It is estimated that there are in excess of 30 million people in the US with hearing loss and, for many, hearing aids prices are a big issue.

Modern digital hearing aids can make it much easier to live with hearing loss (although they cannot restore your hearing in the same way that glasses can restore eyesight) but they can be expensive.

Hearing aids prices vary from less than $100 for a disposal hearing aid to several thousand dollars for a top of the range digital hearing aid. There are two basic types of hearing aids:

• Analogue hearing aids, which are the traditional type, simply amplify sounds and the user can adjust the volume.
• Digital hearing aids, which are now becoming the norm, are more like mini computers. They receive the sound and can manipulate it before outputting it to the user. This means that they can be programmed to meet each user’s specific requirements. They can also have features like two microphones so that they can give an indication of the direction sound is coming from.

If you realize that your hearing has deteriorated you should first consult an audiologist who will assess the problem and advise if a hearing aid is appropriate. If so, the audiologist will test your hearing and produce an audiogram then sell you a suitable hearing aid (or possibly two), program it to match your audiogram, then ensure it fits correctly.

The problem is that hearing aids prices are inevitably high when bought this way (as a large majority of hearing aids are). The big brands sell their products through audiologists and put considerable efforts into getting audiologists to stock their products.  In turn audiologists do not want the same products offered cheaper elsewhere, so manufacturers do not allow this. The result is that market forces are not allowed to operate and prices are kept high.

Audiologists will cite their overheads (office space, personnel, etc.) plus their training and the level of service offered. However, the bottom line is that hearing aids prices have more to do with lack of competition than anything else.

However, some manufacturers do produce hearing aids under other names which are sold online. Clearly this means that you do not get a personal service but for most people there will be no problems. If this interests you, have a look at Century Hearing Aids who offer a 60 day money back trial. Their aids are made in the USA and FDA approved and are excellent value for money.

Buying online does have disadvantages and up to about 20% of people will not be satisfied (usually issues relating to fit and comfort) so the ability to get a refund is important. However, given the low hearing aids prices you can find online it is well worth exploring this route.