It’s no surprise that the low prices advertised online can be very appealing, but the cost of hearing aids is not the only thing to look at when you are considering buying hearing aids online.
What these companies don’t tell you is the additional costs you’ll need to pay once you receive them. How much do they charge for repairs or replacements, and what happens once the warranty runs out?
Do they only focus on selling you a product, or do they care about your overall hearing health?
Lori’s Thoughts
Because audiology is our passion, we’re always upscaling our knowledge with the latest advancements in technology, all so we can give you the best service possible.
This includes learning all about hearing aids that can be bought online.
We’re not tied to one manufacturer of hearing aids, so you can trust us to give you impartial advice with your best interests in mind. So, here’s what I think about online hearing aids.
Pros and Cons of Buying Hearing Aids Online
| PROS | CONS |
| Cheaper | Cost doesn’t include a hearing care package |
| No in-person hearing test | Inadequate hearing test |
| No fitting appointment | The device might fit badly |
| Fast delivery | NA |
| Some customer support | Short warranties and frustrating return policies |
| High-tech models | Sometimes a generation behind the newest technology |
|
Might address hearing loss adequately These hearing aids only improve mild to moderate hearing loss. |
Might not address hearing loss properly Not good for severe hearing loss |
When You’ve Become Family
If you’ve been to one of our hearing centers in the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla, you know how much we enjoy seeing our patients as “family.”
You can trust our hearing care experts to give honest advice.
When it comes to online hearing aids, our honest apples-for-apples comparison covers the things we value the most about your hearing journey.
Compare Online Hearing Aids to a Hearing Center’s Hearing Aids
- The cost of online hearing aids is 50% – 65% cheaper.
This is true, but this is only the cost of the product, not the cost of any hearing care, maintenance, repairs, or in-person care.
You could easily end up spending more on these yourself, losing all the cost savings.
Sound Audiology & Hearing Aids offers treatment plans to cover most budgets, and we have a treatment plan for all your unique hearing needs.
- No online test can match a comprehensive hearing assessment.
An online hearing test cannot do a visual inspection of the inner and outer ear. It cannot detect medical causes for hearing loss, nor can it result in ongoing hearing care or treatment by an audiologist of any associated issues such as vertigo, tinnitus, language and speech therapy, or ENT needs.
- Online hearing aids are often one step behind the newest models.
This is another reason why they are cheaper.
- Hearing aids need to be fitted in person to get them to sit just right.
We spend as long and as often as it takes fitting each patient’s hearing aid because it’s so important to make it comfortable.
The difference is like ordering a curtain rod and supports with two curtains or drapes vs. having them installed, hung, and ready to use.
- Hearing aid adjustments can’t always be done remotely.
And they often need a number of adjustments before they are perfectly optimized for your unique hearing.
- The business is more focused on sales than your lifetime hearing health.
With no care or treatment plan package, all you have is a hearing product.
We care about your hearing health for life, and we have numerous treatment plans to choose from based on your lifestyle, budget, and hearing needs.
- Payment plans are often not finance friendly.
We have 0% financing with monthly payment options and trade-in incentives.
- Most insurance companies cover hearing care and hearing aids.
You don’t even need to buy the cheaper, less-supported cost, and we partner with your insurance company to maximize your benefit and minimize your out-of-pocket cost. Online hearing aid companies leave all the insurance claims to you.
- There’s no maintenance package.
Our repairs and maintenance checks are quick and local, so you’re never without your hearing aids for more than a day or two.
If we need to send them to the manufacturer for a big repair, we’ll send them by express shipping and also loan you a comparable device until they are ready.
We have 6- to 12-month warranties for repaired devices.
In my opinion, a positive outcome from the treatment of hearing loss is very dependent on the relationship between the patient and the provider.
While everything we do is based on science, there is still a little “magic” that is the difference between just getting hearing aids and being able to hear!
Have More Questions?
If you or a loved one wish to talk to us about buying hearing aids, please don’t hesitate to contact us at our Kennewick: (509) 572-2444, Walla Walla: (509) 876-0555, or Pasco: (509) 786-5599 location.
Your hearing matters to us, and so do you.
From everyone on our team and me, we look forward to hearing from you.
