you can try to save on Miracle-Ear prices beside insurance coverage. Here are some of them:
- Opting for the basic – it never really hurts to try buying just the basic hearing aid. After all, all hearing aids are meant to help you improve your auditory function. That’s all that matters for the time being if you can’t afford the latest model.
- Online – e-commerce makes it more convenient for consumers in general to avail products from the comfort of their home that would normally require them to travel and be physically present to get the items. Nowadays, the use of online platforms has been very beneficial as it not only cuts the time and transportation costs. They also literally save the consumer the overhead cost they would normally add up when running a brick-and-mortar store.
- Discount deals – it’s not uncommon to find discount deals even for hearing aids. So always be on the lookout.
- Medicare Part C – check this out if you think you are eligible, as you may be able to benefit from either full or partial hearing aid cost coverage.
Shopping For Miracle-Ear
The most legit organization that you can inquire from would have to be the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. This center is said to provide some financial assistance to children with hearing disabilities.
Another organization that you can go to is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. It conducts hearing tests and offers useful audiology services. It also has a list of local and private sources for funding that could greatly benefit those who need hearing aids.
There are also non-government organizations that would be willing to help those who cannot afford a hearing aid. Adult individuals can contact the state vocational rehabilitation programs.
If all the others mentioned did not work, the last resort would have to be Hear Now, which is a program by the Starkey Hearing Foundation. This provides hearing aids to individuals who really cannot afford them and have no other means of acquiring them.