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Hearing Aids Costs & Options

According to the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world’s population, or 466 million people, has disabling hearing loss. By 2050, it is estimated than over 900 million people – or one in 10 people - will have a disabling hearing loss. Only 17% of those who could benefit from a hearing aid - actually use one. Taking the first step towards treating your hearing loss, or finding out information for a loved one is critical. Doing your research, learning about hearing aid costs and options is important. Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you in your research into hearing aid costs and options. Regardless of the cost, there are options available to you and your loved ones!

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Middle aged woman inserting hearing aid in her right ear.

Where can I buy hearing aids?

The best place to begin is to partner with a hearing care professional. (Don’t have a hearing care professional? We can help you find one in your area – Find a Hearing Care Professional  here. 

They have advanced testing and tools to gauge your hearing capabilities precisely. With extensive training, our professionals understand which hearing aid and technology level will suit you.

Furthermore, the hearing care professional will support you, as you become acclimated to wearing hearing aids. They will provide tips to help you become accustomed to wearing hearing aids, and kits to properly clean and maintain them. They will also repair your hearing aids if they break.

As the analogy goes: You can put glasses on, and see how they help, and know for certain what you still can’t see. When it comes to hearing, you have no idea what you’re missing.

 
Doctor conducts examinations of ear area for woman
Doctor And Patient Having Meeting In Hospital Reception Area
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How do I choose a hearing aid?

A hearing care professional will be able to assist you with selecting a hearing aid that fits your hearing loss and your lifestyle after performing a hearing test. Additionally, here are a few steps that you should work toward:

1. Make a list of hearing goals & ambitions:

Making a list of your own hearing goals and ambitions is an important first step. Outlining what situations you find most challenging, and what you want your hearing aids to do will help you focus throughout the process.

2. Get insight from those closest to you:

Talking with those around you – especially family and friends – will help you find out even more. They have likely noticed many things about your hearing, such as which situations and what distances challenge you the most. They know when you can’t hear them.

3. Check your hearing:

Hearing checks are quick, simple and pain-free. Visit the Phonak Online Hearing Test here.

4. Get a more in-depth physical examination:

A longer examination requires your doctor, an ENT or a hearing care professional. They will examine the physical state of your ears and head.

5. Review the available hearing aid options:

Your hearing care professional will then take all this into consideration and assemble a list of hearing aid models and accessories which fit your wants and needs. As noted above, they can then set tiers — based on hearing aids prices and performance — to give you options. Many offer hearing aid payment plans.

6. Do a hearing aid price comparison:

Your hearing care professional will be able to share the devices they recommend. In addition to understanding how the different devices help with your hearing loss, their features and benefits, and how they fit your lifestyle, it is important to ask about their pricing.

7. Research hearing aid payment plans:

Your hearing care professional may be able to support you with information on payment plans.

8. Be ready to adjust:

Make note of what you like and do not like about your hearing aids, and keep these points ready for your next visit to your local hearing care professional.

 
Audéo L-R Receiver-in Canal hearing aid between fingers of a female in her 60s
Phonak Audéo L-R hearing aid with Roger On microphone on a coffee table

What features are available in the hearing aids I purchase?

Like most innovative technology, hearing aids are innovating rapidly. What was incredibly advanced just two years ago might even be a standard feature. Available features will certainly change more in the years ahead. This could affect the price of a hearing aid.

Here is a brief list of features that might be available in the hearing aids that fit your hearing loss:     

  • Preset programs
  • Individually programmable
  • Connectivity to Bluetooth®-enabled devices
  • Digital memory
  • Direct audio input
  • Telecoils
  • Synchronization
  • Directional microphones
  • Feedback control
  • Noise reduction
  • Environmental noise control
  • Rechargeable
  • Low battery indicators
  • Wax guards

What should I consider before I purchase a hearing aid?

Here are a few considerations before purchasing a hearing aid.

  1. Visiting a hearing care professional for the first time might be new to you. Ask your friends who wear hearing aids which clinic they visit or take a look at reviews online of hearing care professionals.
  2. Check to see if the hearing aid includes a warranty and if the hearing care professional offers a trial period. The warranty should cover parts and labor for a specified period. Some offices may include office visits or professional services in the warranty. Trial periods help you get comfortable.

Considerations for the future include upgrades, increased connectivity, improved power and available accessories.
Make sure you read some product reviews, not just of the individual model you prefer, but also of the entire brand line.

 
African american doctor gp therapist wear white coat, stethoscope writing medical records in notebook while using laptop computer browsing internet or watching webinar training sitting at work desk
Female doctors having a meeting in conference room
Young mixed race audiologist consults a woman patient in his office. Treatment of hearing loss in adults

What is included in hearing aid prices?

There are many factors that determine the price of hearing aids. These can include the level of technology, pricing structure of the clinic, and the services and accessories included with the hearing aid purchase.

If you are looking for information on a specific cost at any given time, it is best to reach out to a specific hearing care professional. To find a hearing care professional near you visit Find a Hearing Care Specialist here.

Can I compare hearing aid prices?

Absolutely! Begin researching the costs of hearing aids yourself or for a loved one. A hearing aid price comparison is a solid idea; however, it is best to consult a hearing care professional before making a final investment. Purchasing hearing aids  
Considerations include:    

  • Consumer reviews
  • Brand vs. brand comparisons
  • Available technology
  • Recommendations from other hearing aid wearers
  • New emerging technology
  • Refund policies
  • Warranties
  • Additional fees
  • Total costs

What should I expect when buying a hearing aid?

Here are a few things you should expect when buying a hearing aid:

  • Preliminary hearing test
  • Meet with a hearing care professional for a full physical checkup (which may include health referrals)
  • Discuss your lifestyle with the hearing care professional. What would you like to do? Focus in conversations, watch television, drive more, listen to music, attend business meetings, etc.
  • Receive a range of options; accordingly, sorted by hearing aid prices
  • Be surprised by the available technology
  • Consult with your insurance provider and consider different hearing aid payment plans (which will affect the total price of hearing aids)

Once you have hearing aids, you might want to factor in some time for adjustment. But your new hearing aids may also do things which you didn’t expect. For example, you may notice sounds you didn’t hear before, like the floors squeaking in your home or your car’s turn signal clicking.

What is the best hearing aid?

There are many factors to consider which is the “best” hearing aid for you. That’s why partnering with a hearing care provider is essential. He or she will be able to help you find the best hearing aid that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

 
Roger microphone

Apply for your FREE assistive listening device

At times, your hearing aids alone may not be enough due to background noise and distance. Whether it's in classrooms, lectures, work meetings or on the phone, hearing conversations are key to success. With the help of assistive listening devices such as Roger microphones, you can enhance the performance of your hearing aids or cochlear implants to hear without the frustrations that background noise can bring.

Find the Roger microphone that's right for you with our Easy Guide

 
Roger at work

Get funding for work

Individuals who are working, or looking for employment opportunities, may be able to receive funding support. Thanks to Access to Work, employees who have difficulty hearing at work don’t have to be held back.

Access to Work is a government led program to help people with a hearing loss start or stay within the workplace. It is a Personalised scheme setup to support disabled people and remove any workplace-related barriers to employment

97%

of people had approved elements of Access to Work in 2020/21

Your Guide to Access toWork

Download your Step-by-step guide to get funding

Download Share
 
Get funding for university

Get funding for university

Students entering higher education may be eligible to receive funding to enable them to receive Free Assistive Listening Devices. Thanks to Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA), students who have a hard time hearing can succeed in all aspects of a student's life.

Disabled Students' Allowance can cover the cost of any study-related equipment you may require, in addition to your hearing aid(s) or Cochlear Implant. Each University should also have a person in charge of disability issues called a Disability Officer who you can talk to and give assistance about the support you may require. 

68%

of students who were eligible for DSA found it easy to arrange a student needs assessment

Your Guide to Disabled Students Allowance

Download your Step-by-step guide to get funding

Download Share
 

Self-funding

The above funding schemes enable specific groups to access this technology free of charge, or at a discounted rate. If you don’t match the criteria outlined on these pages, you are still able to purchase Roger microphones to enable you to benefit from optimal hearing.

If you would like to find out more or if you have any questions, please complete the form. Our friendly team are on hand to help and support you. You also have the possibility to purchase your Roger On microphone directly.

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For more information please fill out the form

Thank you!


  

  

    
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We never sell any personal information you provide to us. By completing this form, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.





    















      



    
    







  
    

        




    
    
    



    


  

  
    
  



        
    





        
        
        

      


      
      
 

    


  







    
We also work with a number of 3rd party partners who can assist you in purchasing the latest Roger wireless microphone technology





    










 
Access to work FAQs




    








    

        

            
        

        

    
    

        




    
    



    
  • Wear hearing aids or Cochlear implants
  •  Be over 16 years old
  •  Live the United Kingdom
  • Be in employment, self-employment, work experience or about to start a job





    




    



    


    




    



        

            
        

        

    
    

        




    
    



    
There is no fixed amount for an Access to Work application, it depends upon your specific case and needs. The grant will only cover the support needed to let you stay in work or self-employed.





    




    



    


    




    



        

            
        

        

  
    

        




    
    



    
You can ask for your grant to be reviewed if you have had a change of employer, or your job role has changed. Your grant can be reviewed whenever necessary.





    




    



    


  

  
    
  




    



        

            
        

        

  
    

        




    
    



    
It can last for up to three years. Each year, Access to Work will normally do a review to see if you need further support or your needs change. As long as you require the support, you should continue to get it.





    




    



    


  

  
    
  




    



        

            
        

        

  
    

        




    
    



    
Most applications for special aids and equipment are subject to a mandatory cost share system (with the exception of those made within 6 weeks of commencing work). Access to Work will not pay any of the costs under a particular threshold: the employer is responsible for these.


The thresholds depend on the size of the employer:


  • Micro employers (1-9 employees) – Access to Work pays the full amount
  • Small employers (10-49 employees): £300 threshold
  • Medium employers (50-249 employees): £500 threshold
  • Large employers (250 employees or above): £1,000 threshold


If an employer refuses to pay, Access to Work funding cannot be approved unless an alternative cost sharer is found.





    




    



    


  

  
    
  




    



        

            
        

        

  
    

        




    
    



    
You may not be eligible for Access to Work funding if you receive any of the below benefits:


  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Income Support
  • National Insurance Credits


However, you may be eligible for a limited time, if you are doing certain types of ‘permitted work’ to help you move off benefits completely.





    




    



    


  

  
    
  




    


    











 
Disabled to Students' Allowance FAQs




    








    

        

            
        

        

    
    

        




    
    



    
  • Wear hearing aids or Cochlear implants
  • Be over 16 years old
  • Live the United Kingdom
  •  Be an undergraduate or post-graduate
  • Be qualified for Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland or Student Awards Agency Scotland





    




    



    


    




    



        

            
        

        

    
    

        




    
    



    
2023 to 2024 academic year - Undergraduate and postgraduate students can get up to £26,291 a year for support.


2022 to 2023 academic year - Undergraduate and postgraduate students can get up to £25,575 a year for support.





    




    



    


    




    



        

            
        

        

  
    

        




    
    



    
The sooner the better! The process can take up to 14 weeks.





    




    



    


  

  
    
  




    



        

            
        

        

  
    

        




    
    



    
You would need to go back to your assessor and explain your circumstances and it may be possible to do so.





    




    



    


  

  
    
  




    



        

            
        

        

  
    

        




    
    



    
If you qualify for Student Finance then you can apply for funding.





    




    



    


  

  
    
  




    



        

            
        

        

  
    

        




    
    



    
If you leave your course before the end, you may be liable to contribute towards the equipment. Please contact the funding body for more information. Likewise, if you purchase equipment before starting your course and then fail to attend, you’ll need to pay for or return the equipment.





    




    



    


  

  
    
  




    


    


















  


    
 
      
        
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