According to the World Health Organization, one in every three people over the age of 65 need hearing aids.
Whether you’ve hit that age yourself or your loved ones have, finding the right hearing aid can be difficult. You don’t want to make an expensive mistake when there are plenty of affordable options.
We’ve created a guide for you to help you determine the cost of hearing aids and how to choose between the various kinds. Keep reading to learn more!
The Different Types of Hearing Aids
There are three main types of hearing aids, and each of them can range in price. However, there are some consistencies in what types of hearing aids are more affordable and more expensive.
One thing to keep in mind is that prices can vary, especially if you’re getting two hearing aids compared to one. There are also different add-ons or accessories you can get with most hearing aids, including microphones, remote controls and even TV connections. However, these will typically be the same additional cost no matter which hearing aid you pick.
All hearing aids are similar in the way they bring sound to your ear. Essentially, there’s a microphone that picks up sound around you and sends the signal to a computer chip which processes the sound and amplifies the sound through a tiny loudspeaker and into your ear. The sound is amplified based on your amount of hearing loss, so it’s tailored specifically for you.
Each of these three basic styles of hearing aids will function like this. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
1. Behind the Ear (BTE)
The most traditional style of hearing aids you can find is the behind the ear, or BTE, style. The main idea behind these styles of hearing aids is that there is a large piece that sits behind your ear—hence the name.
From there, there’s a tube that carries the sound waves directly to your ear canal. Because of the larger amplifier behind your ear, this is a great option for those that are particularly hard of hearing.
BTE hearing aids are also great if you’re looking for some that are easy to take on and off. Because they are a bit larger, it’s easier for most people to remove and handle.
The price of BTE hearing aids can range from around $400 to $3,750 each, depending on which level of technology one you want. There are also basic models available for free for those on a pension or with an appropriate DVA card.
2. Receiver in the Ear (RITE)
The next kind of hearing aids available are receiver in the ear, or RITE (also known as Receiver in the Canal or RIC), hearing aids. These are easily the most popular style of hearing aids bought today, and they’re a slimmer, less bulky option for those looking for something inconspicuous.
Instead of tubing, there’s a wire that brings you sound to the receiver in your ear. With smaller speakers in your ears, they can be more likely to get wax buildup than other types of hearing aids. Wax management can help you control this and make your hearing aids last longer.
They’re also smaller, so those with poor finger movement might have a harder time getting everything in place in the mornings. However, with our guidance and training they’re pretty easy to put on and take off with practice.
RITE hearing aids range in price from around $225 to $3,750 each.
The main difference you typically pay for is an upgrade in the technology. For example, companies release different levels of hearing aid technology, just like phones companies do or TVs. You can choose an older technology for a lower price or pay for the newest model available.
3. Custom Made Devices (ITC/CIC)
Custom made devices like ITC (in the canal) and CIC (completely in canal) hearing aids are perfect for anyone who wants to be as discreet as possible. These are the smallest kind of hearing aid available.
ITCs and CICs actually sit inside your ear, so the amplifier and the speaker are all together. This means that you don’t have any wires to fiddle with or anything else that makes it difficult to use.
However, you lose any additional features with most custom made hearing aids. These might not be ideal for anyone who needs strong hearing aids because the amplifier isn’t large enough to amplify softer sounds.
Custom made hearing aids come in four main forms, from largest to smallest: In the Ear (ITE), in the canal (ITC), completely in the canal (CIC) and Invisible in canal (IIC).
ITE hearing aids fit partially in the bowl of your ear and inside your ear canal, and they can have additional features or be more powerful compared to IIC hearing aids because they’re slightly bigger. ITE hearing aids range in price from $450 to $3,750 and are also available in a basic model for free for those on a pension or with an appropriate DVA card.
On the other hand, CIC hearing aids go completely inside your ear canal, meaning that they’re barely visible. One downside is that these hearing aids have smaller batteries because of their smaller size, so you’ll need to charge them or change the batteries often and they can be really fiddly! Also, they cannot accommodate as many features or power as larger aids
CIC hearing aids range in price from $450 to $3,750.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost? Now You Know
At Country Hearing Care we pride ourselves on providing Hearing Healthcare, we are not a ‘Hearing aid shop’ as such’. However we can help match you to hearing aids that will be suitable, appropriate and affordable.
While expensive is a relative term, it’s safe to say that hearing aids can be very affordable compared to other medical necessities. Costs can range from free to $3,750 each, allowing anyone to get hearing aids based on their wants, needs and financial circumstances
Hearing aids typically last up to around five years, according to Audiology Online. So even a top of the range pair, with no pensioner discount, works out at around $4 a day!. If you take good care of your hearing aid then they can potentially last even longer…
At Country Hearing Care, we offer a 3-year care package to private clients that gives you unlimited appointments, wax management, a warranty, and free batteries. This type of aftercare support can be expensive at other facilities, and we’d love to discuss how we can help you get great hearing aids at the perfect cost for you. Please contact us with your questions or to schedule a chat. Our friendly team is here to guide you to the most appropriate hearing aids for your needs!