[DaddyD]

It's my understanding that nearly all hearing aids are made by one of 4 or 5 different manufacturers. That--plus the many many advertisements for hearing aids in area newspapers--leads me to believe that the profit margins on hearing aids is quite high.

Most of us have no qualms about negotiating the price of a new or used car, a boat, or a plethora of other high-prices, but for some reason I don't think may people do try to negotiate the price of health-care related items or procedures.

I"m curious if anyone here has (or knows anyone who has) negotiated the price of hearing aids?

I'm aware that both Costco and Sam's sell hearing aids for substantially less than most traditional hearing aid centers / stores, but Costco is too far, and my father didn't like the hearing aids he tried at Sam's Club.

[Two Bills]

Before you even think of purchasing, get his requirements by seeing a good audiologist, not a hearing aid sales person.
Get the wrong thing, and he will not like them.
You don't 'try' hearing aids, you have them fitted/tuned to hearing requirements.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

Before you even think of purchasing, get his requirements by seeing a good audiologist, not a hearing aid sales person.
Get the wrong thing, and he will not like them.
You don't 'try' hearing aids, you have them fitted/tuned to hearing requirements.

That is why it is hard to get a better price. However when we purchased a second pair for my wife the price did come down for her.

[Toymeister]

Well, first I would I'd the brand that he likes.

Now, 'hear' me out on this one. If it's Costco's brand he only needs two trips there, then all tweaks can be done live from his phone by calling Costco and they can remotely access his aids to make adjustments.

[villagetinker]

I have used the Villages Audiologist, she is a specialist and will accept Medicare and a supplemental insurance. Then you can discuss the various types suitable for use, in the canal, over the ear, etc., as well the amount of hearing loss. my insurance has a deal with Hear USA, that is where I ended up. You should be able to get a printout of the test results so wherever you go they can use these results to program the hearing aids. NOTE: IMHO, you will need to go back or adjust your hearing aids (with your phone) to get optimal results. Sorry I could not answer your question, however I am due for new hearing aids, so I may try this in the near future.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I have used the Villages Audiologist, she is a specialist and will accept Medicare and a supplemental insurance. Then you can discuss the various types suitable for use, in the canal, over the ear, etc., as well the amount of hearing loss. my insurance has a deal with Hear USA, that is where I ended up. You should be able to get a printout of the test results so wherever you go they can use these results to program the hearing aids. NOTE: IMHO, you will need to go back or adjust your hearing aids (with your phone) to get optimal results. Sorry I could not answer your question, however I am due for new hearing aids, so I may try this in the near future.

Dr. Waldo is AWESOME.

I got my hearing aides right at the Villages Health, from Dr. Waldo. Wore the demos for 60 days (programmed for me at half-power, then 3/4 power) to try them out and learn how to hear again, and then when we were both satisfied they were the right ones, she ordered my own pair.

She honored the price that I found online from a discount place, so that shaved around $800 off for the pair.

[NormaKW]

Originally Posted by DaddyD

It's my understanding that nearly all hearing aids are made by one of 4 or 5 different manufacturers. That--plus the many many advertisements for hearing aids in area newspapers--leads me to believe that the profit margins on hearing aids is quite high.

Most of us have no qualms about negotiating the price of a new or used car, a boat, or a plethora of other high-prices, but for some reason I don't think may people do try to negotiate the price of health-care related items or procedures.

I"m curious if anyone here has (or knows anyone who has) negotiated the price of hearing aids?

I'm aware that both Costco and Sam's sell hearing aids for substantially less than most traditional hearing aid centers / stores, but Costco is too far, and my father didn't like the hearing aids he tried at Sam's Club.

You MUST negotiate. It’s like buying a car. Research, costs, visit a few places, make sure you get an experienced programmer.

[Northerner52]

Renaissance Hearing in Wildwood discounts

[Fran from MI]

I agree with getting a good audiologist to test your hearing and also agree not to use Hearing Aid Sales Companies---

That said, after getting their report, you can have your hearing checked by Lively at home and on your computer to see what their results are. You can also send them the report that you have from the Audiologist and they will program a set of hearing aids for you from $1500-$$1900.

I have severe hearing loss in both ears at high decibels. I am now on my 3rd set of hearing aids and the Lively's are by far the best I have used due to the quality of the sound of the hearing aid (they all vary by manufacturer) and the extremely versatile app that allows you to quickly change setting to compensate for noisy situations, or to increase voice level, or even to adjust for listening to music. I added a streamer for my TV and now watch many shows without CC on (which I always used even with my prior set that cost me over $6,000!)

[mydavid]

If you are a Vet. check with the VA, you may qualify for hearing aids at no cost.

[NoMo50]

Costco is too far? How far would he travel to save over $3000.00? The latest generation Kirkland Signature KS10 hearing aids are made for Costco by Sonova, which is the same company that makes the Phonak brand aids. Those Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 aids at a local audiologist practice will run around $4500.00 for the pair, as opposed to the $1399.00 from Costco.

Add in Costco's 180 day return policy, 3-year warranty, free domes and filters for life, unlimited adjustments at no charge, etc, and it is a no brainer. FWIW...I have been wearing hearing aids for a long time. I have done the private practice Audiologist gig, and have worn Phonak and ReSound aids in the past. I will never go anywhere again but Costco. They provide a top notch hearing exam/evaluation (free), and they don't work on commission. Their Kirkland KS10 aids are made for them by a major manufacturer, and sold at a fraction of the "market" price. What's not to like. So, yeah...drive a little, save a lot.

[mrkorn12@aol.com]

Call Eric Clonce, Costco Hearing Aid Specialist at (407) 586 - 7241, in Orlando. Kirkland Hearing Aids (version 10.0 T) cost $1,400 for the pair. They are rechargeable. The letter “T” stands for Telecoil. The Telecoil will allow you to sync your Hearing Aids with the sound system in movie theaters, some Village and Regional Recreation Centers, the Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center and other venues. They are made by Phonak. Hearing Tests are free, follow-ups, repairs, supplies (domes, filters, etc.) are free. Costco has the longest Trial Period, 6 months. The warranty and replacement for lost Hearing Aids is excellent. If you are not satisfied, for any reason, return them for a full refund. We have been using Eric for many years. He is extremely knowledgeable, very thorough, very caring, and a real nice fellow. We have sent many friends, neighbors, and family to Eric. We always get excellent feedback. Call to make an appointment. This way, you will not have to wait. They will program a pair of hearing aids that you can wear in the store for a while to see how they feel and how they work. Costco sells several other Brands too. Make sure you talk with Eric about two other items. First, discuss a Transmitter. This is a very small box that will be placed near the television. It will allow you to sync directly from the television's audio to your hearing aids. This is an excellent option, and easy to hook-up. It costs about $140. Second, you need to purchase the very small overnight storage box (about $40) that you can keep on your night table. When you place your hearing aids in the box-- for the next 20 minutes or so, automatically-- all humidity will be removed and the ultra-violate light will kill 99+% of bacteria, etc. This is important from a health standpoint. Also, your hearing aids will remain safe overnight. BTW-- version 10.0 T can be programmed remotely. Talk with Eric about this. I wear version 8.0. Good Luck.
Just a quick follow-up. Costco, Sam's Club, as well as most stores that sell hearing aids-- employ Hearing Aid Specialists. These folks are licensed as such-- and are usually all one needs when purchasing hearing aids. These folks have a Bachelor’s degree-- some may have a Master's degree. They are not Audiologists. Audiologists are Doctors of Audiology and have the letters: Au.D. after their name. Hearing Aid Specialists are required to examine your ears to determine if there are any potential issues that may indicate that "clearance" is needed from an Audiologist or ENT-- before they will fit you for hearings aids. Many Audiologists sell hearing aids; but, they will be much more expensive. If someone has special needs (medical problem, Tinnitus, etc.)-- working with an Audiologist-- at least initially-- may be appropriate. One can then buy their hearing aids from that Audiologist, or buy the hearing aids elsewhere. You might want to check with your Health Insurance Company as to coverage for visits to an Audiologist, and even the hearing aids. Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids. Also, if you are a Veteran—check with the VA as to coverage for Audiologist visits, the hearings aids, and even the batteries. In many cases—there is no charge.

[Petersweeney]

What?

[pamsneff@gmail.com]

If you have United Health Care The Villages you need to go the United Health Care office below. Average set $750 including ones that sink with TV and phone. No sales pitches or price negotiations, just good hearing aids for a good price. My husband got them, my mom and three friends in the last two years. In plaza behind Sunny Pint off Rt 44.
United Health Hearing Aids
1-800-459-1217
4076 E. S. Rt 44 Wildwood 34785

[MerryAnn]

Get the quote & take it to the dealer you want. Most in MD will price match or negotiate. It doesn't hurt to try. Many audiologist will prove free batteries, a big savings.